In this episode of the MaYapinion® podcast, Maya Roffler sits down with Kelly Yabsley, founder of Messy Baby Co., to talk about the reality of bringing a physical product to market and what happens when you've built something that works but people still don't know about it.
Kelly shares the story behind Messy Baby Co., a product born out of motherhood frustration and innovation after experiencing constant baby blowouts with her daughter. What started as cutting up onesies and experimenting with panty liners became a patented product designed to solve a very real parenting problem.
But creating the product was only the beginning.
This episode dives into the challenge many founders face after launch: getting the right people to actually see, understand, and buy what you've created.
This is a true MaYapinion® conversation. Maya doesn't just listen she gives her honest, strategic take on brand awareness, organic marketing, audience connection, and why founders often struggle with sales even when their product clearly solves a problem.
Together, they unpack the difference between marketing activity and marketing effectiveness, how to connect emotionally with your audience, and why community-building is often more powerful than paid ads in the early stages of growth.
This episode is especially valuable for physical product founders, mompreneurs, and early-stage entrepreneurs who feel stuck between having a great product and figuring out how to consistently reach customers.
Building a product is one challenge. Building awareness and trust around that product is another entirely.
What You'll Hear in This Episode
Kelly's journey from frustrated mom to inventor of Messy Baby Co.
How a real parenting problem led to product innovation
The reality of navigating patents, manufacturing, and COVID delays
Why product-market fit doesn't automatically equal visibility
Kelly's experience trying trade shows, influencer outreach, and marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart
Maya's MaYapinion® on why sales feel "icky" for many founders
Why clearly identifying the problem your product solves changes everything
The difference between organic marketing effort and effective audience connection
How Facebook groups can become powerful community-building tools
Why founders should engage as humans first, not just business owners
Maya's MaYapinion® on using TikTok Live to build trust and connection
Why emotional connection drives purchasing decisions
How micro-influencer partnerships actually work (and what founders get wrong)
The importance of making buying simple and frictionless
Why building a brand culture matters as much as building a product
How community, conversation, and trust lead to sustainable sales
Connect with Kelly Yabsley:
Website: https://www.messybabyco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Messy-Baby-Co/61555258904073/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/messy_baby_co/
Connect with Maya Roffler:
Podcast Website: mayapinionpodcast.com
Website: https://mayapinion.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayaroffler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayapinionpodcast
Email: mayapinionpodcast@gmail.com