Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Kennedy.
Jennifer, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Thank you for asking, we are very proud of our story and how we got here. I am a San Diego native, born and raised in Chula Vista, CA. My mother is Hispanic and my father is Caucasian. I’m deeply a product of my upbringing and am proudly a South Bay girl at heart. I went to San Diego State (before it was impossible to get into haha) and majored in business, marketing specifically.
Early on I had the opportunity to work for some incredible marquee brands, like Starbucks Coffee and rose the corporate ladder in billion-dollar brands to SVP, Chief Product & Innovation Officer – but for me, the most exciting part of the day was building and creating things (which you do less and less of as you move up). I am an entrepreneur through and through, and deeply credit the traditional brands I worked at for molding me into the business women I am today, but I always knew I wanted to turn my skills and passion into my own brand, creating something from scratch, working round clock for the love of the brand not just to make money.
In 2015 I had my first child (boy) – game-changing – in 2018 I had my second (girl) and namesake of HoneyBug (dad’s nickname for her), and at the point I realized that if I could work full time, raise two babies and still manage to brush my hair, I could do anything ha. In 2019, following my new position of Mother, I realized two things – 1. there is NO TIME FOR ANYTHING & 2. there are TONS of baby showers and parties you have to go to each month. I needed something simple and easy, but ALSO was thoughtful and beautiful, something that truly says you carried and they weren’t an afterthought – and just like that, HoneyBug was born.
Oftentimes the brands used for gifting are not consistent with the brands that are frequented by parents in a habitual way for “everyday” purchases. The price and selection are wrong – no one in their right mind is putting their own kid in a $100 designer dress to go to daycare. Nor do your daily go-to’s offer elevated gift options sure to make you the hit of any party or shower. We’re merging the worlds, creating a one-stop-shop for busy moms (and parents) to shop all things children, for any occasion, at any price point.
Has it been a smooth road?
Tons of struggles. Tons. My background is in brand marketing, not computer engineering, so whenever there was an issue with the site I was either struggling to beg someone to help me, or having to pay someone who CLEARLY knew I didn’t know anything about computer engineering who completely took advantage and charged some crazy amount. The great news is, each and every single issue truly taught us something, and we haven’t made the same mistake twice.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
HoneyBug blends the convenience of a big box retailer with the quality and selection of a premium brand and the thoughtfulness of a local artisan shop. Most importantly, HoneyBug sparks the joy in getting and gifting baby, toddler and children’s items. We not only make buying and sending kid gifts incredibly convenient (and beautiful), but we also make buying for your own little bugs enjoyable and fun by curating thousands of handpicked, unique and premium toys, clothes and baby gear for little bugs that you won’t find at just any big-box retailer. Most importantly, we spark the joy of getting and gifting.
I am also deeply proud of our guiding principles. We believe 1. Our customers allow us to be in business, so they deserve the best in class experience every single time. 2. In making life easier for busy moms. 3. Creating memories & moments. Everyday is a party so celebrate and 4.In supporting local artisans, socially aware brands, female-owned businesses, do-gooders and dreamers. We following these guidelines devoutly and never waiver.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely. San Diego is such an amazing city, and from an inspiration and diversity standpoint, there is a chance to be inspired at every corner. Ideas can easily morph and grow throughout this incredible community. What I would recommend though for those just starting is to explore the networks IN and OUTSIDE San Diego for things like fundraising and founder networks.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shophoneybug.com
- Email: help@shophoneybug.com
Image Credit:
Kelly Wood Photo
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