Carrie Shaltz Haslup, Founder and CEO of Tabeeze, is revolutionizing baby apparel through meticulous design to promote optimal comfort and seamless daily caregiving.
Harnessing her background in architecture and interior design, Carrie set out to turn traditional baby clothing on its head, allowing for ease in care, feeding, and bonding. Upon becoming an aunt, Carrie noticed the difficulty in getting infants in and out of clothing, causing distress in the child as well as the loving adult. What started as a simple observation has turned into an innovative, considerate movement that supports children and their caregivers. Today, Tabeeze is committed to expanding its partnerships to hospitals nationwide to assist the most vulnerable infants.
We asked Carrie about the founding story behind Tabeeze, how her definition of success has evolved throughout her journey as a founder, and how she would describe the journey she’s been on thus far.
Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on Tabeeze?
The inspiration for Tabeeze struck as I observed my sister-in-law navigate the intricacies of skin-to-skin feedings, alongside my brother's anxiety when dressing their fragile newborn. My online quest for shoulder-snapped clothing came up empty—a reality I found absurd as an architect obsessed with intelligent and efficient design. Armed with kitchen scissors and a stack of old t-shirts, I embarked on a journey of deconstructing and redesigning traditional baby clothing, aspiring to blend efficiency with convenience in a garment that would ease the tender early days of parenthood.
What are some of the most meaningful impacts Tabeeze has had so far?
Our one-to-one donation program has immensely impacted medically complex and disabled babies. For NICU babies who have a myriad of tubes, wires, and medical equipment attached to their fragile bodies, traditional clothing can be a logistical nightmare. Thus, they often remain undressed. Serendipitously, Tabeeze’s thoughtful design inadvertently catered to these challenges. Medical professionals discovered they could easily access a baby's central line, monitor wires, and other medical devices without completely undressing them. This not only minimized the disruption and potential discomfort for the baby, but it also ensured that vital medical equipment remained in place during routine care or emergencies.
What started as a simple idea to ease the struggles of skin-to-skin feeding and bonding has transformed into a movement that supports some of our most vulnerable infants.
What makes Tabeeze product different from other similar companies in the industry?
What makes Tabeeze unique is its innovative bottom-up design. Unlike traditional baby bodysuits that need to be pulled over a baby's head and navigated over their arms, Tabeeze goes on feet first, slides up a baby’s body, and fastens at their shoulders without disturbing sensitive head and neck areas. This makes dressing, changing, and skin-to-skin feeding and bonding easier and much more comfortable for both parents and their children.
In what ways has your upbringing or past experiences contributed to how you operate as an entrepreneur?
Throughout my life, I've harbored an innate propensity to question the norm, look beyond what's accepted, and probe the depths of what could be. The status quo, for many, serves as a comfortable anchor. For me, it's always been a challenge to rise above, think differently, and carve out new avenues of possibility. This relentless curiosity isn't just about being different for the sake of it. It's driven by a belief that progress lies in our ability to reimagine and reshape our existing reality. The most transformative ideas don't always emerge from a vacuum. They're born from taking what we already know and twisting it, turning it, and viewing it from a unique angle, fueled by passion and a depth of understanding.
What’s one thing you wish you had known before starting Tabeeze?
That creating the product is just the tip of the iceberg. The true challenge? Marketing it. I was struck by the reality that even the most revolutionary product can get lost in the vast sea of competition if not positioned right. My naïve assumption that the product would "sell itself" was quickly dispelled. I found that 99% of the entrepreneurial journey is not just about crafting the perfect product. It’s about crafting its story, position in the market, and connection to potential customers.
Have you struggled with self-doubt as an entrepreneur? How do you navigate this?
Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey can often feel like navigating a stormy sea. As an entrepreneur, I've encountered waves of self-doubt and whirlpools of overwhelm that threatened to engulf me many times. The path is rarely straightforward, and the challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable. Yet, each positive review from a satisfied customer, every thank-you note, and the practical benefits my products provide to parents and their children reaffirm my belief in what I'm doing. This positive impact underscores the importance and value of what I’m doing, making the hurdles faced along the way worth navigating.
We dare you to brag. What achievements are you most proud of?
In 2023, Tabeeze was on Time Magazine’s Best Inventions list based on its originality, creativity, influence, and its potential for societal impact. In 2022, we received the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association Award that honors products that stand out in safety, innovation, design, and utility for parents and children.
Tabeeze is also 100% GOTS Certified Organic, which is the leading processing standard for organic fibers, harvesting raw materials in an environmentally and socially responsible way. We are also a certified B Corporation, meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. Additionally, we’re Fair Trade Certified, which ensures that each product meets rigorous environmental, economic, and social standards and is audited by FLOCERT, an accredited third-party auditor.
What’s next for you and Tabeeze?
The journey of Tabeeze has been nothing short of miraculous. What started as a simple idea to ease the struggles of skin-to-skin feeding and bonding has transformed into a movement that supports some of our most vulnerable infants. We are deeply committed to expanding our partnerships with hospitals nationwide and, eventually, worldwide. We believe every baby deserves the best start in life, and we're honored to play a part in making that a reality.
