Bloomies Eco-Friendly Diapers

Green Innovations – A Conversation with Tania Neskorodova, a Trailblazing Mom on Revolutionizing Baby Care with Sustainable Diapers

by WONDERMOM
Nov. 23, 2023

Tania Neskorodova is a Ukrainian expatriate in the UAE, and is on a mission of introducing sustainability in baby care and related products that are gentle on baby and mindful of nature. As a mom of three adorable children, her eco-friendly business venture was born out of her sheer pursuit to give the best to her own children especially in baby hygiene and care related products. Through her initial years of motherhood, backed with intensive research work, she founded Bloomies, a brand that offers a range of hypoallergenic and eco-friendly premium baby diapers and pants. Bloomies is not just a diaper brand, but a community of like-minded, eco-conscious parents who prioritize sustainability and value quality in everything. Her venture Bloomies specializes in crafting hypoallergenic diapers and pants that not only provide gentle comfort and leak protection for the little ones but also contribute to a greener future as the products are made from 100% biodegradable bamboo, ensuring that you're choosing an eco-friendly option without compromising on quality.

In a candid interview with her, she talks about sustainability and how her venture, Bloomies revolves around it.

1. Briefly tell us about your background and how did you step into the world of entrepreneurship?

Almost two decades ago, in 2004, I embarked on a life-changing journey as I moved from Ukraine to the UAE with a vision that was fueled by ambition, and a desire to create a better life. Over the years, I was blessed with three children. I pursued my professional aspirations alongside embracing motherhood and juggling with parenting responsibilities. But in the pursuit to give the best to my babies, I noticed that there was a dearth in eco-friendly products for kids in the market, especially diapers. Also, due to sensitive skin of the babies, not all diapers suited their skin type. As a mother, I have often dealt with problems of diaper rashes, chemical sensitivity and allergic reactions. Also, these diapers are the maximum waste generators that often find their way to the landfills and possess serious environmental challenges. So, I always had this aspiration to find a sustainable solution to this menace. As my career journey progressed, I gained valuable insights, new experiences and acquired new skills. But all this while, I harbored a dream that never wavered – the dream of starting my own business. With each passing year, my entrepreneurial spirit grew stronger. I envisioned a venture that would reflect my values, passions, and the desire to make a positive impact on the environment and the society at large. That’s how Bloomies was born! With the support of my family and the belief in my own ability, today I stand at the precipice of realizing my dream.

2.What was your core vision while establishing Bloomies?

As I set out to establish Bloomies and create bamboo diapers, my core vision was to provide parents with a sustainable and eco-friendly diapering option that not only prioritized the well-being of their babies but also the health of our planet. I wanted to offer a product that combined the utmost comfort and performance for babies while reducing our carbon footprint.

Bamboo, being a highly renewable resource, not only provides a soft and gentle experience for babies but also has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional disposable diapers. I envisioned Bloomies as a brand that would empower parents to make a conscious choice for their child's comfort and the world they will inherit.

In addition to this, I aimed to create a company that values transparency, quality, and affordability. Bloomies is not just about diapers; it's about fostering a community of parents who share a commitment to sustainability and the well-being of our children. Our core vision has always been to offer a greener, more compassionate choice in diapering for a brighter future.

3.According to you, how important is it in contemporary times to align business models with sustainability and how does Bloomies as a brand reflect sustainability?

In contemporary times, aligning business models with sustainability is not just important; it's imperative! As we face increasing environmental challenges and growing awareness of the impact of business practices on the planet, sustainability has become a fundamental concern for consumers, stakeholders, and society as a whole. It's no longer just a trend; it's a responsibility for businesses to operate in a way that minimizes their negative impact on the environment and, ideally, contributes positively to it.

Bloomies, as a brand, places sustainability at its very core. We chose bamboo as the primary material for our diapers because it is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet. It regenerates quickly, making it a highly sustainable and eco-friendly resource. This choice reduces our dependence on traditional, resource-intensive diaper materials.

4.What are some of the USPs of Bloomies’ products?

