Jill O'Meara Photography

Erica Hargaden

Founder of Babogue and a Certified Child Sleep Consultant

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your business or career?

My name is Erica Hargaden. I am the founder of Babogue and a Certified Child Sleep Consultant. I work with families 1:1 but I also developed Ireland's first online child sleep program called the Sleep Series which has helped over 5000 families in 37 countries to sleep better. I am a mother of 3 myself and my journey with their sleep has very much inspired me to do what I do.

What inspired you to start your business or career in this field?

My first child did not sleep and honestly the experience nearly broke me. Everywhere I turned for help I was met with blank faces. No one seemed to have the answers on how to help me. In the end my mother stepped in and helped me to work on his sleep & i never looked back. I went from being woken every 45 to 60 mins to getting a full night's sleep and that was transformative. I never wanted another parent to feel the way I did. So I embarked on a journey to understand child sleep and transitioned into helping families full time.

Can you share a defining moment or challenge that shaped your journey?

My friend and work colleague at the time had twin boys who were 6 months old. She sat down in front of me and the tears blobbed down her face - she was exhausted. The boys were waking every hour overnight and she was drowning in sleep deprivation.  She asked me for my help and together we transformed her little boys into super star sleepers. Later, her husband jokingly said to me that I should be doing it for a living and the light bulb went off - I knew what I had to do next!

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your professional life?

My parents. Both were highly successful people in their careers and life together. My father built a large construction company when he was alive and was driven to his core. We learned the value of a hard day's work and that nothing comes too easy - you have to work for it. My mother was a huge support to my father and to us growing up. She was the rock of the family upon which everything was steady. I am very proud of my family, what it has achieved & who being part of it shaped me into.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? 

Seeing a family go from sleep deprived to thriving. When you first meet a parent they are often at their lowest ebb and feel like they have nowhere to turn. By the end of our 3-4 weeks of working together they are sleeping, their child is sleeping and they are in such a better place.

What motivates you to keep going during difficult times?

I know that what I am doing has value. I know what it feels like to be sleep deprived & if I can help just one person to a better place then it is all worthwhile.

Do you have any favorite quotes or mantras that inspire you?

Oh lots of them. But, the one that I am focusing on at the moment is from the mighty Blaise Brosnan 'What gets measured gets done, what doesn't get measured doesn't get done!

When you're not working, what are your favorite activities or hobbies?

I am a runner. I absolutely love to run. Challenging myself to run brings me great joy and I never regret a run!

You have experienced a photoshoot with Jill , what was it like for you and do you see yourself different now ?

It was empowering. Jill captures your soul when you do a shoot with her. She has photographed me both professionally (on 2 occasions) and also personally with my family. I love all the pictures she has taken of us.

Who is the perfect client for you?

A parent who knows that they need to make change & trusts the process of working with a sleep consultant to achieve that.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a businesswoman?

Apply for everything & make the phone call. Hiding behind your desk expecting things to come to you is very misguided - you have to get out there, network & hustle

What’s next for you and your business or career?

Babogue is working on a growth plan at the moment that will open up a new product suite in the B2B sector. I am really looking forward to 2025 and the potential involved in our plans.

How can people get intouch with you? www.babogue.com ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-hargaden/ ; @wearebabogue