Entrepreneur Seeks to Fill Void
JoAnne Mantz once went for the perfect baby gift, but couldn’t find it. So, she started her own online business.
Mama B & #233;b & #233; & Co., which was launched in May, offers a variety of nonplastic and hand-made gifts made by American designers, such as Belinda Barton and O & J; Productions.
“Most of the baby gifts out there are still geared toward the everyday plastic-made things like baby rattles and picture frames,” Mantz said. “I sell homemade, hand-crafted and high-quality gifts.”
Mantz’ online catalog features items such as wooden rocking horses, keepsake boxes, and puzzle stools. Many items cost less than $50.
Mantz, who also is the director of the San Diego chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, contributes 5 percent of all profits toward the nonprofit group.
So far, Mama B & #233;b & #233; has average monthly sales between $1,000 and $3,000, Mantz disclosed.
A longtime participant in nonprofits, Mantz has helped raise funds for many causes, including San Diego-based Operation Smile, which provides free surgeries for underprivileged children with facial deformities.
At Mama B & #233;b & #233;, people with disabilities and in need of a flexible work schedule, such as working mothers, are the preferred candidates for employment.
For information, visit (www.mamabebe.com).
, Marion Webb
