According to the Center for Women’s Business Research, there are over 10 million women-owned businesses in the United States, generating over $2 trillion in annual revenue. Women are starting businesses at nearly twice the rate of men, and founder & president of Puppy & Bean, Laurel Krueger, is a great example of a local mom turned entrepreneur.
Laurel Krueger never envisioned celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe and her husband Rodger Berman holding a Puppy & Bean onesie just months after launching the Dearborn-based online baby and toddler t-shirt company. In her first year of business, she has shipped apparel across the United States and orders keeping rolling in. Krueger wanted to create cute, soft, fun yet simple t-shirts fit for these complex little creatures. “Boo Who” can be found on a t-shirt for a little goblin. Others include “I DO IT,” “Silly Bean,” “I was clean when I started” and “Chunky Bean.” Krueger is operating the business out of her home and was recently selected by Google to represent the State of Michigan as a Michigan Small Business. In an online video promoted by Google, Kruger states “the only way to survive is to be online.”
Prices for Puppy & Bean apparel and accessories range from $7.50-$24.00. In the next three years, Krueger hopes to expand her line to include toddler and children’s long-sleeved shirts, pants and pajamas. For now, she has her eye on the holiday season and the Oscars. Puppy & Bean was invited for the second year to participate in the gifting suites prior to 84th Academy Awards.
This holiday season, it’s ok to shop online from www.puppyandbean.com, because your items will be shipped from Dearborn! For me, I am going to commission the “I’m Indecisive” t-shirt in an adult size. “Yes” on the front and “No” on the back.