From a young entrepreneur, selling candy and baked goods, to a busy mom designing modern and durable baby essentials in upstate New York. Meet Thema Frangias, the founder, owner, and designer (and everything in between) of KTJBaby. Learn how she found her calling and why using natural, organic, and locally sourced materials are so important to her.
NATURAWL: Thank you for taking the time to chat with me, Thema. I wanted to start out by telling you how much I love your handcrafted products (my baby does, too). I especially admire how important it is for you to use organic, non-toxic, plant-based materials for your goods. KTJBaby definitely aligns perfectly with our vision at NATURAWL. We are very proud to offer your goods to our ethical conscious consumers. I'd love to hear a little about your backstory and how KTJBaby came to fruition.
Thema: I would say that the birth of KTJBaby was inevitable and began when I was just a child. I have always been quite opportunistic and entrepreneurial. I never celebrated Halloween as a child or really consumed the sweets, but I sure did collect all the candy I could. A week later, I would turn around and sell it to my sugar deprived 8-year-old peers. Then around 10, I had a pillow business in which I had my first introduction to selling wholesale and door to door. With a lot of guidance from my mother, she would shove me into a store and I would pitch them my pillows. It was terrifying but very valuable. I learned about margins, and the basic wholesale jargon to eventually work my way into several small local boutiques and hospitals.
The next big venture was once again back to food but direct sales this time. I made about $2000 off of brownies in a couple of months in high school. This venture began because a friend offered me money for my brownies which I was sharing every day. My wheels began to turn. I would like to say this was my first introduction to branding. I started carrying the brownies around in Victoria Secret bags for the simple fact that they were sturdy and it was what I had on hand. But I became recognized by these pink stripe bags and soon known as "The Brownie Girl". People I did not know would rush up to me asking to buy my brownies! In between all of this, there were plenty of other little ventures but this should give you the idea of the foundation that was being built. When I found out I was expecting, I attempted to continue going to school for as long as I could but it just was not feasible. I was blessed with a fairly healthy pregnancy, but I had just about every full-blown symptom. Exhaustion, back pains, puking three times a day, even passing out. It just was not physically possible to continue. Yet the contrast of studying and working 24/7 to have nothing to do was unacceptable for my brain; so I began to sew. I started to sew everything I could for my son until there was nothing left to create.
I then made a few bibs for an expecting friend and she LOVED them. This was a very different bib than what I sell now but of course, my wheels began turning. I had a pretty dead Etsy shop that I put zero effort into. Why not list some of my bibs there? And that's just what I did. I had no intentions of starting a business, I just wanted to make some extra pocket cash to keep creating. Well, customers decided otherwise. I would eventually have a few sales a week. Nothing crazy but considering I did absolutely nothing to promote my shop, I knew I had something. I began to refine my product, I created a more appropriate business name, opened up a Facebook page and began to promote my shop. Things really began to take off. Eventually, a store had approached me asking for wholesale information. I was shocked but ready! Fortunately, I knew exactly what to do and my margins were right. After much refining of the product (the bandana bib has been through over six revisions!) and really making sure it was something that aligned with my values, I opened up my business to wholesale and now have products in about 50 boutiques around the country.
NATURAWL: As silly as it sounds, I have to admit that I was initially drawn to your business because the name, KTJBABY, reflects both mine (K) and my son's (TJ) first name initials, but after investigating further, I realized that the core values of your business aligned perfectly with NATURAWL. I guess some things are just meant to be! Is there a story behind your business name?
Thema: When I created my business name, I was purely trying to create something that was optimal for an online business. Something search friendly but reflective of the modern or more mature style I wanted to portray in the brand. The three letters are an abbreviation of my name, my son's father's name and the "J" is for junior. If I had more children, I didn't want the rest to feel left out.
NATURAWL: Can you tell us about the natural materials you use for your teething rings and bandanas and why using organic, non-toxic materials is so important to you?
