Exclusive interview with Peel Mom 2 Kids

Last weekend, I had the privilege of meeting Sandra Anderson, founder of the Peel Mom 2 Kids sales. If you haven't heard of Peel Mom 2 Kids, it's like Mom-to-Mom, but focuses on mom's needs, too. First, I've gotta say this: This mama is on fire! Sandra is so passionate about sustainability and savings, I just had to share her profile and wise words with Adventures in Baby Savings readers. Check out this Q&A with Sandra and you too will be inspired to save, save, save:

Q. Tell me about yourself.

A. I am a mother of four (two boys and two girls) ranging in ages 21 months to 27 years old.  I hold a JD degree and currently work as a contracts manager for remote camp sites in Northern Ontario (like really northern, where there are no cell phone signals).  I am an avid reader (I love reading autobiographies) and I am a bit obsessed with witty quotes and lasting one-liners.

Q.  What's the story behind Peel Mom 2 Kids?

A.  Peel Mom 2 Kids - which began in 2012 - bridges a gap in the Mom-to-Mom sales. As moms, we tend to cater to not just our babies and toddlers, but our older children and everything mom-related. What I mean is this: Once we have children, the focus is on our children – and rightfully so. However, it’s important that, as moms, we don't lose ourselves. So Peel Mom 2 Kids brings together vendors that cater to moms, too (i.e. cosmetics, personal care, health/fitness and employment/ work-from-home opportunities).  

As moderator for Mississauga CheapCycle, it was important for me to find another avenue to promote recycling. We are such a disposable society; Mississauga CheapCycle is about recycling and offering affordable merchandise. It’s our small way of reducing our carbon footprint and Peel Mom 2 Kids is just another opportunity.

Q. You're also the founder of kosibaby. Tell me about that venture.

A. Kosibaby is my baby. We design and manufacture a line of "kool, komfi and kosi" products geared towards kids and the novice traveller. We have two key products under the PillowKET all-in-one-design-system brand. These are one-piece travel blankets and pillows and one-piece neck pillows with attached blankets. Travelling with kids can be challenging, therefore compact and one-piece systems that reduce bulk and add comfort is a great value.

Q. Do you have advice for moms trying to save money?

A. I am as frugal as they come. I am a firm believer in never, ever paying retail. Shop off-season and buy a size larger (pending on your child’s growth pattern) for next season.  I head to the clearance rack first when I go shopping.  I have taught my older kids these three tricks when shopping on their own:

1. Red or yellow price tags are good (usually means there's a price reduction);
2. 50% off or higher is a good reduction;
3. And avoid double digit priced items.

My youngest daughter, who just turned 19, will not buy anything priced at double digits. (For example, $8.99 is a single digit, which is better than $10.99, a double digit.) If it’s a double digit, it will eventually come down to a single digit. This works well for us because we live close to the United States and we do a lot of cross-border shopping. 

Finally, recycle, recycle recycle; I cannot say this enough. We like to travel, so we are vigilant savers and bargain hunters. This has allowed us to travel to some pretty great places and stay in some swanky hotels.  My best secret when travelling with kids to sun destinations is AI (all inclusive). 

Q. Any advice for entrepreneurial moms like yourself?

A. Find your passion and throw yourself wholeheartedly into it, but have a friend or family member by your side who can be objective. That person will let you know if you're beating a dead horse or if you have a winner.  Research, research, research – do your homework.  Read the autobiography of someone who has done a similar business and learn from them.  Never give up! But please learn from your mistakes and failures.  

The next Peel Mom 2 Kids sale is slated for August 24, 2013. Click here to visit the Peel Mom 2 Kids Facebook page.