MapleMouseMama is excited to share an interview with the founder of Bayo Bundles, Mompreneur Riley! Grab a cup of tea, sit back and read all about this busy mama and how she brought her dream to reality!
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1) Tell me a little about yourself please.
Hi, I’m Riley. I’m a mom, a wife, and, most recently, an entrepreneur. I started my company, Bayo Bundles, shortly after my daughter was born. Prior to that, I worked in Human Resources and volunteered as a tutor for students with learning disabilities. My volunteer work was a huge inspiration for starting Bayo Bundles. Now my days are split between running my business and running after my very energetic toddler. I’m living my dream every day!
2) Tell me about your company.
It’s no surprise that most parents would love to spend more time with their kids doing fun and educational activities. Unfortunately, many just don’t have time to scour the internet for fresh ideas, head to the store to buy all the supplies, and do all the prep work. Bayo Bundles is the solution! Every month our subscribers experience a new topic through hands-on activities like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and science experiments. Each kit has a unique theme (anything from arts and culture to science and technology) and includes all the materials needed for each activity. We make it easy for children to learn something new each month while having a “bundle of fun!”
The idea for Bayo Bundles came to me during one of the many sleepless nights I experienced after having my daughter. Between the numerous demands of a newborn and the seemingly endless sleepless nights, it took quite some time for my business dream to actually become a reality. I had a head start thanks to my experience as a tutor but there was still a tremendous amount of work to be done. It took at least 6 months before I was ready to launch, and, even then, I was making changes every day to improve my website and my products.
3) What was your motivation to start Bayo Bundles? Where did the name Bayo come from?
A few years ago, when I started tutoring, I found it challenging to keep my students engaged in our sessions so I began creating fun, hands-on activities to complement each lesson. It worked like a charm – the children were having a blast and they were learning so much without even realizing it. After having my daughter and getting to know other moms and dads I learned that most parents struggle to keep their kids entertained and away from the TV and video games. I knew I could make it easy for parents to spend more time doing crafts and activities with their kids by expanding upon what I was already doing so I got to work and Bayo Bundles was born!
The name Bayo is actually a Nigerian name that means “happiness and joy”. The story behind the name is one that I love to tell! First, let me say that I am obsessed with baby names. Obsessed! I gave more thought to my daughter’s name than I did most of the other major decisions in my life. I really like unusual or unique names and I’ve been “naming” my future babies for years, long before I was ever even pregnant. When I finally was pregnant, my husband and I really wanted our daughter to have a middle name that means “happy” so I spent months reading every baby name book and website I could find looking for the perfect middle name. Somewhere along the way I came across the name Bayo and I loved it. It was on our list of potential middle names but ultimately didn’t make the cut. When it came time to name my business, though, it was a clear winner. I knew I wanted something that started with a B (I love alliteration in a business name) and I figured that a name that means happiness and joy for a business that is meant to bring happiness and joy to children could not be more perfect.
PS: For any other name nerds out there, we ended up naming our daughter Briar Felicity 🙂
4) What sort of challenges did you face with becoming a mompreneur? How did you overcome these?
The biggest challenge I face as a mom and a business owner is trying to balance the two. Running a business is A LOT of work, especially in the beginning. My daughter is home with me full time so I work when she is napping and after she goes to bed at night. Some days are definitely exhausting but as time goes on I am getting better at managing it all. It requires a lot of discipline. The only way I am able to gets things done is to create a schedule and stick to it. I have to be pretty strict with myself.
5) What do you offer in your bundles? What sort of supplies are provided?
Each bundle varies depending on the theme but they typically include 2-3 arts and craft projects, a science experiment or some sort of scientific element, and an interactive game or activity like a scavenger hunt.
Each bundle includes all the supplies needed to complete the activities; a colourful, engaging booklet filled with lessons, fun facts, and detailed instructions for each activity; and a delicious snack or fun souvenir related to the theme.
6) Do your bundles follow a theme? Are they gender specific? Are they geared toward a certain age?
Each bundle has its own unique theme. The themes for our subscription bundles are a surprise each month and could include anything from exploring a new country to learning about fossils and paleontology to playing and experimenting with colour.
Our recently launched limited edition single bundles are available as a one-time purchase from our website and cover more seasonal themes, such as gardening and Thanksgiving.
Our bundles are perfect for ages 5 – 10. We strive to ensure that each bundle provides a well-rounded, developmentally appropriate experience for our subscribers. Our bundles are not gender specific because we strongly believe that there is no such thing as “boy themes” and “girl themes”. Our activities are tested by children, both boys and girls, to ensure that they are equally enjoyed by both genders.
7) Where does Bayo Bundles ship to?
Bayo Bundles ships throughout Canada. We offer free shipping on all our subscriptions.
8) Are there any new products or ideas in the works for Bayo Bundles that you care to share?
Later this year, I will be expanding Bayo Bundles to offer birthday bundles which will include everything you need to throw the perfect themed birthday party from decorations and party favours to crafts, activities, and games. Party planning is a passion of mine so I am very excited about this addition!
I would also like to invite readers to check out the Bayo Bundles blog here. The blog features lots of easy crafts and activities that readers can do at home, party planning tips and ideas, and exciting news and updates about the company.
Website: www.bayobundles.com
Twitter: @bayobundles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bayobundles
A big thank you to Riley from Bayo Bundles for sharing all about her journey to becoming a Mompreneur! Make sure you head over to the website and check it out. Coming soon MapleMouseMama and family will get to review one of these fabulous subscription boxes so make sure you check back soon!
