Name: Juliana VanLaanen & Samantha Alavi
Business Name: 2MamaBees
Location: Pompano Beach , USA
Establishment (Year): 2019
Category: Manufacturing
Profession/ Specialty: Manufacturing
Website: www.2mamabees.com
Social Media: LinkedIn
Company Detail:
Just two Mama Bees, they strive to juggle it all. Best friends since childhood, they are now proud mommies of eight children. The story began in their own backyards, handcrafting playhouses for families to enjoy.The design approach for all 2MamaBees products is undertaken with an unwavering commitment to every facet of play. Months are dedicated to perfecting every detail, driven by their mission to make playtime with parents readily accessible. The playhouses all stand almost 6 feet in height to ensure parents can comfortably join in the fun. It’s a reflection of their belief that play is best enjoyed together.What truly sets 2MamaBees apart is their commitment to quality craftsmanship. Products are proudly manufactured in America by skilled Amish artisans. Each piece is meticulously crafted, receiving the personal touch of multiple hands to ensure unmatched quality. They don’t just create toys; they construct heirloom pieces designed to be cherished and passed down through generations. Finding ways to involve sensory play, motor development, and environmental consciousness was also very important to them. That's why their stove handles click, their faucet knobs turn, their play food can be cut in half, and their window boxes can be used to plant real flowers or herbs.
Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage:
2MamaBees is committed to three core brand promises: quality craftsmanship with a low carbon emission domestic manufacturing process, sustainably sourced lumber from managed forests, and a goal to always be giving more than they take. As mothers themselves, they have experienced the never-ending cycle of broken and poorly-made toys. The brand was created to withstand generations of family use while remaining aesthetically timeless. Being made in America was another top goal, with pieces that are hand-touched, non-toxic, and authentic to the founders' story. All 2MamaBees products are proudly manufactured by skilled second-generation Amish artisans in America. The brand takes great pride in working hand-in-hand with some of the most hardworking and talented craftsmen, overseeing the entire process from conception to completion.
Challenges Faced During the Journey:
2MamaBees' story has its roots in their own backyards. Childhood best friends and mothers to five children at the time, they were searching for a way to generate extra income to support their families. Starting small, they operated an Etsy shop selling window boxes and porch bed swings. One day, in a spontaneous burst of creativity, they decided to give Samantha’s backyard playhouse a makeover to better complement her outdoor space. The transformation was so charming that they showcased it on their Etsy shop to see if anyone else shared their enthusiasm. This impulsive decision marked a pivotal turning point in their lives, with orders flooding in faster than they could have ever imagined.
In a few short months, their small Etsy Shop outgrew the backyard and expanded into one warehouse, then two, before eventually blossoming into a full-fledged manufacturing venture. This marked the birth of their own brand of playhouses and children’s products under the name 2MamaBees, officially launching in October 2021. Their journey, from those initial backyard aspirations to a thriving brand, embodies the spirit of determination, creativity, and entrepreneurialism that defines 2MamaBees.
Advice for Women Entrepreneurs:
As mothers of six daughters, they strive to always set an example of hard work, determination, and balance. Their advice would be to align the company mission early on and stay steadfast in that alignment, set the "whys" early on, and do not waiver.
For them, the "why" will always be their children, and in setting that "why," they have created a company that embodies the core values they care about in their own households. Non-toxic, eco-friendly, and environmental consciousness are core goals they have as consumers, so being able to create a brand that they can not only be proud to purchase from but also to have the opportunity to build is truly a dream come true.
They truly feel it is easy to be passionate about what they are doing when they can be proud of what they are creating.
