Interview with Barrie Knee, creator of Kover-Ups™

As told by Butterfly Co-Founder Bradi Nathan

Eight years ago I left advertising in favor of raising my children. Six months later I walked out of a mommy and me music class and cried. I cried out of boredom and from the monotony of life. Jack loved the class but I loathed every repetitive moment.

What I realized was the mommy, in mommy and me, got lost in the equation. I changed all that when I founded my own mommy and me company called For You Two. It was, and still is, a mission of mine to celebrate the mothers and not just the babies. For instance, before a photo shoot each mom receives a makeover and is photographed WITH her child. The program is a success because I recognized that a service needed to be created - something that did not already exist.

Barrie Knee, mother of two unbelievably adorable twin girls, recognized that very same thing. Instead, it was a product she sought after rather than a service. Barrie couldn’t help but notice how her twins’ safety bed rails detracted from the beauty of their room. And so, Kover-Ups™ was born. Kover-Ups™ are decorative covers for children’s beds rails featuring three distinct and patent pending designs. Join me in celebrating this mom as the recipient of the 2008 Outstanding Product by iParenting Media.

BN: What did you do before you invented Kover-Ups?

BK: Worked in the advertising industry (direct marketing and online) for over 10 years – sales, management and operations. Prior to that had I have twice started my own business – 1) manufacturing/marketing neon products and 2) selling promotional programs.

BN: Were there any transferable skills that made it easier to launch a new business?

BK: Yes – my previous sales experience has been extremely helpful because I knew how to sell and had the confidence to sell! Also, being an entrepreneur, I knew how to set up a business, have the discipline to stay focused and motivated and be driven to succeed.

BN: How did you know how to implement your concept?

BK: Did a lot of research about bed rails and bedding so I could better understand the potential needs. Asked for a lot of help from friends, family and business professionals so I made certain I covered all aspects of what was needed to start a business and be successful. From there, I wrote a business mission statement, business plan and budget plan for year 1 and year 2.

BN: Who did you contact for a phototype?

BK: A woman who did the window treatment in my home. She knew how to sew and helped educate me on fabric, trim etc…

BN: What resources can you share with other moms who are looking to fill a product void?

BK: My manufacturer is terrific and fairly local. He mainly manufactures clothing – Richard Koury – Sarah Lynn Manufacturing – 610-770-1702. My patent attorney – Arthur Peslak - Mandel & Peslak – 732-761-1610

BN: What is the process in obtaining a Patent?

BK: Brought final samples to a patent attorney. Had my patent attorney do a patent search then he had a draft created along with a detailed description and filed the papers accordingly. Currently, I have 5 design patents and have recently filed for a utility patent. Process took about 1 year.

BN: How do you officially trade mark the name of a new business?

BK: Similar process. Had my patent attorney do a search for the name. Found that there were other products with the same name but the products themselves were not a conflict so he filed for our TM. Process took about 6 months.

BN: How did you initially get the word out about your product?

BK: Gave samples to friends who used them and showed them to their friends etc… Then launched the product at a Gift/Home Furnishings trade show in Atlanta. From there, I launched the web site and started to advertise online including ebay, Google & Yahoo!

BN: What are your means of distribution?

BK: Online via my web site www.kover-ups.com and just recently started selling online with Bed,Bath and Beyond and Buy Buy Baby. Plan to continue selling online and start selling to retailers in 2009.

BN: How do you envision your business ten years from now?

BK: For as long as kids need bed rails, Kover-Ups will be available in the marketplace! I have 2 visions –remain as the manufacturer of Kover-Ups growing the business accordingly or sell/partner with an ideal company such as a bedding manufacturer.

BN: Do you have any advise for aspiring inventors/entrepreneurs?

BK: Go for it! Never think why me. Instead think – why not me! Sounds cliché but nothing ventured means nothing gained. It has been 2 years since I started my business and I have only 20% of my ROI but I will succeed and so will you!

BN: Do you find it challenging to balance motherhood and your new venture? How so?

BK: Sometimes but the beauty of being my own boss is that I can go at my own pace. Some weeks, I work every day while others I may only put in a few work hours.

BN: When is the best time to get work done?

BK: While my kids are in school.

BN: What have you gained from being a working mother?

BK: A sense of self. I am proud of so many things in my life – my family, my home and my work. All three of these things make me feel complete and fulfilled.