Karen Helburn is founder and owner of Just Hatched, a luxury baby boutique specializing in retail and corporate baby gifting, based in Guilford, Connecticut. Karen has grown her business from modest beginnings at her kitchen table to a thriving operation with a global shipping program.

Karen started Just Hatched in response to a personal need when her newborn developed allergies to traditional fabrics. This challenge inspired her to source and sell organic, chemical-free baby products long before they were mainstream. She began with grassroots efforts like "Tupperware-style" home parties, building her customer base step by step. Karen navigated the challenges of balancing family and business as a single mother early on and was determined to cultivate a supportive work environment at Just Hatched, employing many mothers and embracing a culture of flexibility and mutual support. Her leadership lessons, from managing a small team to making major business investments, provide practical wisdom for entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable businesses with heart.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introductions

01:00 Karen's Journey and the Inception of Just Hatched

03:00 Starting Small and Growing

07:00 Taking Calculated Risks

11:00 Navigating Personal Challenges

15:00 Building a Strong Team and Culture

17:00 Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Female Business Owner

20:00 The Importance of People and Culture

23:00 Highlights

25:30 Pearls of Wisdom