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
https://acemumt.cl/community/profile/casinobitcoin7404251/ Bitcoin roulette free, bitcoin roulette api. Fast and fluent website 2528 casino games 96 jackpot slot games mBit Casino review. https://esrsa.co.za/forum/profile/casinobitcoin34044079/ Best crypto crash game, best crypto casinos. This crypto casino accepts six cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Tether (USDT). https://www.cryptospacestation.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin28905716/ Best gambling sites europe, best gambling games for android offline. Which crypto casino is the most trusted and brings the best overall package?. https://forgetthepills.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin26093337/ Best online casinos for canadian, best online casinos uk. For beginners, there is plenty of useful information and tips about games, tournaments, and poker rules. https://christianityandbusinesslife.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin1756129/ Top nfl slot receivers 2020, top nfl slot corners. If you have heard a little bit about cryptocurrency but not too much, then you will certainly have heard of Bitcoin. https://mykaspersky.co.uk/community/profile/casinobitcoin8707883/ Online casino american express deposit, online casino pa no deposit bonus. For gamers to cash out funds they have accumulated, they must meet the rules placed on the number of times free spins winnings must be wagered before they can receive payouts. https://abbott-virtual-scientific-forum.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin9374075/ Mobile casino australia, mobile casino top up by sms. Some Slot Games give the players a chance to win amazing jackpots and they have their own category on Winz. https://chinacbdweb.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin15399760/ Crypto casinos usa, crypto casinos 2020. The minimum accepted deposit for Bitcoins is 0. https://akutszakasz.hu/community/profile/casinobitcoin41724316/ Crypto wars game, crypto wars game. But the withdrawal limits for the cryptocurrencies vary, Minimum Bitcoin withdrawal : 0. https://beastmodetradingclub.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin47756087/ Delaware online casino no deposit bonus, delaware online casino no deposit bonus. We will make sure that you know what additional types of payment methods are available in each casino. https://resourcepos.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin46925052/ Bitcoin no deposit free spins, bitcoin no deposit bonus. In all my reviews, I consider Trust-factors to be the first concern, only if a platform is trustworthy would all the other factors matter, right?. http://opennet-blog.de/community/profile/casinobitcoin35639271/ Best gambling etf, best gambling cities around the world. Being an exclusively Bitcoin-friendly casino, BitCasino. https://intothefire.rocks/community/profile/casinobitcoin26449415/ Play online casino games and win real money in india, play online casino no deposit. While Cleopatra Casino is mainly a fiat gaming site, it offers Bitcoin deposits through CoinsPaid. https://www.yoogroop.com/blog/index.php/community/profile/casinobitcoin40516147/ Online casino zonder verificatie, online casino reload offers. In the classic Bitcoin dice games you must guess the random number from for example between 0 to 9999. https://lovepeacenslander.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin3248653/ Casino online bonus de bun venit, casino online gambling in south africa. The fortune is on them mate, when it comes to Joe Fortune Casino. http://saweron.eu/index.php/component/k2/item/2 http://gps-global.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/2 oetqnsfflvrwer
epubor audible converter crackkiller e2200 gigabit ethernet controller driver downloadhalo out with a whimperwhat the f 101 collegehumorteam fortress 2 halloween 2015zyxel g-220 v3 driveracer aspire v5 drivers for windows 7 64 bitbuffalo whr-600dhp touchsmart drivers windows 10turtle beach stealth 500x setup
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/pomenyat-svoyu-zhizn/]asrock x99 extreme4 drivers
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/zhiznennaya-energiya/]microsoft office 2000 update
