The COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on in-person schooling took a toll on all parents including Naomi Kraut, founder of Fun Mom Band. Her brand started as a creative outlet for her frustration with zoom schooling her two children, a YouTube channel with original puppet songs about “mom rage”. Kraut quickly realized she wanted to make something beyond just videos and set out to create a brand that recognizes and supports moms. She hopes to build a space with Fun Mom Band “where moms can be themselves and feel seen as individuals with dynamic identities — and have fun”. 

Naomi Kraut, who has more than 20 years of experience in education, had no experience or knowledge of developing and producing a sewn good. Once she decided to expand her brand to a product, she started by connecting with Carolina Textile District (CTD). CTD facilitates the collaboration of designers and manufacturers across North Carolina, supporting them through the production process. After receiving an NC IDEA MICRO grant, Kraut created a prototype of what now is the “Mom’s Fanny” with Tsuga, an outdoor gear manufacturer located and sourced in Boone, North Carolina. 

Fun Mom Band has continued to develop with Kraut’s participation in the Launch Chapel Hill’s Accelerator Program. The program is industry-agnostic and supports entrepreneurs at many stages of business and product development. Being a part of the cohort comes with incredible opportunities and benefits including connection to experienced entrepreneurs for mentorship, workshops led by UNC Kenan-Flagler business school faculty and other area experts, 1 year of free membership at Launch Chapel Hill’s coworking space, and much more. The cohort experience also creates a community of diverse entrepreneurs that can be a soundboard for problem-solving and emotional support in the process of business development. 

The Accelerator Program’s Fall 2022 cohort “came at just the right time” Kraut said. After launching the first line of Mom’s Fanny, she needed more resources to expand and amplify her business and brand. The accelerator program helped alleviate what she called the “I don’t know what I don’t know” problem faced as a first-time entrepreneur. Workshops covered every topic including market research and legal aspects, which Kraut stated she “wished she knew at the start of launching a business”. Launch offers a broad foundation of support and “creates a very welcoming environment”.  She has incorporated many program lessons into her business plan including her developed professional pitch deck. She stated that having “different input from business community members with so much knowledge and helpful feedback” was invaluable, as “you’re always pitching your business to different audiences”. Her message to anyone thinking of participating in the Accelerator Program: “One million percent do it. It is a supportive space where you will learn so much and meet people…Start-up life is so tough and lonely, and launch is the antidote.” 

Launch Chapel Hill is accepting applications for the Spring 2023 Cohort until January 5th, 2023. The program will begin in February and runs for 14 to 16 weeks. Both teams and individuals can apply from any industry. The application can be found here and any questions can be sent to Acting Executive Director Tim Flood through email: tim@launchchapelhill.com  

Since launching Mom’s Fanny, the product has expanded its line with four denim washes available now for the holidays. Other products like pins, mom essentials, and brand merchandise are also available for purchase on her site. When asked about the future, Kraut described the possibility of creating Fun Mom Band events. She has the idea to organize and facilitate social events that create support networks and fun spaces for moms. She also hopes this leads to showcasing other entrepreneurs and creators that are moms.