Meet the Maker: Erin Kimmet of Thirsties, Inc.

Posted by Bryana on May 24, 2010

Meet the Maker: Erin Kimmett of Thirsties, Inc.

The cloth diapering industry has grown at a steady pace in the last decade, but sometimes with all the busyness we don’t get a chance to know a lot about the makers of the products we love and use.

This is the first of many more “Meet the Maker” segments at Cloth Diaper Blog. The MTM posts will highlight a single manufacturer of cloth diapers and cloth diapering related products.

Our first “Meet the Maker” feature interview is with Erin Kimmett of Thirsties, Inc.; her interview responses had me grinning the whole way through – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!

If you aren’t already familiar with Thirsties, Inc., they manufacture and an extensive line of cloth diapering products, like the Thirsties DUO Diaper, Thirsties Diaper Cover and their refreshing Thirsties Booty Luster.

Their product line is focused, yet innovative, making cloth diapering more comfortable for baby and easy on caregivers.

CDB Interview with Erin Kimmett

CDB: What is your most memorable business experience so far?

Kimmett: “Purchasing our current warehouse–a formally dilapidated, through architecturally fantastic, 1924 auto repair building. It was risky, but we’ve made it into a solar-powered, gleaming showcase of cloth diapering astride the Arkansas River!”"

CDB: What is your most frequently asked question about your line of products?

Kimmett: “‘Will my hands get dirty?’–Nah, most questions are about affordability and ease of use.”

CDB: If you could start over, what would you do differently?

Kimmett: “It’s really been a wonderful learning experience, kind of an MBA and Computer Science degree via trial by fire. I have no regrets about how I’ve gone about things.”

Thirsties cloth diapers are manufactured in the USA.

CDB: What do you consider your biggest achievement?

Kimmett: “Making the commitment to manufacture in the USA. It has been immensely challenging, but well worth it. I could be profiting much more if I went to China or another cheaper overseas location, but in the end I know it’s best for the country and for my conscience!”

CDB: If you had to name one all-encompassing theme of your business’ product line, what would it be?

Kimmett: “Real darn pity diaperthingies. Just joking :) Socially responsible, sustainable Cloth Diapers that live up to their promises!”

CDB: How many employees do you staff?

Kimmett: “6 employees and 20 contract sewers.”

CDB: If you manufacture, do you do it locally? If not locally, what is your relationship with the manufacturer?

Kimmett: “Yes! Our diapers are cut and sewn in Denver. Over the past 5 years we have developed a strong partnership with our wonderful sewers, most of whom are moms themselves.”

CDB: Do you still have children in cloth diapers?

Kimmett: “Nope! Although my husband still keeps asking me if I can make a special cloth diaper that will allow him to go for hours-long bike rides without stopping”

CDB: When did you begin your business? Any fun stories about starting on a shoestring budget?

Kimmett: “In 2004, I started off cutting and sewing my own diapers in our tiny house in Denver not knowing if anything would happen with my idea. Most everyone thought I was nuts. The best part was explaining innumerable times why I felt the business would work when everyone would question me. ‘People still use cloth diapers?’”

“Creating my first website was, um, comical. Not exactly too sophisticated.”"

“Taking the still foundering business from Denver and moving it to Canon City–and hopefully the next level of success–because we couldn’t afford warehouse space in Denver in 2005 was pretty funny. The house we bought in Canon had a super large RV garage/manly-man car restoration shop, and when we told the sellers that we were going to convert it into a diaper warehouse, they kind of laughed. And of course asked, ‘People still use cloth diapers?’”

“Way back when, I recall being first introduced to the ‘World Wide Web’ during my last days of my senior year in high school. And I remember thinking, ‘Oh for crying out loud, I’ve got to get out of this place. What in the world is this and how is it ever going to be useful to me?!?’ Here I am years later with total reliance on the internet and all its wonders.”

CDB: Is yours a family business or partnership? (Who are the partners – if relevant?)

Kimmett: “Family”

CDB: Any new products or changes on the horizon we can anticipate?

Kimmett: “Yes! Always something new. Just out…Duo Diapers in Prints, Duo Hemp Prefold, Stay-Dry Duo Insert, Deluxe Diaper Pail Liner, Deluxe Diaper Duffle. Watch for some new Thirsties Diaper Cover prints in June and the new Duo Fab Fitted in July!”

CDB: Care to share the funniest incident/phone call/request ever received?

Kimmett: “My all time favorites are “I ordered this morning and you advertise “SAME DAY SHIPPING”. Why have my diapers not arrived yet?’ and ‘Can you make a custom diaper for my dog?’”

CDB: What has been your most difficult challenge in designing this product line/growing this business?

Kimmett: “Sourcing the raw materials! And keeping up with I.T. glitches. But it has been enjoyable overall always.”

CDB: What is your product’s greatest features?

Kimmett: “Our magical poop demolecularizer (coming in 2025). In reality–our signature leg gussets! And sizing that truly fits!”

Contact Information for Thirsties, Inc.

Owner’s Name: Erin Kimmett
Business Location: 429 South 9th Street, Cañon City, CO, 81212
Online URL: www.thirstiesbaby.com
Brick & Mortar Location: Same address as above.

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