Meet Paola Malinoski | Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paola Malinoski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paola, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The start of my business came from a need for a creative outlet while in the beginning of motherhood. Professionally, I am a credentialed teacher-when I had my first child, we made the decision for me to stay home. My family grew quickly and with that came a yearning to do something for myself. I leaned into my creativity and Bennylu Baby was born. Focused on providing hair accessories for babies and girls, I started to search for the best products to use in my handmade bows and headwraps. I first started by creating my products and pricing them. Then I began thinking of the questions I would have as a customer along with where and how to market and sell my products. It’s now been 2.5 years and I am still learning new things in my business, while expanding my products.

What should our readers know about your business?
Bennylu Baby is a small business entirely run by me. I am responsible for the production of my items, marketing, selling, customer service and so much more. I am proud of the connections I have made with other small businesses in my community. I have recently collaborated with other businesses and I am looking forward to continuing to do so. I am also proud of the customer base I have built. Perhaps the hardest thing to do was to build that customer base-with so many creatives out there and similar businesses it can be challenging to get repeat customers. It’s great to have someone new purchase from your business, but when you get customers coming back you know your product is worth it.

I first began making 2 products-one bow style and one headwrap. In the course of 2.5 years, I have added varying styles of bows and added other hair accessories like scrunchies. Everything that is found in my shop is crafted by me. I take care to make sure that each item is made to my liking with the use of quality materials. If I wouldn’t use it for my own children, I won’t sell it to others. I work hard to provide styles and designs that appeal to everyone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As someone who grew up in the suburbs outside of Los Angeles, there are so many great places to visit. Some LA staples that I love are The Griffith Observatory and Descanso Gardens in Pasadena.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes out to my wonderful husband. Together we are a team and his support is everything when it comes to anything I do. He is always there to run ideas by or to help me setup at in person events. I am very blessed to have a partner who values my efforts and ideas.

Website: etsy.com/shop/bennylubaby

Instagram: Bennylubaby

Image Credits
Jayme Marie Photography Heather Wang Photography Vibe Photography