If you are pregnant or have little ones at home, you’ve probably heard about the Indy Baby Expo coming to the Indiana State Fairgrounds on April 26th and 27th. What you might not know is that many of your Geist neighbors will be exhibiting their original baby wares at this giant show featuring resources and gadgets to help you “baby step” all the way from pregnancy to preschool.

It turns out Geist is a hotbed of “mompreneurs” — moms who have turned their passions into profits, while offering fellow mommies some unique products for baby!

Fishers resident Sandy Grau started Lucky Ducky Designs four years ago after her daughter was born. She started with baby blankets and has added “big girl” accessories like fashion headbands and aprons, as her daughter has grown.

“Currently everything is made by me, but in the next year, I want to expand the business to a true cottage industry and find other at-home moms that are seamstresses that will make the product through contract work. I truly want to make the business all about supporting families,” Grau said. You can see her fun and sassy designs at www.lddbaby.com.

Another home-grown company, Baby Bundles by K, debuted at the Fishers Farm Market in 2006, offering infant cuddlies and baby blankets wrapped up artfully in a “bundle.”

The “K” stands for Kristy McCarthy, the mompreneur behind this growing company, which has expanded to offer Chirpie Burpie burp cloths and custom-designed onesies and tutus, as well as Over the Moon Room Design. View all the coordinating fabric choices at www.babybundlesbyk.com.

Two local moms, Molly Riggs of Geist and Jill Schellenberger of Fishers, create “whimsical treasures” from outdated furniture pieces. The two women started The Painted Polka Dot after discovering how much they enjoyed transforming items found at garage sales or thrift stores into one-of-a-kind art for their own children’s rooms.

“Whether you’ve purchased a bare wood stool, believe in the durability of a well-worn dresser from your childhood, or find a great deal at a garage sale — our favorite — we can give it new life and implement your preferred color schemes,” Schellenberger said. Visit www.paintedpolkadot.com for more information.

Geist resident Robin Wise started Bugaboo Shoe Co. in 2006, importing fun, funky shoes for infants and toddlers from China — her adopted daughter’s native country.

“Our focus continues to be developmentally supportive, quality leather shoes with pliable soles and an adorable sassy attitude, while maintaining affordability,” Wise said. Visit www.bugabooshoes.com to see the new spring and summer styles, available after April 14.

AtGeist.com contributer Janet Harris began marketing her “Easy for Parents, Fun for Kids” potty training system in 2007. The Original Pot-Tee Prize Grab Bag adds structure to the potty training process, with sticker charts and fun reward prizes for the child.

Harris is offering an Expo-only price of $20 per boy or girl system (also available online for $22.95 plus tax and shipping at www.pot-teeprize.com). A percentage of each sale benefits Ambassadors for Children.

Kathy Kent- Knurek, a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, started The Baby Squad two years ago, offering reliable parenting education in the comfort of your home.
Her private visits last about two hours and cover a variety of topics related to the care and safety of a newborn.

“Childhood safety has been my passion since my earlier career as an ER nurse for nine years, and my goal is to keep kids safe, healthy and happy,” Kent- Knurek said. Visit www.thebabysquad.com to see a list of services.

Fishers resident Trisha Riggs fashions custom “mom” jewelry — great for Mother’s Day — that are personalized with children’s names. For more information, email Riggs at tmhpt8@aol.com.

Another Fishers mom, Sarah Kronland, designs high-fashion, chenille-and-flannel blankets to keep baby cozy.

“When I couldn’t find a comfy, practical, anything-but-ordinary blanket, I decided to create my own. And that was the beginning of Mairzey Dotes,” Kronland says. Named after an obscure nursery rhyme (a family favorite), Mairzey Dotes has been featured as a favorite in several baby publications and websites. Visit www.mairzeydotes.com.

See photos of all the products featured in this article at www.atGeist.com, then visit these mompreneurs and more at the Indy Baby Expo to find something stylish and functional for your little one — made by one of your Geist neighbors!

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