Kwany Lui Shares the Story of BundleOrganics

Mitera sat down with the inspirational Momtrepeneur, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Bundle Organics, Kwany Lui to learn all about the brand and what she's learned as a CEO.

We are in love with Bundle Organics, tell us about the story behind it!

Absolutely! Bundle Organics is a line of organic juices that are pasteurized and specially designed to address the unique nutritional needs of expecting and new moms. The juices are made with organic fruits and veggies, plus an extra bump of essential vitamins like iron, calcium, vitamin D, omega 3, and folic acid to support baby’s healthy development.
 
I spent many years working for a large consumer packaged goods company and in particular, on an organic brand of cereals and granola bars. Working on that brand completely changed my grocery and eating habits. I started purchasing organic food, joined a CSA (community supported agriculture group), drank raw, fresh-pressed juices and eventually started doing my own juicing.  Two years ago while I was living in New York City, a lot of my friends were going through their first pregnancy and struggled to get the right balance of nutrients in their diet.  It was a surprise to me that prenatal vitamins don’t meet 100% of a pregnant woman’s daily vitamin and mineral needs. I had thought the prenatal vitamin was the end all be all! So I teamed up with my co-founder, John Mascari, to create a solution for expecting moms to get the extra nutrients they need in a tasty juice designed just for them. Alas, Bundle Organics was conceived! 

What exactly makes Bundle Organics ideal for pregnant women and new mothers?  

Our juices are unique because they are pasteurized so that they’re safe for expecting moms, and they are fortified with OBGYN-recommended nutrients that complement daily prenatal vitamins. The juices were designed with a leading OBGYN and prenatal nutritionist to include just the right amount of nutrients to complement those that pregnant women are already getting from a prenatal vitamin, like folic acid, while also providing those that might be more difficult to obtain, even in a well-balanced diet, such as calcium, iron, omega-3, and vitamin D. Additionally, all the nutrients in our juices are good for pre-conception and breastfeeding too! 

What have been the reactions from your customers so far? 

It’s been terrific!  We’re only 18 months old and we have distribution across several eCommerce platforms (our website bundleorganics.com, amazon.com, diapers.com, etc.) and retail stores (Babies “R” Us, Buy Buy Baby, etc.).  We’re thrilled to see that expecting and new moms are looking for healthier options and value products designed just for them to help support their nutrition.  

Tell us more about yourself.  How do you and your husband/partner juggle all the demands of your careers and a new business? 

”Juggle” is the keyword there! We’re still trying to figure out how to juggle it all. Even though my husband also has a very busy career, I am lucky that I have a true partner in life. We acknowledge that our contributions to the household and family isn’t always going to be 50/50. If I’m really busy, he picks up the slack and vice versa. As Sheryl Sandberg says, “the single most important career decision that a woman makes is whether she will have a life partner and who that partner is.” I absolutely wouldn’t be able to juggle my business and career aspirations without my supportive spouse. 

Will you share with us what you have learned so far as a female CEO? 

You have to be resilient. Being a female entrepreneur/CEO is a humbling experience and you have to be okay just shrugging things off. You are going to get a thousand No’s from suppliers, partners, investors, etc. before getting to one Yes. In the past, I was always afraid to speak up and ask for what I wanted. But then I realized that I can’t be the one telling myself No before anyone else does. You have nothing to lose and only everything to gain so be persistent!    

Also, try to set boundaries between your work and your personal life.  It’s easy for one side to bleed over to the other.  For me, I try very hard to be fully present and focused at whatever activity I am engaged in – whether it’s at work or with my family.  I’m never going to be perfect but I strive to be present.  

What’s next for Bundle Organics? 

We’ve been working on a new product line and partnership that is going to be announced in a couple of months! I can’t wait for you to try it! And over time, we hope to continue to expand our distribution and launch more new products for expecting and new moms!   

What would you like any expecting or new mother to hear?
Pregnancy and the first 6 months after baby’s arrival can be a very happy and also very stressful time. For first-time moms, you’re probably inundated with information from friends, family, and blogs on what is right or wrong. And everyone seems to have a different and conflicting opinion! Aside from ensuring you’re eating healthy and exercising, be aware of your emotional health. There are a lot of pregnancy support groups (i.e. Meetup groups, expectant mom events, etc.) where you can build a network of expecting and new moms who are experiencing the same issues and challenges as you. You’re not alone!