Today we’d like to introduce you to Missy Reukema.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Missy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2005, my husband and I invented the Cup Catcher after our first son was born and kept throwing his sippy cup, yet to make a prototype was going to cost $25K. Not even knowing if the first rendition would work, we shelved the idea until our 2nd son was born in 2009. With 3D printing technology, we were able to create a prototype for $250. Our current Cup Catcher is the 20th revision of our original invention. I took my bonus from my “day job” and made enough Cup Catchers to recoup our investment, went to our first trade show, the New York Toy Fair in 2014, and that was where we sold our 1st Cup Catcher. To date, we have sold over 250,000 Cup Catchers worldwide.
Proudly, Brilli Baby has operated debt-free, and we launched our 2nd invention HotSips, eco-friendly reusable straws in 2016. We are now launching our 3rd product, the Brilli Teether this March. There have been opportunities to partner with certain retailers or investors, but I have always wanted to retain the highest quality and keep everything produced in Dallas, TX. I want Brilli Baby to grow the right way, and to always put our customers first.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely has been challenging to be the little fish in a giant ocean, yet my perseverance and the support of one another has enabled us to reach heights we couldn’t have imagined! The most refreshing part of using DFW businesses is that we have never encountered unethical business practices from anyone locally. Also, we have worked with some amazing people and companies that have provided us with incredible advice and connections.
Another struggle as an inventor and business owner is you must learn to listen, which sometimes includes listening to criticism, but there is always a pearl embedded.
Please tell us about Brilli Baby, LLC.
Brilli Baby is a woman-owned business that began in Texas with a focus on providing brilliant solutions for today’s family. My vision is to create simple, innovative solutions to common problems, but with style and uncompromising quality. Each and every part of my production is completed in Dallas, Texas, supporting local businesses. Through this, we have been able to create three amazing products – the Cup Catcher, HotSips and our most recent product, Brilli Teethers.
In addition to supporting the local community by producing everything in Texas, we use a wonderful nonprofit, Achieve, to help with the packaging of HotSips. Achieve is an adult disability workforce center that empowers adults with disabilities to achieve their highest level of independence and employment. I consider it to be one of the greatest blessings for Brilli Baby, as it is amazing to witness their positive attitudes, pride, and meticulous attention to detail!
I hope to see Brilli Baby as brand parents and individuals around the world can trust our uncompromising ethics, innovation, and quality. It is very important for our company to use every resource of brilliance in your community, and we look forward to employing more local Dallas-Fort Worth individuals and businesses to aid in our success. Brick and mortar retailers are feeling the pressure, but I believe you must have exceptional quality and brand that can be represented in both online and retail, and you will always have demand for your product.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Growing up with my mother taught me so much as she has been one of the biggest influences on my career. She was a single mother raising three children while working to achieve her degree. I watched her achieve her degree, graduate nursing school and become an incredible, caring nurse. My mom treated everyone with so much love and respect and she passed that on to us. She worked tirelessly to make our dreams come true, and I learned at a young age that anything is possible with hard work and love.
Pricing:
- HotSips: Set of Four Reusable Straws in Travel Tube: $8.95 to $9.95
- Cup Catcher: $9.99; Twin Pack Cup Catcher: $16.99
- Brilli Teether: $7.99
Contact Info:
- Website: http://brillibaby.com
- Phone: (817) 601-7385
- Email: missy@brillibaby.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
