Q&A: AIMEE MARKS, FOUNDER OF TOM’S ORGANIC TALKS TOOSHIES

Seven years after bringing organic cotton tampons and pads to Australian women with her  forward thinking company, TOM Organic, and inspired by the mother of invention – necessity – when she herself became a mother, founder Aimee Marks is proud to have created a baby range worthy of the TOM tag. Tooshies by TOM is a brand new, eco-friendly range of nappies and baby wipes that has launched recently.

Developed over the past 18 months by TOM Organic, Tooshies is a six-product collection of nappies and wipes that have been thoughtfully designed and made with sustainable plant-based materials. The wipes also contain organic ingredients and are fully biodegradable.

Planet-friendly nappies are increasingly important; Australian families use around 5.6 million nappies per day, with over 2 billion nappies going into landfill sites in Australia each year. Once in landfill, scientists estimate that nappies take 500 years to decompose, meaning a nappy disposed of this year would not fully decompose until 2516.

We caught up with founder, Aimee Marks to talk about the new Tooshies range and what it’s like being a female entrepreneur.

After changing over 10,000 nappies on my twin girls, I couldn’t find an eco-nappy or wipe alternative at my local supermarket that also had cute designs to bring a little more joy to a nappy change. As a parent you have a responsibility to your children to protect them and their future playground. The concern I felt about the environmental impact my family was having on the planet encouraged me to craft, and then produce, a better option,”

The Tooshies by TOM nappies are unique to mainstream nappies as we use the highest percentage of plant based eco materials as possible in the nappy without compromising on performance; mothers have also commented that our nappies are super flexible to promote ease of movement in babies. Our wipes are different to others in the market because they are made with organic high quality ingredients and are textured for a super efficient clean. We also donate a % of sales from each pack sold to the Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia) which closes the social impact loop on our business.

What went into ensuring that your nappies and wipes met your eco-friendly standards? 

Number one was ensure that they were eco and high performing enough to pass the test on our own children. We trialled many different prototypes and have worked with leading nappy and wipe manufacturers to create a design lead, eco nappy that was superior to what we could buy in our local supermarket. We are so excited to have launched another business that has the environment, health and design at the core of it’s mission (to sit underneath the TOMorganic brand)

 

How do you juggle running a business and having twins?

It’s exactly that, a juggle and I’m still learning on the job. It always helps when there’s a lot of passion involved but I couldn’t do it without a supportive team and family.

 

As a successful entrepreneur, what do you think are the top tips for helping others that are looking to start their own business?

• Build a story not a business
• Passion is number one
• The greatest innovators do much with little so work those early resourceful days to your advantage
• Just do it!

 

Tooshies by TOM nappies and baby wipes are available nationwide at Chemist Warehouse, selected Coles and independent supermarkets. For more information visit www.tooshiesbytom.com.au