How I Became a Mompreneur: Founder of Today I Ate a Rainbow
Author: Shannon Miller Lifestyle
In this article’s interview with our next Mompreneur, we come across the fearful world of temper-tantrums, picky eaters, and New Year’s resolutions to make “me and my family healthier”.
That’s where Kia Robertson’s company comes in called Today I ate a Rainbow. We heard of Kia from a mutual friend and after chatting with her on the phone, we HAD to feature her story. She’s beyond bubbly, and her photos are so beautiful! We love what she’s about, and that’s why we’re giving away one of her kits to a lucky reader! (See below for full details.)
SML: How and when did you form you company?
KR: When my daughter Hannah was 4, I came across a paragraph of text that said that kids should eat 5 colorful fruits and vegetables every day. So I turned that concept into an interactive chart and it worked so well for our family that I decided to turn it into a product to help other families! We launched our Today I Ate A Rainbow kit in 2009.
SML: What makes your products or services different than anyone else’s?
KR: Our product offers parents an actual tool to help them get their kids to eat their fruits and veggies. So many parents “know” their kids need to eat more produce but they don’t always know how to make that happen. Our magnetic chart turns healthy eating into a fun game and that is the secret to getting kids on board with anything…make it fun! We also offer a lot of free materials and tips on our website and via our social media channels as our goal is to create tools and information that is helpful for parents and educators.
SML: What was the biggest challenge or setback you had when forming Today I Ate a Rainbow whether it be time-wise, financially, or emotionally?
KR: I would say the biggest challenge would be getting the word out about our product and mission on a very tight shoestring budget! People need to hear about a product, but without a budget for a PR company or advertising it makes it very challenging!
SML: What’s the one piece of advice you wished you had when you got the idea to start your own business?
KR: I wish I would have spent more time doing research! I started my company with a lot of passion which is great but you also need a good solid understanding of your target market and how to reach them.
SML: What has your best memory or happiest moment since you started your business venture?
KR: Being featured in Disney Family Fun magazine and having our product completely sold out within 3 weeks! That was AMAZING! That has actually been what I hold on to during the challenging times when I’ve wanted to quit – knowing that when parents find out about us they buy our product and love it!
SML: Fun Question- What’s one trick you have for getting your kids to do something you want them to do when they don’t want to?
KR: I’ve found the best way to get kids to do something they don’t want to do is to follow the advice of Mary Poppins who said “In every job that must be done, there is an element of FUN. You find that FUN and snap; the job’s a game!” That is why I made our rainbow chart – it makes healthy eating fun! It works in other areas of life too, cleaning a room, brushing teeth when you find a way to make it fun there is no whining or complaining. Kids are by nature fun people, they love to play games, and as parents we can use that to make our lives easier :)
SML: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your company or to mom’s that have a great idea and don’t know where to start?
KR: The reason I turned my idea into a business was because I had a product that I was passionate about I wanted to make a difference. I would encourage other mom’s that have a great idea to follow their heart, do a lot of research, reach out to other entrepreneurs to get advice and go for it. You will learn so much about yourself and you will be forced to grow and expand your comfort zone which is always great for your kids to see!
About Kia Robertson
Kia Robertson is a mom, children’s book author and the creator of the award winning Today I Ate A Rainbow kit; a tool that helps parents establish healthy habits by setting the goal of eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day. She lives on the West Coast of Canada with her husband, daughter and their two dogs. Kia was once an extremely picky eater (as a toddler she’d pick the carrots off of carrot cake!) so she loves sharing tips with parents on how to help their kids become more adventurous eaters.
Website: www.todayiatearainbow.com
Twitter: twitter.com/eatingarainbow
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TodayIAteARainbow