Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Mendoza
Hi Sonia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I arrived in the United States in 2018, my life wasn’t easy. I worked various jobs, from construction to cleaning and customer service, until I found my true passion: caring for children. It was during this time that I realized many children had sensitive skin, just like me. However, I was surprised to find that high-quality products for sensitive skin were incredibly expensive.
This discovery inspired me to create CLÖUD BABY in 2021. I wanted to provide soft and accessible products for children with sensitive skin. But soon, I faced a problem: I had no experience or sufficient funds to build a brand. So, I took on two additional jobs, working seven days a week to save money for my first product samples and branding.
The process of turning my dream into reality was long and challenging. It took almost two years from conception to launch. But I didn’t give up. My determination and passion for helping families care for their children gently and sustainably kept me motivated.
Initially, no one believed in us. I took product photos from my home, as we lacked models and budget for content creation. My friend Valentina and sister María, also nannies, helped me create flyers, distributing them in parks, museums, and places we visited with the children in our care.
I recall our first photo shoot; we practically begged parents to lend us their children for photos. Today, after immense hard work, people from all over the United States reach out to be the face of CLÖUD BABY.
CLÖUD BABY is thriving, selling online and at our Lenox Square Mall kiosk. Our range includes bamboo pajamas, muslin blankets, and silicone dinnerware, all designed with love and care for sensitive skin.
I feel fortunate to have turned my passion into reality and help other families care for their loved ones gently and sustainably.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. My journey with CLÖUD BABY has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. As an immigrant who arrived in the United States in 2018, I faced numerous challenges.
Initially, I struggled to find my footing in a new country. I worked multiple jobs, from construction to cleaning and customer service, just to make ends meet. But it wasn’t until I discovered my passion for caring for children that I found my true purpose.
When I decided to launch CLÖUD BABY in 2021, I encountered a new set of challenges. With no experience or sufficient funds, I had to take on two additional jobs to save money for my first product samples and branding. Working seven days a week was exhausting,I’ve cried more than I’d care to admit and a thousand times I’ve wanted to give up, but my determination and the love and support of my friends and family kept me going.
One of the biggest struggles was convincing others to believe in my vision. Many people doubted me, and I faced rejection after rejection. But I refused to give up. I took product photos from my home, created flyers with my friend Valentina and sister María, and distributed them in parks, museums, and other places.
Our first photo shoot was a humbling experience. We had to beg parents to lend us their children for photos. It was tough, but it made me more resilient.
Additionally, navigating the complex world of entrepreneurship as a non-native English speaker presented its own set of challenges. From understanding business regulations to marketing strategies, every step felt like a steep learning curve.
The journey hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth it. Every obstacle has taught me valuable lessons, and I’m grateful for the resilience and determination that has carried me through.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
CLÖUD BABY is more than just a business; it’s a reminder that we’re all capable of turning our dreams into reality if we work hard to achieve them. As a petroleum engineer graduate from Venezuela, I thought my limited English skills would restrict my opportunities for a good life here and hinder my ability to achieve my dreams.
However, my experience as a nanny taught me that passion and determination can overcome any obstacle. CLÖUD BABY was born from my desire to provide soft and accessible products for children with sensitive skin, after seeing the need in my community.
We specialize in sustainable apparel and products made from bamboo, organic cotton, and food-grade silicone. Our mission is to make parenting a little easier while caring for the planet. What sets us apart? Our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. We believe every family deserves the best, regardless of budget.
I’m proud of how far we’ve come, from humble beginnings to thriving online and in-store sales. But what truly fills my heart is hearing from happy customers whose children’s skin has improved thanks to our products.
I want your readers to know that CLÖUD BABY is more than just a brand; it’s a community. We’re dedicated to supporting families, promoting sustainability, and inspiring kindness. Our offerings include bamboo pajamas, muslin blankets, and silicone dinnerware, all designed with love and care.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Some of my favorite books include:
• ’The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’ by Robin Sharma
• ’Rich Dad Poor Dad’ by Robert Kiyosaki
• ’Atomic Habits’ by James Clear
• ’Unbreakable’ by Daniel Habif
• ’The 5 AM Club’ by Robin Sharma
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cloudbaby.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudbaby.us/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cloudbaby.us
Image Credits
Credits: Isabela Carlota