FT&PD
Suz
I am always in awe of Mom-preneurs. It takes such drive and dedication. Good luck to Riley! I’ll have to take a closer look.
You will not be disappointed. Her bundles are lovely!
It’s nice to know that the company was made out of her passion. Bayo Bundles must serve as an inspiration to every mom who also wants to start up as an entrepreneur.
Hi rochkirstin, thank you for your kind words. I definitely believe that if you’re fulfilling your passions “work” will never feel like work. If I am able to inspire even just one woman to follow her dreams, that would be the best cherry on top ever!
Yes, I agree!
The name Bayo made me smile. I am a Nigerian living in Portugal. I did enjoy getting to know about you and what you do! And as a parent I must say I am proud of what you do. Hope to read more from you!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so happy you like the name 🙂
Riley is a great inspiration to us all!
This was very interesting post! I love reading about people who do what I love for living 🙂
🙂
I love the story about how she named the business… and I have a cousin named Briar, its a pretty name!
Yes, the name is pretty cool and I agree, Briar is a lovely name!
This is a totally cool idea!!! 🙂 I could totally go for this. My girls love crafts and activities and sometimes, I have troubles coming up with ideas to keep them busy. Plus they LOVE getting mail so having a package come just for them would send them over the moon. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your support, Bonnie 🙂
Yup, the kids will love the mail and will go crazy for what’s inside 🙂
Super cute! My son would love this bundle. Thank you for the introduction!
So glad to hear that! Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome!
Who doesn’t like to receive a surprise package in the mail, I know I do. Continued success with your business. What a great idea
Thanks, Darlene! I think everyone likes mail, especially kids!!
🙂
My children love getting mail. They love crafts too! This would be an amazing surprise every month!! What a great idea! Thank you for sharing the story behind the company!
Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome Jenn!
your blog motivates people about bayo
Thank you
The post is inspirational for those lady who think that after marriage you can’t do anything
Thank you! It’s never too late to follow your dreams.
Let’s hope so..
Nice interview sessions, she got a really interesting business!~
Thanks, Kylie 🙂
Yes, she sure does!
Bayo Bundles can really help you with a lot of crafty items to do. It’s nice to know the story on how the business came about.
Thank you so much!
I agree Franc, it is great to get to know a business by getting to know it’s founder..
Adorable post. Loving the picturs
Thanks, Hina. So glad you like them!
Thank you
We also have a Company name here in the Philippines called BAYO, which means in Ilongo term means DRESS.
But anyway, what an inspiring story you have here. BAYO BUNDLES helps a lot with our crafty items, a good business to start.
That is interesting to learn. I imagine it has other meanings in different cultures..
wow i’ve never heard of this kind of box before! and i must admin, it’s very unique and helpful specially to parents who want to spend time with their kids without thinking too much about what to do! >XD
Yes, it is excellent for that!
Bayo is a Visayan name for women’s dress, that came I think from the people in Indonesia. Nice bundles for family oriented business. Great job lady! Fernando Lachica
Is it?! I haven’t heard of that meaning. Very interesting! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Good to know!
I think Riley is an inspiration. .she managed to turn her passion into her career and is loving it! I think that’s awesome!
Thank you!
I totally agree!
OOH! This is a refreshing take on those subscription boxes that are trending nowadays. I love how her kits promote bonding between kid and parent so it really helps building the family. 🙂
They are pretty cool!
The stuff this mom creates is really engaging, especially for children in prep school. I guess my daughter who is in second grade would also love such activities that challenge the creativity and imagination of our kids! Lovely and inspirational story!
Thank you, Vanessa. Second graders are the perfect age for many of these activities!
Yes, that is the perfect age.
There is something always admirable about someone who can turn a passion into a career. Should we all be so fortunate.
Thank you, Tim! You’re right, I am very fortunate to be able to follow my dreams. I count my blessings every day. 🙂
Yes, very true Tim. Riley is one smart cookie!
Great job! Bayo Bundles is a great way to start to become a mompreneur..
Yup, it sure is!
Great interview! The company sounds very interesting. Too bad they don’t ship internationally.
I’m sure when they hit it big Bayo Bundles will be everywhere!
First time to hear about Bayo bundles. Riley’s story is an inspiration to every mom that marriage is not a hindrance to start a new business. Great interview.
That is very, very true..
Wonderful interview with Riley. It’s always fascinating to hear about people’s lives and choices. One correction on the name Bayo. The name is a Yoruba name. The Yorubas are an ethnic group in Nigeria. Children in Nigeria often have names that are clear identifiers of their ethnic group. I’m an Igbo and have a middle name that others will recognize as such. We have many ethnic groups in the country and all of them take great pride in naming their children. There is no such thing as a Nigerian name. Thought you and Riley would like to know this vital piece of information.
Fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing! I love learning more about the origins of names 🙂
Thanks Elizabeth, great to learn new info. We are seeing that there is perhaps a few other meanings for this word, which is pretty cool.
An amazing woman who is very inspirational! She followed her dreams and made it work even while taking care of a newborn. Wish her all the best in her business!
Thank you Karen!
Your business name Bayo reflects how happy you are as a wife, mom and businesswoman. Congrats and good luck!
How kind!
What a great story – almost makes me want to have more kiddos!
LOL, it is a wonderful company!
Great interview! It was so interesting reading your inspiration and motivation for Bayo
I’ve never heard of this kind of box before,thanks hope she does well!
I hope she done well with her bundles!