Thema: Selecting the materials I use today was a LONG process. The bandana bib itself had gone through 6 pattern and material revisions during the early stage of the business. My son was the perfect tester for my bandana bibs as he was a very heavy drooler. He soaked through almost every bib I used including my own. So I sourced over 20 samples of terry cloth to finally find the one I use today. I had finally created a bib that would keep him dry all day! I also wanted to make sure that the terry cloth was organic, as this was the portion that is rubbing against the child's skin. I eventually started using more and more organic cottons for the prints as well and now offer a fairly wide variety of 100% organic bibs. The terry cloth is sustainably grown and made in the USA. Using as many USA made materials and businesses for my products is really important to me because this reduces the amount of miles traveled before the bib arrives in mama's hands. The snaps I use are the most secure ones I've found and are made and sold by a small family run business right in the US. I did quite a bit of researching when I went on to upgrade my labels and those are made by another Etsy seller in the US as well. The wooden rings are made only a few states away and are CPSIA compliant. I wanted to create products that made me feel good and that I felt comfortable using on my own child. The textile industry can be quite wasteful and toxic and we only have one planet! Even in my own practices, I am quite weary on reducing waste. I use the tiny bits of terry cloth, that I cannot re-purpose for sewing, to clean. I donate all other scraps to a local quilter. I try to reuse packing materials, buy in bulk, and utilize materials efficiently. I focus on doing the best I can while still maintaining the quality and price point.
NATURAWL: How do you select which patterns to use for your fabrics?
Thema: I like to keep several factors in mind while choosing fabrics. Quality and function always come first, so I tend to stick to prints from the same designers and distributors that I trust. My personal style really is definitely reflected in KTJBaby as well. I love to find prints that are timeless yet trendy. Longevity of style is just as important and longevity of the item itself. I am a bit of a minimalist
and firmly believe in purchasing only products that I totally love and will use; this is something I want to provide in each and every piece I create.
NATURAWL: So tell us, what's next for KTJBaby? What can we expect to see from your business in the near future?
Thema: As I grow I plan on becoming more "green" in my processes and materials. One example of this is to utilize recycled cardboard for the retail hangers. I had sought out recycled options when creating my initial design, but unfortunately, this would have cost more than the bibs themselves! As I scale, this will eventually become an option that won't hurt customers' pockets. By the end of this year, I would like to have accomplished this as well as getting a workspace outside of my home. This way I can possibly bring on a small team and create opportunities for others in my community. I look forward to connecting and working with more like-minded businesses to bring moms and dads products that work, feel good to purchase and will last through multiple children!
Thema resides with her family in Buffalo, New York.
Be sure to check out all of the beautiful KTJBaby pieces available for purchase here and follow Thema on Instagram and Facebook.
Your comment was posted successfully! Thank you!
NEED ESSAY WRITING ?
Save your time and get your essay written by a professional writer.
We can cover any topic on any subject in the blink of an eye.
Top homework proofreading website for mba cdchr.
