Motherhood: Nursing & The Vintage Honey Shop

I'm on my second round of nursing. I don't know if it's been the break between Kai and Titus that has thrown me off, but nursing this time around has had far more challenges than even I expected. Not to mention I did deal with several post-partum struggles that set me back (I.e. Intense anxiety, mild depression, and regularly feeling overwhelmed)...

However! An unexpected blessing came through a shop that I've admired, followed (via Instagram), and loved since I stumbled upon them a few years ago. The Vintage Honey Shop specializes in teething and nursing necklaces for the everyday mama AND awesome ones just for dads too! I know they truly are the bees knees (humor me, you'll feel the same way promise). 

A few months ago I was accepted as a brand rep for the VHS, which was pretty fantastic as I've had the privilege of watching this small business bloom by the hands of two phenomenal women. From receiving my first necklace to purchasing more, this journey has made my time nursing Titus much more intimate and precious than I could have imagined. 

 

Here are my top reasons why I love VHS nursing necklaces: 

1. They're durable | though made of fabric, they've kept up with Titus' tight gribs, yanks, and constant gnawing.
2. They're easy to clean! | simply soak your necklace is warm soapy water and air dry...that's easier than my regular daily loads of laundry.
3. They're beautiful | I'd even slip in versatile. I've received so many compliments from others whether I'm in the store or just walking along the street. The patterns are gorgeous and match practically anything. Did I mention they have solid colors too!!
4. They're handmade | If you've been apart of my blog for some time you know I love small shops and always will. 

 

In the moments where nursing is the last thing I've wanted to do, I'll be honest and say wearing my necklace calmed me and reminded me of the gift I have to share with Titus right now. It's not a miracle necklace...but it is one that reminds you to stop, pay attention, and don't miss this moment. Cause before I know it Titus will be running faster than I can catch him and we'll be into the next season of this beautiful life. 

Shop Talk Feature: The Vintage Byrd

As the seasons finally change I am extremely grateful that new and wonderful small businesses are budding as well (see what I did there)! A dear Instagram friend has recently opened her shop: The Vintage Byrd filled with gorgeous one of a kind clutches and bags. I'm already a sucker for a great pouch or bag that I can compartmentalize all of the toys, snacks, and other items I carry regularly - so I could not help but share this shop with you all. From the maker to the product, read all about the beginnings of this shop as well as the awesome discount on the several new items just put up! I hope you enjoy and support this wonderful maker and watch this shop take flight.

Q: Who is the maker behind The Vintage Byrd?  

A: I have been sewing and quilting for about 10ish years now. I started out teaching myself how to do most everything. When I've come across new friends who are talented and willing to teach me their ways, I soak up their teachings like a sponge. My dream has always been to open a shop of some sort and sell some of the creations that I make. Over the past few months my husband and I have gone through a devastating loss and to keep myself busy i just started sewing again-and didn't stop. I have found it's where I talk to the Lord and have found peace through this whole ordeal. I started sending pictures to my mom and sister in laws and their responses were an overwhelming unanimous 'start selling your stuff!!!' So here I am...with my passion of creating.

Q: What is your creative catalyst?

A: I like to be different. So I try to make up my own patterns and designs to make the fabric that I use more unique and fun. That's really all there is. I don't use patterns-they trip me up. So everything I make is in my head and just comes out in the form of what I'm making. I'm always dreaming up new bags or ideas of things to sew and sell, so check in with me frequently to see what's new! I'm always open to suggestions and custom orders because they open up new creative avenues to explore.

Q: What has been your biggest seller?

A: So far my best seller has been the Lil' Bre. My sister in law really wanted a clutch, but wanted a smaller version of the one I was carrying (the sideways Azzey). So I whipped one up and she's loving it!

Q: What is your advice for small business owners? (Top Three) 

A: My advice to other small business newbies: {to quote Nike} JUST DO IT. Get your support system and go. Even if it fails, you need to try.T here's no sense in living the 'what if' life---that's just a waste of the beautiful brain the Lord has blessed you with.

You can find The Vintage Byrd on etsy as well as Instagram! For you, the shop has given each reader a discount! Use code GRANDOPENING10 to receive 10% off of your order until April 17!

