Wach Nomberg’s pitch in the video above.
A local startup might get a chance to cash in on the Katie Couric effect.
Jennifer Nomberg, owner of online children’s clothing shop Gandzee, was featured Wednesday on Couric’s talk show in a contest called “Mothers of Invention.”
The “Katie” segment featured three moms who started their own companies: Nomberg, 39, of Richmond, who sells seasonal mix-and-match ensembles for kids, as well as the makers of a specialty handbag and an additive-free popcorn line.
Though she did not win the $10,000 prize, Nomberg said her business has seen a bump from the national exposure.
Gandzee lets customers order outfits for children. (Photo courtesy of Gandzee)
She said web traffic on Gandzee.com has increased “20-fold,” although she didn’t have specific numbers on hand Monday. And she’s having her best monthly sales period ever – even better than the back-to-school shopping rush.
“It was a whirlwind experience,” she said.
Nomberg started Gandzee about nine months ago. Before a “Katie” producer found her company online, Nomberg’s business had been growing through word-of-mouth, along with some local marketing and social media.
She operates Gandzee out of her kids’ playroom. She does the majority of the work herself but snags help from an intern, her husband and other family members as needed.
Nomberg said she envisions securing a larger space and some full-time employees in the future, but, for now, she prefers to keep the business “a family affair.”
Gandzee’s four-piece collections start at about $99.
The company is the latest local online startup to get some national TV exposure in recent months. Rainraps, a Richmond apparel company founded last year by Stacy Struminger and Rachel Teyssier, landed a spot on the “Today Show” in September with Matt Lauer, Couric’s former co-host.
Couric, far left, and Nomberg, second from right. (Photo courtesy of “Katie”)
Wach Nomberg’s pitch in the video above.
A local startup might get a chance to cash in on the Katie Couric effect.
Jennifer Nomberg, owner of online children’s clothing shop Gandzee, was featured Wednesday on Couric’s talk show in a contest called “Mothers of Invention.”
The “Katie” segment featured three moms who started their own companies: Nomberg, 39, of Richmond, who sells seasonal mix-and-match ensembles for kids, as well as the makers of a specialty handbag and an additive-free popcorn line.
Though she did not win the $10,000 prize, Nomberg said her business has seen a bump from the national exposure.
Gandzee lets customers order outfits for children. (Photo courtesy of Gandzee)
She said web traffic on Gandzee.com has increased “20-fold,” although she didn’t have specific numbers on hand Monday. And she’s having her best monthly sales period ever – even better than the back-to-school shopping rush.
“It was a whirlwind experience,” she said.
Nomberg started Gandzee about nine months ago. Before a “Katie” producer found her company online, Nomberg’s business had been growing through word-of-mouth, along with some local marketing and social media.
She operates Gandzee out of her kids’ playroom. She does the majority of the work herself but snags help from an intern, her husband and other family members as needed.
Nomberg said she envisions securing a larger space and some full-time employees in the future, but, for now, she prefers to keep the business “a family affair.”
Gandzee’s four-piece collections start at about $99.
The company is the latest local online startup to get some national TV exposure in recent months. Rainraps, a Richmond apparel company founded last year by Stacy Struminger and Rachel Teyssier, landed a spot on the “Today Show” in September with Matt Lauer, Couric’s former co-host.
Couric, far left, and Nomberg, second from right. (Photo courtesy of “Katie”)