As headlines focus on tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty, a quieter story is unfolding behind the scenes.

It's the story of thousands of small manufacturers, toy makers, and baby brands doing whatever it takes to keep their businesses alive.

Many of us have already spoken to reporters about the challenges. We've shared how tariffs have depleted cash flow, disrupted sourcing, and forced impossible decisions. Those stories are important.

But that's only half the story.

The other half is resilience.

While larger companies have resources to weather uncertainty, small brands are relying on grit, creativity, and determination. We're exhibiting at trade shows, even when our booths are overshadowed by bigger competitors. We're creating content, calling retailers, managing inventory, and finding new ways to connect with customers.

We're rolling up our sleeves and getting back to the basics of building businesses.

Every day, small manufacturers across the country are making difficult choices simply to keep moving forward.

There's no dramatic headline in that.

No viral moment.

Just real entrepreneurs working hard to preserve the businesses they've spent years building.

A group of approximately 40 creators, mostly in the toy and baby industries, meets quarterly to support one another through these challenges.

This week, many of us are gathering at the Astra Marketplace in Milwaukee, WI, where we will share the same retail floor as larger competitors while continuing to fight for space on store shelves.

We understand the reality we face as we pitch our products to specialty retailers from across the US, all small business owners themselves. Many of these retailers have been forced to make difficult purchasing decisions, which often includes eliminating the small brands. With some consumers are trading down to lower-cost alternatives, our task is getting ever more difficult.

Many small businesses are operating with less margin for error than ever before.

Yet we're still here.

Still innovating.

Still showing up.

Still believing that thoughtfully designed, independently created products deserve a place in the market.

The story of small business right now isn't simply about what we've lost. It's about what we're doing to survive—and why we're determined to keep going.

About Baby Paper

Founded by Sari Wiaz, Baby Paper is a sensory toy brand known for its crinkly baby products sold through specialty retailers and online across the United States and internationally.

Phone: 847-272-5588

Email address: marketing@babypaper.com