Shop Talk: Truly Sanctuary

The season is now upon this wonderful blog where I get to really share more and more about small businesses and their endeavors! Truly Sanctuary is a small business run by a husband and wife duo that have taken screen print shirt designs to another level. I have had the pleasure of following them through Instagram and they are hilarious. Not only do they run their business they have two beautiful girls who allow their lives outside of business to show. It's always amazing to watch how families navigate business and their own lives - they even share a bit about that too!

Currently they have an IndieGoGo Campaign going on to raise funds for their micro-boutique out in PDX! Check out their video and help them along their way. I know you won't regret it! 

Q: How is it managing family and small business? 

A: Juggling family and a business is awesome, easy, hard and weird. I love not having the additional burden of convincing my boss, switching a shift or loosing money, when something comes up and I have to take care of myself or my family members. Though sometimes it means a workday without breaks or pulling an all-niter to play catchup, having flexibility to be there for my family is huge. What gets hard is expecting your kids to get when it’s playtime and when it’s work time. It’s hard to get them on board with you getting things done that don’t include them, especially when they’re physically in the same room. It’s getting easier now that they’re in school. I have more uninterrupted time to get things done. They’re also realizing that most of their friend’s parents leave the home to work and we have some unique things to be thankful for.


Q: What has been your biggest seller?

A: As far as our most surprisingly biggest seller, I’d say “Take a Hike”. It was even featured in People magazine last year. It’s one of my favorite designs, so I didn’t assume people would hate it…it wasn’t surprising in that sense. I just sort of doodled it in like 5 minutes. I was living in florida at the time and really missing the Pacific Northwest. The Take a Hike Design was simply a reflection of what was on my heart and it came out naturally and simply. I just never imagined it meaning anything to anyone else really.

Q: What is your creative catalyst?

A: Our Creative Catalyst…Ourselves! We design things we would put on our bodies, or our children’s. Not designing for the masses is probably not going make us millionaires, but it does allow us to connect with most people who interact with our business. Finding connection with like-minded people makes this gig more fulfilling than other jobs I’ve had, for sure!

Q: What is your advice for small business owners? (Top Three) 

A: If you can see working for yourself as the payoff and not working for money as the payoff, I believe you can have a really fulfilled experience. Be self taught in as many things as you can. There is so much free information out there. Pay people whose strengths are your weaknesses, don’t pay people to do things you can do or learn to do. Oh and excellent photography sells. A beautiful high quality image will sell your stupidest product. It will get blogged, pinned and re-posted…IF…it doesn’t have a watermark. I think sometimes they look cool and I can tell a lot of care went into the creation of them. Watermarks do worse marketing wise than make you look legit or protect your work in my experience. The people you want sharing your products online find them detracting from the feel they’re creating on their blogs, Pinterest boards and Instagram feed. Unless the product your selling is the photography itself, I’d skip the watermarks/copyright.

You can connect with this shop right here!

Indiegogo Campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/trulysanctuary-microboutique/x/826473

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/trulysanctuary

Instagram: @trulysanctuary 

Twitter: @trulysanctuary

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrulySanctuary

Shop Talk Feature: Love Like Red

It has been quite some time since we've had a nice Shop Talk feature and I'm so happy that a shop I've been following since last year has not only done a major facelift, but has truly become all that I knew this shop could be! I stumbled upon Melissa on Instagram last year and fell in love with her unique art and style, though she was just really getting her bearings for Love Like Red, I new she was going to become something phenomenal. Time has taken its course and Melissa has not only debut her new shop, but is ready to share what she has been doing as well as her gift. From how to say thank you or just because, Love Like Red has exactly the card you're looking for! Please read, check out her site, and purchase some stunning stationary (with a great discount of course!).

Q: Share a little about yourself:

A: I work out of my home studio in Victoria, BC, Canada, having moved here a little over a year ago. Inspired by life’s soft and quirky nuances, starting a line of greeting cards seemed like a very natural progression in creativity. I prefer pen to paint but love the challenge in exploring new mediums which (in my humble opinion) has led to a really beautiful collection of work.

I've always been a crafty and creative kid, it seemed inevitable that I would pursue a life of making things although I took a lot of detours before arriving here today. And right alongside making art has been my insane love of making and giving cards to friends and family. What joy to be able to bring the two together! Of course, being able to translate my artwork and illustrations into accessible forms of art for others is what drives me to keep going.

