Women2watch interview: monica banks

​
Our Women2Watch highlight of the month is the one and
only Monica Banks! Monica’s found her success in the baby
industry, so Remodista sat down with her to learn what makes
her tick. Read more for all the details she shared.

---

Who are you, what do you do, and for whom do you do it?

I am the founder and CEO of Gugu Guru, the first baby product discovery site to deliver unbiased and perfectly matched product recommendations for new and expectant parents. The site also just launched a Concierge service. Gugu Concierge is the premium offering of the brand, where parents are matched with professional Baby Planners who work with them to deliver the most personalized help for registry and beyond. I like to think of it as a "stress-free start to parenting." The new service is your go-to for baby specific needs. 

How did you get to where you are now?

Prior to launching Gugu Guru, I was a consultant in the mom and baby space. During my consulting days, I saw that there was a trifecta of problems: 

1. Parents were extremely overwhelmed with the number choices in the category and the amount of shopping research required.
2. Brands were struggling to fight through the noise and get in front of the right parents who need their products. 
3. Retailers were scratching their heads as to how to deliver personalized service in a scalable way. 

I was inspired by the ease and interactiveness of online quizzes (like the ones you see on Buzzfeed) and thought, “they should really do this for baby registry.” That was my big “aha” moment! 

Why are you doing what you're doing?

Gugu Guru is really about delighting expectant families. I feel that having a baby is such a wonderful thing, and it’s a shame that registering causes expectant families so much stress. I wanted to make the process of finding products much more personalized—and even fun!

What’s your advice to aspiring Women2Watch?

Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. It seems like such a simple piece of advice but it’s hard to do. Each day I have to force myself to put blinders on and not look at a competitor or another entrepreneur and think, “they’re more successful” or “they’re doing it better.” The fact is that everyone struggles through building a business — in fact, there’s a saying that every overnight success takes about 14 years. There are good days and bad days, victories and defeats for everyone. Someone very well might be looking at you and saying the same thing you’re saying to yourself. Just put one foot in front of the other and stay the course.

​Inspiring words. Thanks, Monica!

What's Next?
Do you know an inspiring female business leader or entrepreneur who should be honored on our “Women2Watch list? Are you one yourself? Submit her name (or your own, we encourage it!) to be recognized! Nominate a Woman2Watch here.