For many parents, the early years of raising a child are filled with both joy and constant challenges.

For entrepreneur and Mount alum Julianne Gardner ‘09, those everyday struggles became the inspiration behind her company Bottimals.

Gardner explains that her journey began at home, not in a boardroom.

“Having kids really inspired me to start thinking about how I could create solutions to make a mom’s life easier,” she said.

After the birth of her first child, Gardner began documenting daily challenges in a journal. When she couldn’t find existing products to address those issues, she started developing her own solutions.

One of those challenges was when her son refused to take a bottle, which led to the invention of Bottimals’ flagship product, the Bottle-Lovey. What Gardner initially viewed as a personal struggle turned out to be a widespread issue among families, ultimately inspiring her to turn her idea into a business.

The product combines a soft plush with a standard baby bottle attachment, allowing babies to experience a familiar scent during feeding even when their mother is not present. According to Gardner, many parents report that incorporating the product into their routine helps create a calmer, more comforting feeding environment.

Turning her idea into a reality required several key steps. First, she worked with a seamstress to create a physical prototype, allowing her to test the product in real-life situations.

From there, she built a network of entrepreneurs to help her find a manufacturer capable of producing the product on a larger scale. She also gathered feedback from other moms through local groups, using surveys, photos, and videos to refine her design.

Like many first-time entrepreneurs, Gardner faced significant challenges along the way.

“The biggest challenge was figuring out how to be a business owner,” she said. After years in a structured corporate role, she suddenly had to manage everything—from legal and financial responsibilities to daily operations—on her own.

Despite the steep learning curve, she adapted by teaching herself new skills and seeking guidance when needed.

Looking ahead, Gardner had ambitious goals for Bottimals. She hopes to expand her product line and eventually open retail stores that go beyond traditional shopping spaces.

Her vision includes creating spaces designed to support families and give children a place to play, not just sell products.

For Gardner, the most rewarding part of her work is the impact it has on others. She frequently receives messages from parents sharing how her product has helped their babies feed more easily.

Her story highlights how everyday challenges can spark innovation, showing that solutions to widespread problems often begin with personal experience.