Q: How did Love Like Red get started? 

A: It really just happened so naturally. When we moved to Victoria we bought a home with an extra room specifically for a studio space for me. Once I got in there and had the time and space to create, Love Like Red just poured out of me. Technically, LLR started August 2013 but officially it just opened this past week (Sept. 8, 2014). When Carmen first approached me last year to do this interview I agreed because I was excited but it turned out I had no idea what I was doing. I couldn’t answer these questions with
any certainty. Fast forward less than a year later and I have a plan! It’s been a lot [a lot] of trial and error but I never lost the belief that I was on the right path.

Q: What do you love most about running a handmade business?

A: That I’m my own boss. I left high school early : ) mostly because I have always struggled with doing things on other peoples schedule and being told how to do it. I love that the success of my business solely depends on me and that I get to decide on how to structure my days, how to offer my work to the world and that it is a chance to share a small piece of my own world with others. I’ve never really fit in to any one thing or group or ideal so having something that is completely my own to sculpt and craft feels good and natural.

Q: What has been your greatest small business achievement thus far? 

A: I don’t know if there is one thing in particular. I am proud of myself for having the courage to do something that still seems a bit crazy. The market seems to be saturated with small creative businesses especially in paper and stationery but it is so much a part of me that I have to do it. This whole process has been challenging and I think about quitting at least 6 times a week but that would be like thinking about quitting life and we all know that is not an option. In all honesty, there hasn’t been a lot of specific achievements but I carry on believing that it will all come in time and with a heck of a lot of hard work! I’m ready for it.

Q: What is your advice for small business owners? (Top Three) 

A: You are not the only one who has no idea what you’re doing — everybody is faking it til they make it. So do that.

Love Like Red is offering all of my readers a special discount starting today until next Wednesday!

Use PROMO CODE: blueswallow14 for 15% off any purchase over $25

Thank you so much Melissa for sharing not only your shop, but who you are! I hope that you all will visit her shop and share it with others! Have an amazing handmade day friends. If you would like to feature shoot me an email!

Shop Feature: Dainty Revelations

It has been some time since we've had a Handmade Shop Feature! I've saved this one for too long, but am nonetheless excited that this feature will not disappoint. I met Jenn through my first mug swap, where she showered me with chocolate, a mug (my husband and I fight over...), and beautiful handmade gifts that I use regularly. To my pleasant surprise, Jenn shared that she had a blog and also a shop (to add to the list of hats she wears daily!!). She was more than happy to share a little bit of who she is with you and her love for what she does. I hope you are inspired and enjoy this feature, as well as check out her other daily adventures at Dainty Revelations!

My name is Jenn, and I'm a work at home mom of 3 boys under 5. It can get pretty crazy - both because, well...3 boys, and because I love to collect projects (see my list of jobs on my blog - you'll see what I mean!). We live in

WNY (near Buffalo & Niagara Falls) with my awesome husband and our two pretty kitties.

How long have you been doing this (drawing, sewing, etc)?

I've been crafting since I was a kid, sewing and paper crafting since high school, and crocheting for about 5 years. Everyone once in a while, I'll pick up a new craft-related hobby (this year's is embroidery, last year's was painting, the year before was jewelry making). I'm kind of ridiculous like that!

What is the catalyst for your shop (i.e. passion, inspiration, etc)?

For most of my life, people would say things to me like, "I can't believe you made this!" and "You could totally sell these!". The problem I had was that I could never settle into a niche. I didn't want to just make one thing, and name a shop in a way that would limit me. I am a jill of all trades lady (have you picked up on that yet? Haha!) I finally had the idea one day to just make things I love and add copies of them to Etsy, and that's how Love Forward was born. I like thinking that I'm sending a little bit of love out into the world!

 

When did you open your shop?

I started the shop in August of 2012, but didn't officially launch it until November 2012. It was fun - I learned a lot that month. Getting started in the middle of Christmas shopping season was both good and bad. I had great success right off the bat, and it was easy to find the items that people liked purchasing the most. But it also set expectations that were kind of unreasonable for the rest of the year. As I said, it was a learning experience, for sure! Maybe don't start your own shop during busy season ;)

What are you favorite supplies/items to use?

