en
Canada
WEConnect International certified woman business owner and award-winning entrepreneur, Majda Ficko started her business, Baby Butz, as a result of her experience as a mother. Her son, Demitri, had been prone to diaper rash for years. He was born prematurely with a rare genetic condition called Cornelia de Lange, which requires him to use a feeding tube for nourishment and wear diapers for life.
Early on, Demitri suffered from terrible diaper rash that often led to infection. Majda tried numerous over-the-counter creams, but none seemed to work. Moreover, she found that many creams for babies on the market contained chemicals like formaldehyde in addition to perfumes and dyes.
She decided to work with a chemist to create exactly what she needed. She started doing research, approaching doctors and asking them, “Tell me what I need.” In the end, Majda and the chemist created an all-natural, safe, alcohol-free and perfume-free diaper cream that works.
“I didn’t make the product to sell,” says Majda. “I made it for Demitri. I remember how relieved I was, knowing he could sleep through the night, rash- and pain-free.”
In fact Majda had no plans to manufacture and sell her diaper cream, but Demitri’s doctors kept encouraging her to share the formulation so it could help other babies and children. Majda was convinced, and Baby Butz was born.
Majda started small by selling the cream in pharmacies. She leveraged one deal into another and incrementally grew the business. Eventually, Baby Butz received the gold standard NPN license from Health Canada as a certified natural product, which led to satisfied customers from Manitoba to Hollywood, from Chicago to China. Today it’s on the shelves of major retail stores.
Along the way, Majda joined the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba, who in turn encouraged her to apply for WEConnect International certification. Eager to get her product into international markets, Majda went for it. Once certified, she was able to attend a trade show in Chicago and grab the attention of Walgreens and WEConnect International Corporate Member Walmart.
“The WEConnect International logo catches the eyes of big players, Majda says. Buyers want to know if you are a diversity supplier, and they want to see that you are certified.”
Majda is excited for the future of her company with plans to expand her product line with a cream for adult rashes and an all-natural sunscreen.
Majda Ficko was named a WEConnect International in Canada WBE of the Year on Nov. 13, 2015!
