DaBaby is the new black: Q&A with mompreneur Tracey Poliakiwski-Radke
Once upon a time, babies and toddlers wore teddy bears or kittens, blue or pink. They were seen and not heard, and they most certainly did not draw attention to their diaper contents.
Well, babies have changed. (Or maybe parents have?) Thanks to an influx of hilarious, irreverent designs from DaBaby infant and toddler apparel, today’s babies can proudly declare, “iPoo’d” and “Poop? You can’t handle the poop!”
But, hey, if you really can’t handle it, maybe “I drink until I pass out” or “F.B.I.: Farts, Burps, Insomnia” is more your baby’s speed. Whatever you think your baby would say if he could talk, there’s a DaBaby design for you. When the little one can wipe his own bum, there are hoodies and t-shirts in sizes up to 6T.
Your mother-in-law will undoubtedly balk at some of the phrases, but isn’t that half the fun of being a parent? Getting to do whatever you want? Read on for more about DaBaby and the smart, witty woman behind the business.
What’s behind the name DaBaby?
We have a black lab, and our nickname for him was "dababy.” When we started this clothing line and were thinking of names, it just seemed to fit.
Who inspired you to go into business?
This goes back to 1994 when our son was born and the ideas were there. In 1995, our daughter was born, and, being frustrated that my choices were pink, pink, and more pink, I had even more reason to create a line of clothing that both girls and boys could wear. Fast forward to 2006, where our ideas became a reality.
What’s your best seller?
After four years, our number #1 seller is still "Don't you wish your mommy was hot like mine?" When I thought of the idea, my, husband told me, "It will never sell.” Well, if I had a nickel for everyone that has been sold…
Why do you think the response has been so positive?
I feel that we have had a great response because we have created a quality Canadian product. It is screen printed by hand (still). We have a great sense of humor, and it shows in our designs and sayings. Our attention to detail in our snappers right down to the snaps themselves ? we are using the best quality.
We have created a very fashion-forward clothing line — sticking to all black creates a sense of practicality. We are still the only children's line of clothing that is exclusively black. It is unisex clothing with a lot of style.
What’s next for DaBaby?
We have a lot of ideas, a stack full of approximately sixty more designs/sayings waiting to be unveiled. We are considering adding some new products to our line; this is a work in progress.
From the November 2009 issue of The Source
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