I am so addicted to yarn and fabric - their colors and patterns just speak to me! I love color. Lots of bright, ridiculous color!

What type of items do you sell/offer? Can you purchase custom items?

My most stocked and best selling items are my bow coffee cozies. I love mixing color combinations for holidays and seasons and then seeing what people love. You can ALWAYS find my bow cozies in the shop, but since I list what I love at the moment, you can also find other little things at any time - reusable handwarmers, handmade cards and jewelry, Christmas ornaments, and other little art. I've got some big plans for some fun embroidery pieces and colorful garlands coming this summer, and even more for the holidays. I'm so excited about my shop this year! And yes, unless I post a note because of a vacation or something big happening in life, I'm happy to take custom orders - especially for my bow cozies!

How can people purchase your items? (website info)

Love Forward is on Etsy, here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/loveforward and you can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram for sneak peaks, coupons, and sales!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoploveforward

Instagram: http://instagram.com/loveforward

Shop Talk: Mercer + James

 

 Welcome back to Shop Talk, where not only do I have the opportunity of featuring new businesses, but also get to really discuss what has allowed them to thrive. Recently I was approached by an exquisite business, Mercer + James. This marriage duo has taken a refreshing perspective on timeless men's grooming and accessories. From quality to new trends, they seek the finest products for their clientele. Not only do they provide quality products, their website is also catered to how to get the best results with their products!

 

As Mike and I looked through their product line, he pretty much highlighted the whole thing as idea hints for future gifts (he doesn't drop subtle hints). It's my great pleasure to share that not only will Mercer + James be here on Shop Talk, they will also be helping me celebrate my upcoming three year anniversary next month with some fantastic posts! Please enjoy their simplistic sleek view.

 

 

 

Q: If you could give a brief overview of Mercer + James and how it began.

 

A: Mercer + James is a luxury line of men's grooming and accessories, but it really evolved out of my husband's search for a great shaving set.  The market seemed to be full of either low-quality products that would break quickly, or overpriced "high-end" brands. We decided that if we couldn't buy what we wanted, we'd design it for ourselves. Before we knew it, our home was filled with samples and drawings, and our kitchen was brimming with concoctions as we searched for just the right elements to represent what we think men's grooming should be. Designing is a fun thing that we can do together, and it's an added bonus that we get to share what we find with the world.

 

Q: What is your creative catalyst?

A: Many designers and stores want to redefine a person's look, or take over their whole routine. Our creative impulse is to enhance. Whether that's switching out a single grooming tool to make the morning shave more enjoyable, or adding a dapper hat to someone's normal outfit to elevate their natural style, it's all about making little enhancements that improve the daily experience.

 

 

Q: What makes Mercer + James so unique? (This could be from your creative perspective, how you engage your clientele, who your clientele is, etc)

 

A: While other shops and brands like to run after fads and create throw-away fashion, we are ultimately into simplicity.  We think that basics, when created with great precision and high quality, make for the best style. You'll never see products from us that run after a fad or are covered with embellishments; we'd rather create beautiful shaving sets, hats, and other items that will look fantastic for years to come. 

 

 

Q: How do decide what products to incorporate and what not to use?

 

A: Everything we make and sell are things that we ourselves use. Sometimes we designed them, and sometimes they were a great find from our travels together.  Either way, we let the collection be an extension of our own tastes - if we think a trilby hat can turn jeans and a t-shirt into something more, then we go about designing the best trilby hat possible. If we ourselves can't wait to use a product, we know it will be good for Mercer + James. 

 

 

Q: What are your inspirations for your line? (fashion, era, etc)

 

A: We don't want to get stuck in nostalgia, but there is certainly something magical about the style and objects from the Roaring 20's. Shaving tools especially were a wonder to behold - made with incredible care for both quality and design. In a modern world where everything is disposable, we like to draw inspiration from a time when each object was made like and heirloom piece. We also collect vintage shaving objects, which we sometimes showcase in the "Vintage LTD" section, and they provide huge inspiration for material and detail in the shaving sets we design.

