As the business evolved so did the retail opportunities. For years, Thomas successfully sold factory 'seconds' to customers until it became too much to handle under one roof. She recalls, "Somehow those related products kept multiplying until there was no room for our factory!" Soon Bummis was a full-scale retailer; carving out a space for itself in an up-and-coming market.

In 2001, Bummis divided its factory and shop into two distinct locations. "Separating those two aspects was a big stepping stone in our success, says Thomas. "It really made things a lot easier and less chaotic." The store specializes in cloth diapers, breast feeing supplies and ergonomic baby carriers.

Today, Bummis' business is strong and its founders are active in the natural parenting retail community — working with approximately 400 independent retailers. "Along the way I shared what we were doing in our store with many of our wholesale clients," says Thomas. "I suggested product lines, ways to display diapering products and how to advertise effectively."

Thomas believes that her business flourished because she trusted her gut, and attributes much of her success to industry involvement. "There are a lot of stores like ours opening across Canada and the USA now, and I have the amazing privilege of ongoing relationships with them and many others in the juvenile industry."

"This unique perspective is one of the reasons for our success," she says. "Another is our team — the amazing people who work at Bummis and share in the vision of what we do."

Bummis has two locations, in Montreal and Pointe Claire, QC. For more information, visit www.bummis.com.