Mamas rock: Bamboobino
Filed Under Mamas Rock | July 25, 2007
One of the best things about starting yoyomama has been the great mums we meet who are doing all sorts of interesting things. We thought you’d like to meet them too. Once a month we’ll be highlighting a local entrepreneurial mama. She doesn’t necessarily have to be running a kid-friendly enterprise, just running her own business and juggling all the things that come with that.
This month we wanted to let you know about Sharon Chai, who launched Bamboobino – children’s wear and accessories made of bamboo fabric – this past May and is already up to her ears in orders.
Chai has always believed in good-quality products for her kids, aged two and five. Despite being a self-professed frugal shopper she’s willing to splurge on something that’s well made, good for her children and good for the bigger picture.
Like so many mothers, having kids made her rethink her priorities, and a company relocation and layoff gave her the opportunity to do something for herself. With a background in banking, bridal dressmaking and costuming in the film industry, Chai decided to focus on children’s clothing, blending both her talents and her mum-status. Her research into child-friendly fabrics led her to bamboo.
She found bamboo an intriguing option for many reasons. It’s not just soft, it’s also more absorbent than cotton, naturally anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic, and grows easily without pesticides and fertilizers. Bamboobino baby and toddler products include hooded baby wraps, toddler beach robes, after bath hats, baby washcloths and nursing pads, with more in the works.
Chai, who runs her business from home and plans to do so until both her children are in school, works 
around her kids’ schedules. Her in-laws care for the kids two days a week, and she also works early in the morning, during naptime and late at night.
For Chai, the main rewards are not only the flexibility and ability to be with her kids, but also the great feedback she’s getting from stores and customers.
For a full listing of where to find Bamboobino products click here, they’ll also offer ecommerce by month-end.
Entrepreneurial tip:
Chai has three different to do lists. One centres around things she can do with both kids such as going to suppliers and visiting potential stores to scope them out. Her second list includes things she can do with one child such as deliveries and dropping off samples. And then there’s her third list – things that must be done sans enfants.
Do you know any entrepreneurial mamas you think we should spread the word about? Don’t forget to Email us.
New today on our list of things to do around town that aren’t affected by the strike:
In rain or shine why not explore the tide pools on English Bay and then head over to the Sylvia Hotel (where mums and kids are always welcome) for some lunch and people watching? We’ve also added info on the rotating strikes at the libraries.
Don’t forget!
When you sign up for yoyomama in July you’ll be entered to win a $200 gift certificate from Natural Pod, which offers natural items for your child’s play and everyday life including wooden toys, natural dolls, and organic clothing. If you’re starting to think more green, you’ll definitely be intrigued by what they have to offer.
And if you were already a subscriber before July don’t worry, we’re not leaving you out. Every time you use the forward feature at the bottom of your daily email to share yoyomama with your friends you’ll be entered into our contest too. The more you share, the more chances you have to win.
3 Responses to “Mamas rock: Bamboobino”
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Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!
[...] Sharon Chai from Bamboobino [...]
Hi Annemarie, OK, I’ve learned my lesson tonight… I know I thanked you already by email back in 2007 but it doesn’t hurt to post a response now right? ha ha – It was good to see you tonight… thanks for organizing this event! Sharon
Too funny!