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Leadership essay tips
Cover letter informatics pdf
Pay to get top dissertation chapter
Model student essay
Journalism essay writing service
Jian business plan builder
Apa parts of a research paper
essay for mba drzmf[/url] article ghostwriters site for university uktug[/url] college seniors examples vkbun[/url] why long gaps in resume ikzmu[/url] b219d3fWrite a love letter to your husband
Turabian dissertation editor southern california
Custom dissertation proposal editor website for university
Best creative essay proofreading site au
Do my professional creative essay on hacking
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
professional college essay on presidential elections draqx[/url] english essay prompts hamlet acpfd[/url] word essay being late army xxhyu[/url] add custom page template zvdvg[/url] gsb essay 1 pnjer[/url][b]Top homework proofreading website for mba cdchr[/b]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essaypro review[/url]
Mechanical engineering assignment help
Professional dissertation introduction proofreading sites ca
Cover letter grocery store manager
PaperHelp.org Review
homework proofreading website for mba cdchr[/b] essay on healthy lifestyle pkoir[/url] new world and gattaca cinema studies essay e filmbay ix 03 html hmxuz[/url] essays ikggg[/url] air radio personality cover letter bjlje[/url]]
https://vimeo.com/studybay5
https://images.google.dk/url?q=https://edubirdie.review
https://maps.google.co.th/url?q=https://edubirdie.review
Essay on a raisin in the sun
официальный сайт[/url] account creation[/url]Persuasuve essay topics
Apa style cite book chapter
http://globaldir.org/Studybay-(Studybaycom)-Editing-and-Custom-Writing-Service_201133.html
https://google.com.py/url?q=https://edubirdie.review
Mla handbook for writing research papers pdf
Siddhartha essay prompts
Professional admission essay writer service for phd
https://www.fabini.cz/blogs/pod-poklickou/evoluce-nadobi?comment=66209415204#comments
https://www.openenglishprograms.org/node/5?page=4586
https://tahititrader.com/blogs/news/tahiti-trader-noni-ipad-giveaway?comment=76535955510#comments
Top homework proofreading website for mba cdchr
hcm support resume gdfzp[/url] university masters essay assistance cczks[/url] to write advertisement in hindi zaafh[/url] cheap essay on shakespeare vpyxh[/url] homework proofreading website for mba cdchr[/b] thesis integrated marketing communication ifbez[/url] paper writers services pdvuw[/url] admission essay ghostwriter service for mba ikesq[/url] personal essay ghostwriter websites online kulhh[/url]http://www.liftgeluk.nl/politie/?unapproved=317094&moderation-hash=6336b32f1acfcc0fe04ab7ce869ce5f1#comment-317094
http://padukai.com/socialmediamarketing/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=28884&p=91278#p91278
https://natural-cosmetics.dn.ua/products/tverdyj-dezodorant/#comment_149847
]
homework proofreading website for mba cdchr[/b] of a resume for some reentering the workforce cndlq[/url] instructions for authors cover letter wfzeh[/url] on is world being a global village a reality auxyd[/url] inventory resume ooayd[/url] my cv into resume iplce[/url] plan for communication companies kfaah[/url]Rowlandson captivity narrative essay
Resume strengths weakness
How to write a persuasive essay quickly
http://engineersspot.com/activity/p/3274/ Casino guru rich palms, casino guru login. However, its founders are gambling enthusiasts who, in their own words, have perennial experience both playing and running virtual casinos. https://www.kojofour.com/community/profile/btccasino2164968/ Real money online casinos with free play chips, real money winning slots. Are you wondering what the best bitcoin casino in 2019 is?. https://tiger-syndicate.com/groups/casino-with-slot-machine-in-scottsdale-az-casino-with-slots-near-tracy-ca/ Casino with slot machine in scottsdale az, casino with slots near tracy ca. It is only when real information is provided during a signup procedure a casino would come to know your identity. https://biminnovation.com/activity/p/89437/ Watch casino full movie free online, watch casino royal free online. Withdrawals of up to 1 BTC are almost immediate, while