 

 

 

 

 

Freshly Picked Moccs: Boy Approved

When I first started using Instagram, I kept seeing these posts about "Moccs for a Year" and 1). I had no idea how to repost the image and 2). This post was everywhere! Finally it led me to Freshly Picked Moccs and I'm truly glad that though I didn't win the "Moccs for Year," I have been continuously inspired by the type of small business Susan Petersen and her team have built over the years. There is something to be said about a company that has transcended the culture of children's fashion along with creating a genuinely intimate relationship with their clientele.

So when I had the opportunity to do a review on the Freshly Picked Moccs, I couldn't pass it up (and a million thank you's for this). I figured that for this review I would break it down from my entire experience. So I will be covering the following: Customer Service, Presentation, Item Quality (fit, durability, workmanship), Cost or "bang for your buck" and, Cons.

Customer Service: I actually contacted Freshly Picked after seeing their request for bloggers/partners to review and/or do giveaways with their product for 2014. Within about 48 hrs or so one of their staff, Stefanie, emailed me back. She was extremely friendly and personable through the entire process. Sent me the forms I needed, and extensively asked me if I needed anything to contact her. Truthfully I was probably asking too many questions, but she obliged me nonetheless. After receiving my final email for the moccs I received them right on time for this review and yes...giveaway!

Presentation: The moccs came in a manila packing envelope and the beloved muslin bag with the logo and pin. Is it okay to say I was really excited? I mean I made sure I had time to sit down and soak in the fact that I was about to unravel the drawstring and see my little chocolate moccasins? The presentation is simple, but you don't really need a lot going on with these little sewn beauties. Plus, I like that you have something to place the moccs back in. My husband is a shoe freak and insists on daily shoe care (I'm not joking) so he was even impressed that we could put the shoes away after each use - mind you this may last this week unless my husband remembers to put them back in the bag...

Item Quality: This is my favorite part... I know that the concern undoubtedly about Freshly Picked is the fact that they are expensive. Which often is why people may opt to buy a cheaper version of them (but I will touch on this at the end). However, these shoes are 100% leather and machine stitched by a real person.

• Fit: I was afraid that my son's long and narrow foot wouldn't fit properly into this type of shoe. As instructed I used the foot graph provided to determine his size. When I placed the shoes on his feet, they fit exactly like his best pair of shoes he normally wears. After two days of non-stop wearing (and I mean this kid didn't want to take the shoes off) I noticed how the shoe has begun to mold to his foot. I also noticed that they did not once come off, which has been a problem with slip on shoes for him. 
• Durability: Kai ran, skipped, jumped in these shoes for two days. I purposely had him in the grass and mud to see what these shoes were made of. Not only did they survive my little boy's 18 month adventures, they cleaned up nicely. Mind you this is leather, so wear and scuffs may occur - however, there are leather cleaners/restorers available if you're neurotic about keeping them a certain way. I will allow the photos to speak for themselves. Kai did not hold back at all.
• Workmanship: Before even placing them on Kai's feet I looked at them. My grandmother was a professional seamstress and though I am not, she taught me what she knew. The lines are crisp, there are no loose threads, the cuts and seams are done to handmade perfection. There is a flap in the mid section of each shoe for the foot to breathe, which is great since the shoes are leather and I'm sure can cause stinky feet. I am being extremely truthful when I write this (I did not get paid promise). These are quality shoes...hands down. If I've learned anything in life, you get what you pay for whether you spend $20 or $60 (unless you're thrifting). 

Cost: Are Freshly Picked Moccs really worth it? That's the real question. I know, I got my first pair for free. However, I struggled with this as I've genuinely loved this company and the humility to support and grow others who share the heart of small business. I can honestly say that I would buy a pair after this experience (you can hold me to that). Yes that's $60 for a pair of shoes for a child. In the interview I had watched a while back with Smart Creative Women, I was intrigued by Susan's remark that her moccs are "unapologetic-ally expensive." You don't say something about a product you don't believe in. There is a sense I get about the entire community of Freshly Picked lovers that tells me it's not just the moccs that keep you coming back...it's the company of loving mothers and a CEO that actively gives back to the same people that have supported her. So are you just buying moccs? Not really. You're buying a piece of a dream and a vision. You're buying a mother's ability to teach her child the same principles that will one day allow them to do the same for their children. Sure you can buy the cheaper version, and there is nothing wrong with that don't mistake what I'm saying. However, I've noticed that even other moccasin makers pay homage to Freshly Picked. It isn't always necessarily what you say about yourself that creates your reputation.

