From Teacher to Business Owner 

In my years as an early childhood teacher, I had dealt with my fair share of sick kids and runny noses.  But the inspiration for the business began in Brisbane in 2012, when I was a stay at home Mum to 3 small children, on leave from my teaching job.

I saw an ad for the "Snotty" Nasal Aspirator in a magazine.

That Winter, the kids were very congested, especially the baby. It made it hard for him to feed and sleep.  I thought, let's give this product a go!

So I purchased one, and loved it!

"I saw an ad in a magazine, and didn't realise this was going to change the entire direction of my life"

The Snotty Nasal Aspirator was the most effective device I had ever used to relieve a child's blocked and runny nose.

After telling lots of Mum friends and teaching colleagues about the "Snotty", I started to think - "Every family in Australia needs one of these, perhaps I could sell them myself".

I was worried I wouldn't know how to 'sell' or run an online business.  But then I realised: teaching and online sales are very similar - they both require great communication, trust, excellent service, a friendly approach and a passion for your product.  

I knew I had nothing to lose! So I got in contact with the distributor, and my business was born in 2013.

 

 

"I had nothing to lose"

 

We made this "About Us" video via a Digital innovation Grant from the Qld Govt Department of Small Business. I was so nervous on the day of the shoot, but I hope it tells our story in a fun way.....

I hope by reading my story, you may also be inspired to try something different or start your own business - who knows where you may end up! 

A Simple Start

At first, I sold Snottys to friends, family, Mums from my playgroup, and a few local families.  I put up some flyers at local playgrounds and did some letterbox drops. We didn't even have an Instagram account, and Tik Tok was still years away. 

But the business was still growing, and I remember getting excited when I sold 2 Snottys in one day.  If only I knew what was to come.

"I remember getting excited when I sold 2 Snottys in a day. What an entrepreneur" 

I could see there was a niche market for products that would help keep children healthy, so I took the opportunity to source the other products that I already used with my own children - ultrasonic vaporiser, essential oils, white noise sleep machines, digital thermometer, and organic balms.

Our new website was launched in 2014, the product range grew, and we created a Facebook and Instagram page. The sales kept coming every day and so did the happy customers, who would tell their friends about our business.

 

We're Growing and Expanding

Ten years later, snottynoses.com.au has evolved into an established and unique shopping experience, selling high quality gadgets for good health and good sleep - that really work!

The original "Snotty" machine has been replaced by "Snotty Boss" - which is now stocked in over 1500 pharmacies around Australia. We now create all of our own products, including vaporisers, essential oils and balms, and have factories in Taiwan, China, Launceston and Melbourne

As a mother of three, I have spent lots of money on products that were simply not effective or didn't live up to the claims by the manufacturer. That's why I am so proud of our niche range of products.

I understand that what works for me might not work for everyone, but at least you can shop with confidence, knowing that any product listed on "Snotty Noses" has been used and recommended by a Mum!

These products really will make your life easier!  

I love receiving emails and testimonials from satisfied customers, telling me how one of our products "changed their life" for the better. With over 6000 testimonials, we are confident that our products deliver results for Australian families. 

 

"With over 6000 testimonials, we are confident that our products deliver results for Australian families." 

 

I am proud of working with children with disabilities, particularly those with Down Syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis. These children have ongoing nasal congestion issues, and the "Snotty Boss" Nasal Aspirator has been a medical marvel for their families.

 

We're So Proud of the Business We Have Built

We now have a fantastic crew working behind the scenes at snottynoses.com.au. We have a warehouse in Brisbane, and support staff in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore and New Zealand.

I hope you can save time and money by shopping with us.

There are already hundreds of baby and children brands, selling 1000s of products from bottles and prams to cute sleep suits, slings, headbands, shoes and clothing.  

Our brand is different.  Our product range is small and specific - we sell natural solutions to breathe easier. Our products are used and trusted by thousands of Australian families everyday!

We support other Mums in small business through online networks and are proud members of the AusMumpreneur Network, She.com and Roar Success.

"Other Mums often tell me they are inspired by my simple business story."  

I hope by reading this, you may also be inspired to take a leap of faith, embrace your creative or entrepreneurial passions, and start your own business, in whatever industry or niche you love!   

Customer Service is Our Priority

We value each and every sale, and take great pride in providing you with high quality products and excellent customer service. You can be assured that your order will be processed and dispatched in a timely and professional manner, and all orders placed by 8am will be sent on the same business day.

We use Australia Post to help get our products into the hands of our beautiful customers as quickly as possible.  

We are always only a phone call away, if you ever have questions about our products or service, so please pick up the phone:  0424 846 841

Charity Partners

Building strong community links is so important to our business. As a former teacher, I know how many vulnerable people are in our community. We are proud to contribute $1 from each order to a children's charity.

 

  "It's our way of giving back to our community, and one of the best things about operating an online business."  

So far, we have donated thousands of dollars to Red Cross Christmas Appeal, Save the Children Australia, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, The Pyjama Foundation, Miracle Babies, Queens of Hearts, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Hummingbird House and Bears of Hope.

For International Women's Day 2023, we have been proud supporters of the Sophia Mulheran "Empower Women Project"

We are currently partnering with The Humpty Dumpty Foundation and $1 from each order helps us support this amazing organisation. 

The Future is Exciting...

In 2018, we won a Qld Govt Grant for Digital Innovation which allowed us to launch our new website, with a range of new innovations and videos, to help our customers get great results with our products. 

In June 2018, we starred in a "Mum and Baby Flashmob" at Southbank, Brisbane. Check the video out below.  We've been featured in the South City News, Seven News, Sunrise and Studio 10 as a result of this publicity. 

In 2019, we have been a finalist in the Australian Business Champions Retail Award and won Best E-Commerce Store in Roar Awards

In 2020, we won Best Online Store in AusMumpreneur Awards and were finalists in Best Baby Product for Snotty Boss in Roar Awards.

In 2022, Snotty Boss was rated as No. 1 nasal aspirator on Mum's Grapevine and Bounty Baby and Hush won "Best Product Design" Award in Roar Awards Australia.

In 2022, we have partnered with Terry White Pharmacy to expand the access to our products even further.

We continue to be featured in the media across Australia, including our latest article in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Melbourne Age,  F Magazine, Mamamia and Beanstalk Mum. 

Mum Boss Laura was recently interviewed on Australia's Leading Small Business Podcast by Tim Reid. Listen to her business story here.

 

Snotty Noses Expands 

In May 2024, we moved into a big new warehouse in Acacia Ridge in Brisbane. We even have a "boardroom". Very flash!

We are continuing to grow our pharmacy stockists - find the list here.

A huge goal for us in the beginning was to be accepted into trusted baby stores and pharmacies. We are thrilled to announce that Snotty Boss was core ranged into Terry White Chemmart in 2022 and Baby Bunting in 2023.

With a huge following on social media, 1000s of testimonials, new products in development, and a growing team in Brisbane, this year is set to be a big one!

Our Tik Tok channel is our newest social media adventure. Check out all the great content and be sure to follow us.

Snotty Boss Nasal Aspirator is our signature product. We have developed new products which are gaining cult status all over Australia. Little Boss Organic Balms and Essential Oils are market leaders and Hush is the most stylish, long-running 8-in-1 Ultrasonic Vaporiser available in Australia. 

Our team is committed to delivering Australian families with effective, trusted, quality products, that are wrapped and dispatched with love, care and attention.

You'll love our complimentary Tea Tonic sample in your parcel too!

Thank you for supporting an Australian small business. We look forward to assisting your journey to good health and good sleep.

Much love, Laura x