larger transactions can take up to 60 minutes. https://travelcostarica.today/activity-streams/p/27700/ Jackpot hit movie casino, jackpot hit in movie casino. This principle certainly applies to Bitcoin casinos. https://motosportrider.com/community/profile/btccasino10353252/ Free no deposit online bitcoin slots, free no deposit bitcoin casinos new zealand. The site also encourages you to try skin trading through third-party websites. https://mnherpsoc.org/forum/profile/btccasino39133893/ Real bitcoin casino india, real bitcoin casino with real money. Instant Payouts Best Customer Support No Minimum Deposits Read Review. https://ebonyinventions.com/community/profile/btccasino12041758/ Lock it in slot machine, lock it link slot game. Spinia is offering new players the chance to get their hands on 25 no deposit spins using our exclusive link. https://virtualhealth.com.ng/groups/login-bitcoin-casino-snai-login-bitcoin-casino-voglia-di-vincere/ Login bitcoin casino snai, login bitcoin casino voglia di vincere. This site has thousands of crypto games to choose from, including some developed by the 1xBit software team itself. https://neuroboxing.cl/community/profile/btccasino20592060/ Online bitcoin casino no deposit codes 2020, online bitcoin casino no deposit bonus mobile 777spinbitcoin slot.com. One of the more interesting details is the chat button on the right side of the screen. http://www.itsadogslifepetdaycare.com/community/profile/btccasino30427610/ Casino slot cherries key chains, casino slot machines lever. The game lists will be readily available so you can play Bitcoin casino games directly from your mobile. http://parn.org.pk/forum/profile/btccasino3555933/ Free online life of luxury slot game, free online slots sweet skulls. No deposit bonus: 20 free spins. https://farrag-group.com/community/profile/btccasino18211567/ Best roulette game online free, best roulette slot machines in vegas. The next step is to fund your account. https://wingucraft.com/community/profile/btccasino24053917/ Free casino games vegas world, free casino slots 777. Are Bitcoin Casinos Legal In The US?. http://legendendertechnik.de/community/profile/btccasino29883065/ Hoyle casino games 2010 free download, hoyle casino games win 10. Additionally, you receive 100 free spins each day that can be used between 6 a. http://seo-consult.info/index.php/component/k2/item/1 http://www.mdc.gov.sd/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=45:2017-04-19-18-06-34&Itemid=398&lang=en oiubwelrqs
https://swissinnovation.io/community/profile/bitz26822278/ Bitstarz net worth, bitstarz promo code freispiele. All of the deposit amounts must be wagered before any withdrawal is approved. https://takethehit.net/community/profile/bitz11226911/ Bitstarz vip, бездепозитный бонус code bitstarz. Accepted Cryptocurrencies include BTC, BTCH, LTC, ETH, DOGE, USDT. https://maureenesteems.com/community/profile/bitz47208000/ Ei talletusbonusta codes for bitstarz, ei talletusbonusta codes for bitstarz casino. The DreamTeam Token project is an infrastructure platform and payment gateway for e-sport and gaming. https://storefather.com/community/profile/bitz15289257/ Bitstarz žádný vkladový bonus codes for existing users 2021, bitstarz žádný vkladový bonus 20 ilmaiskierroksia. Each site will provide fast, safe, and secure transactions, so players from around the globe can enjoy gambling online and winning real money when they manage their accounts using a popular crypto. https://exchangeeducationprogram.org/community/profile/bitz17157970/ Bitstarz 41, bitstarz deposit bonus. Both in cash and in Enjin Coin?. http://malawiict.com/groups/bitstarz-codes-bitstarz-%d0%b1%d0%b5%d1%81%d0%bf%d0%bb%d0%b0%d1%82%d0%bd%d1%8b%d0%b5-%d0%b2%d1%80%d0%b0%d1%89%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b8%d1%8f-promo-code/ Bitstarz codes, bitstarz бесплатные вращения promo code. This token is the in-game currency for Etheremon , a blockchain-powered game that is inspired by Pokemon. https://pigskinref.com/community/profile/bitz34243123/ Bitstarz 20 tiradas gratis, bitstarz 20 freispiele. Withdrawals are instant, and there are no minimums. https://elitebbc.com/community/profile/bitz22463072/ Bitstarz no dep, bitstarz no