We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Morton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

This question cuts to the heart of what separates growing entrepreneurs from those who struggle with forward movement. While a great business idea is great, the ability to persevere and adapt is essential. Successful entrepreneurs don’t just have the drive to never quit; they can also find creative solutions to problems. This might involve pivoting the business, listening closely to customers, or trying new marketing approaches. In my experience, the most successful entrepreneurs are those who can see solutions instead of problems and are willing to adapt their approach. This mental skill is just as important, if not more important, than the specific business idea itself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

We stand out by prioritizing exceptional customer service and creating highly personalized products. Our personalized approach allows for deeper customer connections, which is something many other companies lack today. We frequently receive compliments on our communication, especially from customers purchasing our products for those experiencing grief. We understand the importance of providing supportive communication during difficult times.

Also, we actively incorporate customer feedback into product development. Customer requests for more resources have lead to our upcoming launch of voice replication technology. Soon customers will be able to upload a existing voicemail and create a new message with typed text. This innovative feature will be invaluable for grieving individuals and those seeking to personalize a gift with a special voice message.

Internally, we foster an environment of employee empowerment. Team members enjoy flexible scheduling and are encouraged to explore ideas that contribute to the company’s success. This focus on work-life balance and employee initiative fosters a thriving work environment.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Finding a reliable manufacturing partner was a major hurdle when I first started my business. Having no prior experience with manufacturers or factories, I relied heavily on online resources to navigate the process.

Initially, I partnered with a prototyping company in Birmingham, Michigan. They were instrumental in helping me refine the product’s design, and I placed my first order for 200 bears with them. However, the cost point wasn’t sustainable for the long term, creating a need for another manufacturer. I provided a detailed sample, but it took a few tries to find a manufacturer who could accurately replicate it – I received a few “trollish” looking bears in the process!

For anyone starting a business and searching for a manufacturer, my strongest advice is to always order a sample first. While samples tend to be more expensive due to single-item shipping, they can save you a significant amount of time and money in the long run by ensuring you get the product you envisioned. Also, make sure you check out Alibaba it is a great resource.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

While pivots are certainly common, especially in the wake of COVID-19, my most impactful pivot actually occurred during the early stages of my business. Initially, I targeted military families as my primary customer base. However, upon reviewing initial sales data and customer feedback, a clear trend emerged: the majority of my customers were purchasing CuddleBuddys for those experiencing grief.

Recognizing this shift in customer demand, I made a swift pivot. We expanded our product line to include affirmation cards decks, and other resources that specifically cater to this need for comfort and support during difficult loss.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Cuddlebuddys.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuddlebuddys.bears/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuddlebuddybears/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cuddlebuddys?si=K41MhlJFXQEbugRd