Bloomies offer a range of unique selling propositions (USPs) that sets it apart from traditional disposable diapers such as:

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Bloomies diapers are made using organic bamboo, a highly renewable resource.
Biodegradable: Bloomies diapers are designed to biodegrade more rapidly than conventional diapers, reducing the burden of diaper waste on landfills and contributing to a cleaner environment.
Hypoallergenic and Chemical-Free: These diapers are hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. They are free from many common allergens, such as chlorine, latex, fragrances, and lotions making them a gentle choice for babies with skin sensitivities and reducing the risk of allergies or chemical sensitivities.
Ultra-Soft and Comfortable: Bamboo is known for its softness, and Bloomies diapers are incredibly gentle on a baby's skin. They provide a high level of comfort, reducing the risk of diaper rash and discomfort.
Moisture-Wicking: Bamboo has natural moisture-wicking properties, which help keep the baby's skin dry and comfortable, preventing rashes and irritation.
High Absorbency: Despite their natural and eco-friendly materials, Bloomies diapers offer excellent absorbency to keep the baby dry for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent diaper changes.

5.Baby products market has been a highly competitive one, did you face any challenges initially in creating a niche for your brand ‘Bloomies’?

Creating a new brand for a baby product in the market can be both exciting and challenging! While there are significant opportunities in the baby product industry, there are also several competition challenges to overcome. In the initial stage, we did face a few challenges as follows:

Competing with Popular Brands: The baby product market is often dominated by well-established brands with loyal customer bases. For us, entering this space meant competing with giants who have extensive resources and brand recognition.
High Expectations for Safety and Quality: Parents have extremely high standards when it comes to the safety and quality of baby products. Ensuring that our product meets these expectations, often with limited resources, was a significant challenge.
Regulatory Compliance: Baby products are subject to stringent safety and regulatory standards. Complying with these regulations is complex and costly, especially for a new entrant like us.
Consumer Trust: Building trust in your brand is not an easy task, particularly when parents are making choices that directly affect their child's well-being. Negative reviews or incidents can significantly impact trust and brand reputation.
Marketing and Promotion: Successfully marketing a new baby product is expensive, and the market is saturated with advertising and promotion. Standing out and reaching to our target audience was a considerable challenge.

6.What according to you are the three most important aspects of women empowerment?

Women empowerment is a multi-faceted concept that involves various aspects, but according to me, it has three fundamental elements:

Education and Knowledge: Education has always been a cornerstone of women's empowerment. Access to quality education provides women with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their lives, participate in the workforce, and engage in their communities. It also enables women to challenge traditional gender roles and societal norms, promoting a more equitable and just society.
Economic Independence: Economic empowerment is crucial for women's autonomy and self-determination. This involves ensuring that women have equal access to economic opportunities, including employment, entrepreneurship, and financial resources. When women have financial independence, they are better equipped to make choices about their lives, contribute to their families' well-being, and participate in decision-making processes.
Social and Legal Equality: Achieving gender equality at the societal and legal levels is a fundamental aspect of women's empowerment. This includes the recognition of women's rights and equal treatment under the law, as well as the elimination of discriminatory practices and violence against women. Empowering women to participate in political, social, and economic spheres on an equal footing with men is essential for creating a more inclusive and just society.

7.As a female entrepreneur, what are some of the milestones in terms of greater women entrepreneurial participation that you would love to see globally in the near future?

According to me, there are several milestones in terms of greater women entrepreneurial participation that I would love to see globally:

Equal Access to Funding: I hope to see a significant increase in the availability of funding and investment opportunities for women-led startups. This includes venture capital, angel investors, and access to loans and grants, all on an equal footing with their male counterparts. Closing the gender funding gap is essential for empowering women entrepreneurs.
Increased Representation in Leadership Roles: I would like to see more women occupying leadership positions in businesses and entrepreneurial organizations. This includes not only women starting their own ventures but also taking on key roles in established companies, boards of directors, and entrepreneurial support networks.
Work-Life Integration Support: Policies and support systems that promote work-life integration, enabling women to balance their entrepreneurial endeavors with family responsibilities. This includes affordable childcare options and flexible work arrangements.
Collaboration and Solidarity: Encouraging collaboration and solidarity among women entrepreneurs, both locally and globally, to share knowledge, resources, and support one another in their entrepreneurial journeys.

8.What makes you a WonderMom?

While I wouldn't necessarily label myself as a "WonderMom," I do strive to be the best parent I can be! What makes me dedicated to this role is my commitment to find a balance between providing the best for my children and pursuing my own career and personal growth. I firmly believe that being a strong, independent role model for my kids is just as important as being there for them. I hope to show my kids the value of determination, resilience, and ambition, by managing my career and personal growth while still giving my children the love and support they need. So, in my view, my willingness to balance these aspects of life is what sets me on the path to being a WonderMom in my own way.

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