Okay so lastly the Cons: The only two cons I have to this product would be there aren't grips on the bottom of the shoe to create traction. Though Kai is an excellent walker, I did notice it took him a moment to figure out how to walk in the moccs. I was afraid (because as a first time mom I'm always afraid of something) that he was going to fall, but he didn't and was able to make it work all on his own. The second con I don't know necessarily if it is, but if your child has rapidly growing feet you may want to purchase these shoes early on from 0-6 months or at an age where you can really get some use out of them. 

These shoes are perfect for infants/toddlers where heavy sole shoes are not always the best option as your child is learning the art of balance and walking. I will note that I do believe these shoes are designed for this age range. Just a little side note.

I hope that this review is helpful to you as you make your own decision at the brink of purchasing a pair of moccasins. As with any purchase, it's an investment. These shoes I would refer to as heirloom investments, pass them on to a dear friend or your next child...they'll last.

This product was provided by Freshly Picked, however, the opinions and photos are solely mine. Thank you so much again to Uplifted Photography for the photos!!

LET'S GIVEAWAY NOW!

Now the best part, it's you turn to enjoy a pair of your own!! Enter below and check out my Instagram on how to have a bonus entry! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shop Talk: Brave Ones Apparel Co.

Shop Talk is a new series I hope you'll enjoy. I've always been told there is power in sound advice, and that has never steered me wrong in life. Learning from others not only helps you grow, but also encourages those who share their life experiences with you. It takes courage on both ends. I will be honest, I cried when doing this interview. I stumbled upon Brave Ones Apparel Co through my second social media home - Instagram. The bold prints and seriously unique take on style captured me something serious! After contacting the owner, she was more than willing to talk about her shop and being a small business owner. In the near future I will be having the privilege to do a review on an item of theirs! Please check them out, go follow their creative journey on Instagram, and be as enamored as I am with the heart behind BOA Co.

Brave Ones Apparel is simply about being Brave. About showcasing who one truly is through expression of wardrobe. For many years our kids would come home telling us that they were picked on because of their hair, the way they spoke, or simply because of what they were wearing. They just didn't feel cool enough or confident enough. We needed to fix that. We think we've accomplished that. We aren't saying that we have single-handedly stopped bullying. We are just giving our kids and many others that extra boost in confidence to stand up for themselves and say, "Well this is me! I don't care what you say!" Plus they look pretty damn cool in the process, if you ask me. ha ha!

Q: Who is the BOA Team:

A: Our team is mainly made up of two people. My Husband & I. I run the business & sewing side. I search for new talent to introduce to our line and new artist. I find pretty amazing people who are so eager to jump on board with us and get their art seen and known. In return they have actually helped us attract more people and I am truly grateful for that. My husband is the book keeper and my supporter. He helps me decide WHAT we spend our money on and when or things we may need to cut out. I have an idea overload at times. I want to make everything and do everything and sometimes it's not that practical. He helps me weed out the potential business sinkers and keep us afloat. If it were up to me, I'd have fabric on all corners of this house and we'd be swimming in it! ha ha! I swear! We have been searching for brand ambassadors & photographers who we consider our team members. They help us out a lot. We are humbly amazed by their love and support. 

Q: What type of items do you currently sell?

A: The items we sell range from 100% Organic Apparel, Nursery Decor, Home Decor, Baby Essential Items for both Mom and Dad. I have found a few places this week over in the UK that have amazing wears! I never knew people could have such an amazing outlook on clothing for kids. Oddly enough, our clothing line fit right on in. We love textures and designs. We wanted our product to be one of a kind, unique and just crazy enough that people wanted to buy it for the originality. We love simplicity and we love creative spunk. I believe our brand is a mixture of all things Wonder, Cool, and Simple.

Q: How Did You Begin Your Shop? 