deposit bonus 20 ücretsiz döndürme. However, what are the advantages and disadvantages of crypto sports betting?. https://www.jixingli.com/community/profile/bitz47634331/ Bitstarz casino app, bitstarz casino promo code. We have discussed the top gaming cryptocurrencies above. http://www.pitchprogenitor.com/groups/bitstarz-giri-gratuiti-promo-code-bitstarz-giri-gratuiti-30/ Bitstarz giri gratuiti promo code, bitstarz giri gratuiti 30. You will pay a premium here but they take credit cards. http://stroem.ru/community/profile/bitz766384/ Bitstarz žádný vkladový bonus october 2021, bitstarz žádný vkladový bonus code australia. Check out Oshi Casino with this double money bonus!. https://www.arbeitskreis-indianer.at/community/profile/bitz44505538/ Is bitstarz casino legit, is bitstarz safe. Each digital wallet comes with its own unique address. https://sheismyapplepie.com/community/profile/bitz6941321/ Bitstarz withdrawal, bitstarz withdrawal review. Pubs and clubs are regulated separately from casinos, which have also experimented with similar technology. http://www.gemcube.net/community/profile/bitz18356593/ Битстарз продажа битов, bitstarz ei talletusbonusta 20 zatočení zdarma. FortuneJack supports a number of popular cryptocurrencies. https://takethehit.net/community/profile/bitz27224992/ Bitstarz casino no deposit bonus codes 2021, bitstarz casino online. So, is this newcomer to the Bitcoin betting space poised to be a serious competitor in the future?. http://raidel.at/index.php/component/k2/item/3 http://xn——8sbbfdgf7bbe8aadx.xn—p1ai/index.php/component/k2/item/4 oiubwelrqs
College Girls Porn Pics
dvd porn download sites hairy porn solo mature black cock free videos porn free porn with the babysitter free oldest porn siteshttp://hmongpornmovie.sexjanet.com/?kennedi
https://aimjf.info/community/profile/bitz2112582/ Bitstarz 25 фриспинов, bitstarz 25 gratisspinn. Bitcoin blackjack is truly a cornerstone in crypto gambling. http://www.ecowarrior.nl/groups/bitstarz-25-gratissnurr-bitstarz-25-ucretsiz-dondurme/ Bitstarz 25 gratissnurr, bitstarz 25 ücretsiz döndürme. The minimum you can bet is most often 1 mBTC. https://domodedovo.dom-remontov.ru/community/profile/bitz32649287/ Bitstarz ücretsiz döndürme 30, bitstarz ücretsiz döndürme. As a result of this restrictive measures put in place by regulatory bodies, it becomes difficult for gamblers to enjoy true freedom. https://armchairimagineer.com/community/profile/bitz20062505/ Bitstarz промокод 2021, bitstarz промокод. Bovada bitcoin payments are now accepted and come with no transaction fees. https://seliniotakis.gr/community/profile/bitz35184642/ Bitstarz žádný vkladový bonus october 2021, bitstarz žádný vkladový bonus 20 gratisspinn. In countries such as the United States of America for example it is rare for a sports bettor to find a sportsbook that will accept payments by a credit or debit card and there can often be great difficulties for such gamblers when it comes to getting paid out their winnings, as there will not be many payment options suitable for them. https://enterpriserhdi.com/community/profile/bitz17230148/ Bitstarz обзор, bitstarz affiliates. One nice addition is the Bitcasino mobile app which was lacking previously, but now they offer plenty of games that work on mobile devices. https://pigskinref.com/community/profile/bitz30161796/ Ei talletusbonusta for bitstarz casino, ei talletusbonusta codes bitstarz. Those two are actually on the top of the market capitalisation list among all other currencies of their kind. https://forums.multirev.net/community/profile/bitz25921205/ Bitstarz casino бездепозитный бонус codes november 2021, bitstarz casino ingen innskuddsbonus. A Coin with Real Utility. http://www.truthovertradition.org/community/profile/bitz17615090/ Bitstarz no deposit darmowe spiny, bitstarz no deposit promo code 2021. Whether you are new to crypto gambling or a long time player this area will have something for you. https://smanetta.odla.it/community/profile/bitz28182651/ Bitstarz casino ingen innskuddsbonus code 2021, bitstarz casino 25 ücretsiz döndürme. The withdrawal of funds will take only a few minutes, and your funds will be in your wallet. https://staging.unstuq.com/community/profile/bitz43710850/ Bitstarz casino guru, bitstarz casino para yatırma bonusu yok code 2021. Changelly is the best crypto exchange if you love convenience!. https://staging.unstuq.com/community/profile/bitz5126015/ Bitstarz kein einzahlungsbonus 20 бесплатные вращения, bitstarz kein einzahlungsbonus 20 tiradas gratis. It was founded by the Nexus group in 2014, and since then, it has been in operation with the addition of more gaming options. https://ires-geo.com/community/profile/bitz10129712/ Bitstarz tours gratuits promo code, bitstarz tours gratuits. There are no bitcoin casino free spins here, as the games are all table games. https://10mob.com/groups/bitstarz-tours-gratuits-bonus-codes-bitstarz-tours-gratuits/ Bitstarz tours gratuits bonus codes, bitstarz tours gratuits. The eSports tournaments and competitions can have enormous prize pools. http://www.itsadogslifepetdaycare.com/community/profile/bitz35733585/ Bitstarz no deposit bonus 20 ücretsiz döndürme, bitstarz no deposit bonus 20 tiradas gratis. If being more accurate, Bitcoin is usually called pseudonymous. http://neonexxo.com/index.php/component/k2/item/1 http://cfcmontoya.com.br/index.php/component/k2/item/1 oiubwelrqs
https://aelisus.com/activity/p/81777/ In the casino game of roulette, in the casino game called high low. Fix: When an admin cancels a deposit, such as a fiat coin adapter deposit, the deposit can now be re-executed if the admin retries the deposit. https://beresun.eu/community/profile/btccasino49678817/ Celadon slot machines blue, celadon slot machines red. While researching Cloudbet, we found reviews claiming customer support had been unable to respond due to excessive traffic. https://www.copy.burundijobs.bi/community/profile/btccasino4526937/ Bitcoin casino exchange, bitcoin casino zero residu. Free spin bonuses are a popular promotion geared toward slot games. https://www.change-equity.com/community/profile/btccasino31701501/ New bitcoin slots no deposit, new bitcoin casino edmonton airport. Earn Bitcoin for free by playing to one of those TOP games in the list. https://staging.unstuq.com/community/profile/btccasino2208863/ Best casino game with lowest house edge, best casino mobile games. Configure who has a wallet and who does what using WordPress capabilities. http://cuisine-royale.de/community/profile/btccasino34264227/ El dorado casino shreveport slot machines, el dorado casino free drinks. Satoshis is equal to pennies or cents of one full bitcoin, which is a hundredth of a million bitcoins. https://tunisiastore.com/activity/p/11307/ Slots free online no download porn, slots free online no download. Also uses a double CAPTCHA system. https://weinheims-finest.de/community/profile/btccasino36330105/ Best casino game to make money, best casino macau. The Portal to EOS Ecology. https://motosportrider.com/community/profile/btccasino29032446/ Fix my slot machine igt, fix my slot machine. All you need to do to receive some bitcoin cash from the Bitcoin. http://www.vegis.se/groups/red-screen-bitcoin-slot-videos-red-screen-bitcoin-slot-wins/ Red screen bitcoin slot videos, red screen bitcoin slot wins. Try to hit big at our lottery!. http://eins.testmedien.de/community/profile/btccasino26588165/ How to manipulate a slot machine with phone, how to play penny slots at casino. Note that both deposits and withdrawals are instant. https://livestreamsvideos.nl/community/profile/btccasino33536991/ Slot machines in new haven wv, slot machines that payout. Claim 6 satoshi every 6 Minutes. https://www.e-pelangithai.com/groups/live-bitcoin-casino-online-texas-live-bitcoin-slots-real-money/ Live bitcoin casino online texas, live bitcoin slots real money. Check out our bitcoin faucet list below. http://nanasnichoir.com/community/profile/btccasino5954692/ Free casino slot games bonus rounds, free casino slot games for ipad. Use bonus code to claim the offer. http://vespaoldies.de/community/profile/btccasino19226197/ Free roulette game wizard of odds, free roulette online game. The best Bitcoin faucets come down to how much they pay, ease of use, frequency of payment, and low threshold to withdraw your money. http://ricardan.si/index.php/component/k2/item/6 http://firoozehfam.com/index.php/component/k2/item/5 oiubwelrqs