Maya Shalev always had a knack for problem-solving. As a former lawyer and trained mediator, it was a part of her daily life. So when she became a mom she found herself wanting to do more of the same. With each child, a new product was born as well, a product she felt was missing in the market and could help babies and parents. That's how grabease got its start.
Today, the product line includes baby-safe utensils that are sized and shaped perfectly for little hands, Double-sided Toothbrushes that encourage good dental hygiene from the moment the first pearly white tooth emerges, Allover Bibs that minimize mealtime messes, and new Silicone Suction Bowls to encourage independent feeding (minus the worry about the bowl flying off the table onto the floor). All totally innovative, and all solving everyday problems, helping to make the business of raising little ones just a little bit easier.
We stole a few moments from Maya's busy day to get to know her better and learn more about grabease.
What's your best piece of advice for a mom with an idea?
Don’t be too afraid to act on it. I hear of too many moms that have great ideas but are too nervous to talk about it, so they don’t get other people’s input or legal consultation. Having an idea is a great start, but it’s all about the execution, and execution is not easy. If you keep your idea to yourself, all you have is a great idea. If you do dare to talk about it (and be wise – speak to people you can trust or other entrepreneurs), then you’ve got yourself an idea with potential.
What’s something you’d love for the world to know about grabease that they won’t necessarily glean from your social media channels?
We love giving back. For every item that is purchased, a meal is donated to a child in need via the Children's Hunger Fund.
The brand's bibs, utensils, and toothbrushes have all been such a hit with moms and little ones. Can we look forward to some more new and exciting additions to the product line?
Absolutely. We just launched a brand-new silicone suction bowl that’s sectioned for portioning and features deep sides for easy scooping. It’s the perfect companion piece to our popular utensils. Speaking of, we also recently introduced a double silicone spoon set that’s ideal for the early stages of self-feeding.
What's your favorite story/testimonial that you’ve heard about grabease?
We love hearing all success stories, but the most rewarding feedback comes from parents and therapists of children with disabilities. When children and parents are struggling with a physical challenge, and grabease is able to help, it fills our hearts to know our products make such a difference.
What are the most important elements in your life that allow you to create boundaries and balance?
Honestly, it’s hard to keep the boundaries, and I do get yelled at sometimes for working after work hours. My 5-year-old told me once that I should go back to work if I plan on emailing while I'm with him. I do my best to put my phone on mute in the afternoons and respond to urgent messages after they are in bed. My husband and I try to keep a routine of watching a movie or TV show together at least twice a week. I’ve learned that 99 percent of the urgent things can wait until the next day.
Thanks, Maya!