A: Oh Wow, That's a funny yet crazy story! We started our business back in June of 2013. We were called Peu De Nelly's (A Little Of Nelly's) named after our daughter, Penelope. We sold leggings, some top,s and headbands but for some reason, Carmen, it wasn't clicking! I wasn't truly happy with the name or what I was doing. I didn't feel inspired enough to continue with the name or with what we were selling. The positive thing was that we were selling. Just not what I felt was good enough. So, we changed our name to Alexzandor & Penelope; Children of The Tribe. We switched to all natural goods, organic wear, knitted wear, bath and body and things went great! Our business florished and yet, the name wasn't speaking loud enough. I thought, "Seriously? I named my business after my kiddos, how cliche is that!" I wanted something to scream, LOUD! So I sat and pondered about what I felt could get people's attention. November of 2013 we opened an Istagram account and in Decmeber we changed our name to Brave Ones Apparel. We ended up calling our selves BOA Co. We changed our names a total of 3 times within one year and we went from having 40 followers to 1100 within 4 weeks. I later realized that when I first started, I was trying so hard to be like everyone else. What was selling on Etsy or on Facebook, what my friends were selling and I wasn't truly embracing my weird self. Then I told myself, "Now that's enough! You don't get anywhere by trying to be like everyone else, so quite the bull and be you!" I found my niche. I found people just as equally weird right there on Instagram. I made friends with some amazing people along the way, Tom over at Mimobee, Andy at Indie Nook , Makel at Finomenon Kids , Bianca at Little Pop Studio, Roxanna at Naked Lunge , Abbie at Maisie Jayne , (to name a few) and some really amazing bloggers such as you. I fitted in somewhere, I didn't know existed.  

Q: What is your Creative Catalyst? 

A: Our designs are unique. Things we found cool as kids and things we wanted to be. Kids love: Dirt, Sharks, Slugs, Snails, Lizards, Ants... Batman! They find it fascinating, boy or girl. So we figured we would design our clothing line around the unique and funky. We wanted things to be different. Odd enough for people to look at them and think, "WHOA COOL! My son LOVES sharks & he LOVES lizards, I have to buy this for him!" We design things that are not of the norm. That aren't commonly seen on articles of clothing. Especially for kids.

Q: What has been the peak of your small business thus far? 

A: Undoubtedly joining Instagram! I never knew you could create a small business there! The amazing feedback we have been getting and the love! Oh man, the love.. It's astounding. Some people bring tears to my eyes by just being so supportive. We have had over 180 orders since we opened as Brave Ones Apparel {BOA Co.} January 6th 2013. That's not even including the number of items per order! That blows my mind! We have been SWAMPED but the blood, sweat, and tears we pour into our work... they'll see it. They'll feel it when that package arrives. 

Q: Your lowest point in business, and how you made it through.

A: Our lowest point was literally when we initially opened back in June. We barely had any sales and I felt like we weren't good enough. That maybe I didn't have what it takes. I wanted to throw in the towel so many times but my mother helped me. I kind of felt those proud moments from her and it made me want to make her all the more proud of me for not ever giving up. That includes my husband. Every sale, even if it was for the smallest thing, he would say, "WOW! That's so cool! You inspire me." Those words alone kept me motivated.

Q: What is your advice for small business owners? (Top Three) 

A: Wow, You make me feel so accomplised! haha We've still got a long road ahead of us ourselves and it's going to be a fun trip. The advice I would give are all so cliche but alright... 

First and foremost: Please by all means and any circumstance or situation that arise. Don't you put that pen down, Don't you cut off the sewing machine and don't you ever give up. Success is coming, your hard work WILL pay off. Just take a moment to rekindle that dream you have and take a breath. I would be lying if I said things get easier with success, that's a lie. Things will get harder, but much sweeter. You aren't going to get anywhere by giving up on a dream when you're half way there. 

Second: Plan. Plan every move you want to make. Sit down and think about your business name, your business plan, what you wan to sell, what you want to accomplish and who is your audiance. I failed miserably at this, I found my way along the way it was definitely a struggle. 

Last but not least: Budget. Budgeting all your expenses is a must. KEEP track of every item you have sold, whether it is a key chain or a sturdy peace of vintage furniture. Keep track of every cent and every dollar you put into it and received back. People you collaborate with and percentages you give them or they give you. Keep your books balanced and organized. You want to be able to go back to it and understand where your some of your hard earned money went.

Thank you so much for this interview BOA Co. I really hope that you were inspired and down right excited for what is to come for this amazing company! Check out their items and once again see what they're doing on Instagram, I'm just waiting for the new Batman shirt to come out...I'm serious.