The Daily
Her Business Was Thriving. Then Came the Tariffs.
Apr 14, 2025
Beth Benike, the award-winning founder and CEO of Busy Baby, shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship. She discusses the challenges her business faces due to soaring tariffs that could cripple her operations. The conversation dives into her creative solutions for surviving these economic pressures, including the possibility of shifting to domestic manufacturing. Beth also emphasizes the emotional toll these changes have on small business owners, while advocating for a skills-first hiring approach to support workers facing job market barriers.
33:15
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Quick takeaways
- Beth Benecke's journey to create Busy Baby highlights the importance of personal experience in problem-solving and innovation.
- The sudden imposition of tariffs drastically impacted the financial viability of small businesses like Busy Baby, emphasizing their vulnerability to regulatory changes.
Deep dives
The Journey of Busy Baby
Beth Benecke, founder and CEO of Busy Baby, shares her background and inspiration for creating her company, which arose from her experiences as a mother. After serving in the military, she transitioned to civilian life and encountered challenges with her toddlers during mealtime, prompting her to design a solution. Her initial prototype involved using common materials like silicone and suction cups to create a placemat that could secure toys and food to the table. This innovation reflects her belief in the importance of hands-on problem-solving rooted in personal experience.
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