Kemi Macaulay-Newman: Mompreneur and Lover of Life

Meaningful Success TOSINGER: Organically Singing

Kemi Macaulay-Newman: Mompreneur and Lover of Life

“It’s important to have a laser focus, start small and ramp up otherwise you’d have your arms around everything without really grasping anything.”

Kemi Macaulay-Newman, CEO, House of Botori

Featured in Magazines – Pregnancy & Newborn Registry Guide, April, 2014, M Magazine, Woman’s World, Bay Area Parent, Boston Parents Paper, Look East Magazine, Luxe Tentations - and on television, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of House of Botori is more than an entrepreneur. She is a go-getter who takes time to also enjoy life. Here is Kemi Macaulay-Newman, who is also the founder of 9jamom.com. Be Inspired.

Who is Kemi Macaulay-Newman?

I’m a quirky fun-loving geek. I LOVE life, and living it to the fullest is my number one priority. Nothing gives me greater joy than new experiences especially culinary and travel experiences. I’m a voracious reader who loves dancing, swimming, bicycling and generally any outdoor activity; name it and I’m game as long as reptiles are excluded.

I run an Information Security and Privacy Consulting Company advising Government Agencies and Private Sector organizations on leading strategies for protecting their sensitive information, minimizing exposures and overall management of information security and privacy related risks.

My creative side is not to be left out as I launched a line of diaper bags a few years ago – House of Botori . I’m blessed to be mom to two amazing boys and married to my number one ace and bestie.

How did you get started with the House of Botori ?

I founded House of Botori after my first son was born because as a new mom, I found it difficult to find unique, functional accessories to suit my particular style. House of Botori was born from the desire to merge individuality and functionality without sacrificing fashion – our durable and practical line features diaper bags, lunch and work totes and everyday bags made from African and our signature African-inspired fabrics.

The Ginika Tote – Moms and Celeb moms favorite; featured in Pregnancy and Newborn 2014 Spring/Summer Guide

Tima Lunch Bag

The Eneehi Nursing cover – featured in Pregnancy and Newborn 2015 Buyers Guide.

What has been the most challenging aspects of what you do?

The biggest challenge was wading through the waters of manufacturing a line of products – going from conception to design and delivery. It was such a steep learning curve because it’s a completely different field. I’m a Tech girl who had a great idea I thought would be so simple to execute – create diaper bags using African fabrics. Then I had to learn about fabrics, difference between a zipper and zipper pull, regulatory testing requirements, shipping, product photography, PR versus marketing while figuring out channel distribution. I’d have to say hands-down getting the right manufacturer has been the most difficult part of this process.

Realizing the impact of order minimums and pricing products correctly to remain competitive and profitable is another challenge. And in all ofthis, ensuring one stayed within the retail schedule – while my products are versatile year-round, it’s important to be able to have samples completed and ready to ship within the applicable season – For instance, we’re launching children’s backpacks and the back to school and holiday gifting season are very important.

Another major challenge has been making sure to stay focused as I have millions of ideas running through my mind at any given time. In this business it’s important to have a laser focus, start small and ramp up otherwise you’d have your arms around everything without really grasping anything.

What’s in the horizon for you?

Very excited about expanding our line with an upcoming launch of House of Botori children’s backpacks and lunch bags. We’ve ramped up channel distribution support and will be kicking off a major philanthropic effort that’s close to my heart. House of Botori gives back a portion of our proceeds to support Sickle Cell Awareneess initiatives and we are in the process of launching a campaign that will increase awareness dramatically and raise funds for a non profit organization that provides a lot of support to the community.