Connie Babikian – 20 Under 40
The Pillow Bar
33 | SMU and UCLA
In 2021, Connie Babikian purchased The Pillow Bar, a custom bedding and linen company based in the Design District.
“Becoming a mother during the height of COVID forced me to reevaluate every aspect of my life and accelerated my career shift from the corporate world to entrepreneurship,” she said. “I’d always dreamed of running my own business and, after several months at home with a new baby, realized there’s truly no time like the present to make a change.”
She says she’s never looked back. Some of her brand’s offerings include pillows, bedding, bath towels and mats, and loungewear, including the “Dream Team Favorite” Daydreamer Down Robe.
Her career began as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs’ private lending underwriting team. After getting her MBA from UCLA, she moved back to Dallas and worked for Hunt Consolidated in various roles in the company’s oil and real estate divisions.
Her volunteer experience includes working with SMU and on the Texas Women’s Foundation board.
“The Texas Women’s Foundation is dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women and girls in our state,” Babikian said. “Their work has never been more important, and I’m inspired by them every day.”
She urges other young professionals to treat everyone they meet respectfully and not compromise on values, describing Dallas as “a small town masked as a big city.”
“I’m a big believer in knowing your ‘why,’” Babikian said. “We all want to be part of something meaningful, and a shared purpose is the strongest motivator.”
In 10 years, she hopes to be leading The Pillow Bar into another decade of growth and “bringing great sleep to a new generation of buyers.”
What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?
We have a French bulldog named Tater that runs our household.
What is your favorite local restaurant or shop?
My husband and I have a standing Thursday night reservation at Neighborhood Services on Lovers Lane. It’s hard to beat their cheeseburger and dirty martini!
What would you tell an 18-year-old you?
Don’t be afraid of a challenge. You are stronger than you think, and every failure brings a lesson to learn. It will all be OK. Also, please drink more water and take your vitamins!
Who’s your biggest inspiration and why?
My parents. In every facet of their professional and personal lives, they are dedicated to bettering our community and lifting others up.
What’s on your bucket list?
Teaching my three kids to sail in my husband’s hometown in Maine.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
I started working in the Hunt Oil mailroom during my middle school summer breaks. I’d start the day sorting mail in the basement and then walk each floor delivering mail to employees. Over the course of the summer, I’d met just about every person in the building and learned their name and usually something about them personally. I learned the importance of face-to-face connection and truly getting to know those around you.
If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?
Cliché – but Pillow Talk seems particularly applicable!
