October 15, 2007
Business has womb to grow
BUSINESS PROFILE: Show me D Baby gives parents sneak peak of their baby.
By MARIE EKBERG PADILLA
COLUMNIST
Business name: Show me D Baby
Owner: Wajma Cisneros (interviewed) and Kym Hicks.
Address: 1701 Corporate Drive, Ste C-5, Ladera Ranch.
Phone: (888) 674-6963
Web site: www.showmedbaby.com
Type of business: Elective, non-diagnostic fetal ultrasound.
When it opened: July 2007
Describe your business: The 3D and 4D ultrasound allow expectant parents to see the baby in the womb. It's a bonding that is priceless. It takes about 15-30 minutes and we record the whole session on a DVD set to music.
It's not coming to a cold doctor's office, but is instead an entertaining experience. You build memories forever. You see both 3D images in color, which are still images, and 4D images in color, which are live motion. We've had babies yawn and wave at us. If the expectant mother is coming in for one session, we recommend her doing it between the 26 and 34 pregnancy weeks.
Why did you start this business? My business partner Kym came up with the idea when she was pregnant with her son four years ago. She went and had the 3D/4D ultrasound performed and after asking the facility many questions decided this would be a great business opportunity in addition to something she would enjoy doing. A few years later, she approached me with the idea and we utilized space in my husband's office in Santa Ana to get our business off the ground.
I have five children and she is a mother of three. I love children and what better business to get into than this.
Your background/education: I assisted my husband when he opened his chiropractor business. I used to be a personal trainer and in the past worked in business development and sales. I have a BA from California State University, Fullerton.
How long did it take you to get from idea to open doors? Once Kym approached me, less than a year. We had to take extensive ultrasound classes in 3D and 4D technology from General Electric.
Did you write a business plan? Yes and it is being redeveloped now since we are going into contract with Hush Baby clothing stores to open a Show me D Baby in every new Hush Baby store. We're on the fast track of franchising.
What is your advice to other business owners? To stay true to your heart and do something you are passionate about.
What is the biggest challenge running your business? Being able to balance business with family. My family comes first.
What is the most rewarding? Enjoying what I do. My passion is children and my dream is to one day be able to have the means to open orphanages in the U.S.