We had the good fortune of connecting with Teresa (tess) Quintanar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teresa (tess), we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business is an exciting and transformative journey for me, one that marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life. The path I’ve taken, however, wasn’t something I had planned. It all started early last year when I received a late diagnosis of autism, which brought clarity to many of the challenges I’d faced throughout my life. Growing up, I struggled with various aspects of life—whether in school, social situations, or in the workplace—but I never truly understood why things seemed so difficult for me. My issues became especially apparent when I found myself constantly “job hopping,” moving from one company to another, unable to hold down a steady position.

That was my “aha” moment. I realized that I needed to explore the underlying cause of my struggles, and when I was diagnosed with autism, it all clicked into place. Finally, I had an explanation for the obstacles I had faced, but at the same time, I knew I couldn’t let it hold me back. I had a family to support, and job hopping was never going to provide the stability and consistency we needed.

So, I made a bold decision to tap into the world of business ownership. It was a leap of faith, but I knew it was the right one for me. Running my own business has given me the freedom to work on my own terms, set my own schedule, and most importantly, spend more time with my 10-year-old, who’s not so much a baby anymore! One of the things I love most about this journey is that I can set small, attainable goals for myself—goals that I can realistically accomplish at my own pace and within my own timeframe. This flexibility has been incredibly empowering.

The road ahead is still full of unknowns, but so far, this new adventure has been nothing short of rewarding. I’ve learned to embrace the challenges along the way, and I’m optimistic that this journey will lead to great things not only for me but for my family as well. It’s not just about building a business; it’s about creating a life that works for me, my loved ones, and my future.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Starting as an independent contractor with “BabyQuip” was something I stumbled upon by chance. I was struggling to find a work opportunity that fit, and then one day a friend told me about BabyQuip, a well-established company that hires independent contractors to provide baby gear rentals and cleaning services. It seemed like the perfect fit! I decided to begin with the cleaning side of things, offering services to freshen up dusty strollers, car seats, toys, and other baby gear.

The more I got into it, the more I loved the work, so I expanded into rentals. Now, I offer not only cleaning services but also baby gear rentals for traveling parents. It’s so rewarding to be able to assist these families. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find time to clean car seats or manage everything when you’re juggling kids. And for parents who don’t want to haul everything along when traveling, it’s incredibly convenient to have gear waiting for them at their hotel or Airbnb, ready to go.

I really wish I had known about BabyQuip when my daughter was younger. It would have made my parenting duties just a tad bit easier—having the option to have toys or strollers cleaned by a professional or have rental gear on hand for traveling would have been such a relief!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a fun question! Los Angeles is such a vibrant city with endless things to see and do. If I had a friend visiting for the first time, here’s what a perfect “fun day in LA” might look like. We’d start by grabbing breakfast at one of the best spots in town. After that, we’d explore some of LA’s hottest destinations, like the Grove shopping center, and take a stroll down Hollywood Blvd to check out the celebrity stars on the sidewalk. From there, we might head up to hike towards the iconic Hollywood Sign! While we’re in the Hollywood Hills, we’d definitely stop by the Griffith Observatory for some stunning views. Next, we’d swing by Beverly Hills to snap a picture by the famous Beverly Hills sign.

That’s already quite the day, but why stop there? A visit to Universal Studios would be a must! We’d wrap up our adventure with a decadent milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen in Universal CityWalk, which is a lively outdoor shopping mall just outside the theme park. Perfect way to end a fun-filled day in LA!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many incredible people I want to thank for their unwavering support throughout this journey. But two people, in particular, have played an especially significant role in my life. First and foremost, my fiancé—he has been my biggest cheerleader from day one. No matter what idea or thought I share with him, his immediate response is always, “Sounds like a plan! You got this, and I’m here to help!” His belief in me never wavers, and he has been my constant source of motivation and strength.

And then there’s my daughter, who is not only my best friend but also my ultimate source of inspiration. I can’t imagine my life without her. She always encourages me to keep going, and honestly, she’s the reason I keep pushing forward. My greatest wish is to teach her that no matter how hard life gets, with determination, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Website: https://www.babyquip.com/p/19071

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babyquip_teresaq?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563006037095&mibextid=ZbWKwL

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