Busy bags are educational activities in a bag for babies usually within the ages of 6 months to 4 years. These bags bring delight to kids and relief for parents.
When Simrit and Jainy two friends were brainstorming what to do ( specifically what business to start), it was a no brainer. Jainy worked with kids and making educational busy bags was what they decided on.
How to Start a Busy Bags Business? If you love working with kids, have the necessary qualifications and understand child psychology this kind of business is right for you. Using everyday materials, designing activities using time tested educational concepts using Montessori and other skills is what it takes.
Simrit Motwani & Jainy Chheda operate Mindgym, kids educational activities and products.
Simrit Motwani: I am a mother, wife and have a two-year-old daughter Hinaya.
Jainy Chheda: I am a Child Psychologist and a storyteller by profession. I have worked in schools and clinics. I even take sessions on a regular basis.
Working with children and creating activities come naturally for me.
I have a Masters in Human Development with an experience of more than six years in the field of child education and training.
I am here to provide handmade fun learning tools for kids which will keep them busy.
Simrit Motwani: I co-founded Mindgym with Jainy Chheda who is a psychologist and a storyteller by profession. I create different learning activities for children after doing a lot of research to make child development more fun.
Why did you get started with this business? When did you decide to launch?
We started last year in 2018 have been doing this business for more than a year now. Upon receiving an enormous response from friends and family, we are taking this small business to the next level.
Simrit Motwani: When I turned a mother and looked around, most kids were engaged with mobile devices or just any screen. Other than outdoor activities, nothing else could attract them to stay focused yet help them develop the necessary skills.
Busy Bags is our window to the world of mindful engagement for children.
Can you tell us about your products?
Mindgym is dedicated to developing original kid-friendly learning activities for children to explore while building essential skills needed for early development.
Our activities are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Our learning games and sensory toys have been enjoyed by children in daycare, Montessori schools, and early intervention classrooms!
Do you have a daily schedule? Do you have someone to help you? How many hours per day do you spend on your business?
Simrit Motwani: I spend approx. 3-4 hours a day on business. This involves schedule focused on content posting on social media, WhatsApp plus responding to inquiries. Depending on the stock count and new ideas, I further divide my time into marketing and new product development.
Jainy: My time is focused on new ideas, product creation and sampling. I spend 4-6 hours per day on Mindgym other than children psychology / storytelling activities.
What motivates you to keep working on it?
Mindgym allows our creative juices to flow and that keeps us going. We have never thought of giving up.
How do you balance Family and Business?
By maintaining a strict schedule throughout the week and letting the weekends be ad-hoc.
Do you need any special skills or equipment for such a business?
Yes. Since we are creating products and consulting to children, it is essential that one has a degree in early childhood i.e. ECE. Further from a business standpoint, one needs basic business acumen and know-how of social media and product building.
How do you get the raw materials?
We scout and source raw materials from the most unfancy places on earth. This involves trips to various markets in Mumbai. We also outsource some of our work to local girls and women who can stitch, perform basic craftwork.
What are the challenges you faced in your business?
Maintaining Quality and educating parents on the use of Mindgym activities.
How much money do you spend on your business? What was your initial investment?
Initial Investment of approx : 20,000 and currently we re-invest our profits back into the business to grow.
Do you earn from your business? Does it cover your expenses?
Currently, we are focused on growing. Yes, we do earn from our business but the profit is invested back into business for growth. We sell through Instagram, Facebook and now Instamojo.
Any tips for people getting started with such a business?
Today’s generation kids are evolving faster than we did. Think of 5 years ahead before you create a product for today’s children.
Simrit Motwani & Jainy Chheda / Mindgym
Email address – connect.mmimdgym@gmail.com
Instagram – www.instagram.com/mmindgym
