When you run a small business, you don't get the opportunity to go to many fancy events. So when I was told that CoziGo was finalist in the Mother & Baby Magazine Awards 2017 - I have to confess I was excited to put on a nice dress, head in to the city and drink some bubbles with other industry professionals at the top of their game.
This years awards, sponsored by BabiesRUs was hosted at the shwanky Pier 2 in Walsh Baby. I was thrilled to learn that Sarah Harris, presenter on Channel 10's Studio 10 was the host for the afternoon. I first met Sarah during my appearance on Shark Tank - she stayed with my husband in the green room watching the segment. I have to say it was like catching up with a good friend - she is late in to her pregnancy with baby number 2 and a big fan of my journey.
We were asked to take our seats for the awards to begin - what struck my when I looked around the room is the number of huge brands that were finalists in all the categories. We're talking Ergobaby, Mountain Buggy, Bugaboo, Phil & Teds, Britax, Boori, Stokke, Graco, Lamaze, Medela, Curash, Huggies, Gro.... the household names just go on and on!
The Mother & Baby Awards is not aimed at small businesses, so I must admit I thought my chances were very slim and I was just grateful to be there and have fun. I was excited to be able to put a Finalist badge on my next packaging.
The category announced just before me was Most popular product for nursery - the winner was announced as the Gro Company Gro Egg.
Next up was my category - Most Popular Product for Baby.
In bronze place: The Gro Company Ollie The Owl,
in silver place: Mammas & Papas Baby Bud Boost Seat and GOLD:CoziGo - Sleep on The Go.
WHAT!!!! I'm not joking when my name was called, I nearly fell off my chair.... my stomach lurched and I felt like jumping for joy. Nothing can compare to the feeling of walking up to that stage and being handed this award. It was a day I'll never forget.... My mum would definitely be looking down on me that day and raising her glass with pride!