Brisbane teacher and mum Laura Klein was looking to solve her children’s runny noses when she stumbled on an idea that would change the direction of her whole career and win her the Best Product Innovation Award at the 2021 Roar Awards Australia for her “Snotty Boss”. We hear from Laura about how it all began…
In my years as an early childhood teacher, I had dealt with my fair share of sick kids and runny noses. But the inspiration for the business began in Brisbane in 2011, when I was a stay at home Mum, on leave from my job as a primary school teacher.
I saw an ad for the “Snotty” Nasal Aspirator in a magazine. My second child was a “Winter baby”, with a very congested nose. It made it hard for him to feed and sleep. I thought, let’s give this product a go! So I purchased one, and loved it!
“I saw an ad in a magazine, and didn’t realise this was going to change the entire direction of my life”
I didn’t realise this purchase was going to change the direction of my life and career in a big way! The Snotty Nasal Aspirator was the most effective device I had ever used to relieve a child’s blocked and runny nose.
After telling lots of mum friends and teaching colleagues about the “Snotty”, I started to think “every family in Australia needs one of these, perhaps I could sell them myself”.
I was worried I wouldn’t know how to ‘sell’ or run an online business. But then I realised: teaching and online sales are very similar – they both require great communication, trust, excellent service, a friendly approach and a passion for your product.
I knew I had nothing to lose! So I got in contact with the distributor, and my business was born in 2013.
A simple start
At first, I sold products to friends, family, mums from my playgroup, and a few local families. I put up some flyers at local playgrounds and did some letterbox drops.
The business was growing slowly, I remember getting excited when I sold two Snottys in one day. If only I knew what was to come.
“I remember getting excited when I sold 2 Snottys in a day.”
I could see there was a niche market for unique devices that would help keep children healthy, so I took the opportunity to source other products, including those that I already used with my own children – mist vaporiser, the white noise sleep machines, digital thermometer, fetal doppler, and organic balms.
A new website was launched, the product range grew, and so did the sales and the customer base, with hundreds of parcels delivered all over Australia every month.
We’re growing and expanding
Eight years later, snottynoses.com.au has evolved into a trusted and unique shopping experience. We took a huge growth step in 2020, releasing the new Snotty Boss Nasal Aspirator, and the 5 star reviews have blown us away. We are on a mission to have Snotty Boss is every pharmacy around Australia.
In 2021, we released our Little Boss Organic Balms. And we have an amazing new sleep product releasing this month. We are a one-stop shop for sniffle and sleep solutions.
As a mother of three, I have spent lots of money on products that were simply not effective or didn’t live up to the claims by the manufacturer. That’s why I am so proud of our niche range of products.
I understand that what works for me might not work for everyone, but at least you can shop with confidence, knowing that all our products have been used and recommended by a mum!
These products really will make your life easier!
I love receiving emails and testimonials from satisfied customers, telling me how one of our products “changed their life” for the better. With over 4500 testimonials, we are confident that our products deliver results for Australian families.
“With over 4500 testimonials, we are confident that our products deliver results for Australian families.”
I am proud of working with children with disabilities, particularly those with Down Syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis. These children have ongoing nasal congestion issues, and the “Snotty” Nasal Aspirator has been a medical marvel for their families.
Also, I have received countless emails from pregnant woman, who have suffered previous miscarriages, who find such comfort in using the AngelSounds Fetal Doppler in their own home.
We’re so proud of the business we have built
There are already hundreds of baby and children online and retail stores, selling thousands of products from bottles and prams to cute sleep suits, slings, headbands, shoes and clothing. Snottynoses.com.au is different. Our product range is small and specific – we sell gadgets for good health and good sleep and they are used and trusted by thousands of Australian families everyday!
“Other mums often tell me they are inspired by my simple business story.”
I hope by reading this, you may also be inspired to take a leap of faith, embrace your creative or entrepreneurial passions, and start your own business, in whatever industry or niche you love!
My family is growing up healthy and happy, and I hope our products and advice can help your family too.
Our charity partner is Humpty Dumpty Foundation and we are proud to donate $1 per order to buy essential medical equipment for Australian hospitals. Check out the Snotty Boss and more at snottynoses.com.au