[/url]
[url=https://bobrdobr.ru/tags/public/типы+темперамента/]deer hunter 2005 maps
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/kharakteristika-tipov-lichnosti/]mad catz xbox 360 controller driver
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/poluchit-trafik/]command and conquer red alert 2 map editor
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/tag/лень усталость/]jo and momo game
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/partner-dlya-sovmestnogo-biznesa/]asus wlan control center
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/tag/поменять свою жизнь/]neverwinter nights steam workshop
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/tag/как побороть лень/]vizio e48u-do
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/my/ryabova68/page2/]tl-wn822n v3
[/url]
pioneer vsx 823 k
trendnet tu2-et100 driver
magic bullet quick looks
tl-wn725n drivers
geforce gtx 560 driver
http://seominds.ru/my/ryabova68/page2/
http://seominds.ru/tag/смартреспондер/
http://seominds.ru/tag/самомотивация/
http://grabr.ru/tegi/kak-ubrat-sebya-iz-podpischikov/
http://www.grabr.ru/tegi/iskusstvo-motivatsii/
http://seominds.ru/blog/9398.html
http://grabr.ru/tegi/zhiznennaya-energiya/
http://seominds.ru/tag/млм в интернете/
http://seominds.ru/tag/реализовать себя/
https://ukirilla.ru/kak-uderzhivat-novichkov-v-biznese…-ili-sekrety-ehffektivnojj-raboty-komandy/
lego marvel super heroes trainer
huawei ascend mate 2 lolipop
intel centrino wireless-n 6150 driver
conexant ac-link audio driver windows 7
cheat engine edf 4.1
is not commonly downloaded and could be dangerous
minecraft ps3 updates 2015
black and white 2 battle of the gods cheats
onkyo ht-rc460
msi h81m e33 drivers
acer aspire 3680 driver
belkin n450db wireless router firmware
asus p6x58d e drivers
intel dual band wireless-ac 7265 problems windows 10
payday 2 old animations
http://polygonedge.brwallc.com/community/profile/bitz23563209/ Битстарз биты, bitstarz opinie. A red-carpet entrance awaits VIP members on their way to enjoy benefits such as priority support, increased bonuses , generous VIP exclusive promotions, services of a dedicated VIP manager , free gift vouchers, and VIP only gifts. https://mosefparis1.fr/community/profile/bitz7743488/ Bitstarz free spins bonus codes, bitstarz free no deposit code. After they are fully registered, they are eligible for the bonus. http://s18.4uni.eu/community/profile/bitz9951099/ Бездепозитный бонус for bitstarz casino, бездепозитный бонус bitstarz. Crypto Thrills Casino VIP Program. https://casual-infofun.ru/community/profile/bitz22603610/ Bitstarz mobile login, bitstarz mobile. Better yet, there is absolutely no minimum withdrawal amount. https://www.sackthemitchellshire.com/community/profile/bitz6500677/ Bitstarz бездепозитный бонус, bitstarz бездепозитный бонус codes. Players are showered with bonuses and different amazing games to enjoy. http://ehi40.online/foro/profile/bitz22020420/ Bitstarz casino ei talletusbonusta codes, bitstarz casino promo code. Game selection counting almost 4,300 titles Variety of payment types, including 7 cryptocurrencies Multilingual customer support Read Review. https://supremetournaments.com/community/profile/bitz38942754/ Bitstarz deposit bonus code, bitstarz deposit bonus. As a Bitcoin-only casino, Bitomania understands the importance of security. https://qaas.tn/groups/bitstarz-kasyno-delete-bitstarz-account/ Bitstarz kasyno, delete bitstarz account. You lose nothing by playing 1 coin at a larger denomination. https://lankasrilanka.com/community/profile/bitz43524018/ Bitstarz casino ilmaiskierroksia, bitstarz casino 30 zatočení zdarma. Enter your wallet address and the amount to transfer. http://www.bcsnerie.com/activity/p/128344/ Bitstarz vpn, para yatırma bonusu yok codes for bitstarz. There are two additional bonuses available to punters at CryptoSlots. https://sutartine.lt/community/profile/bitz17138983/ Bitstarz para yatırma bonusu yok codes for existing users 2021, bitstarz para yatırma bonusu yok codes. Wager: 80x Bonus code: IDBVEGAS. http://1milgames.com/community/profile/bitz2887889/ Bitstarz para yatırma bonusu yok 20 tiradas gratis, bitstarz para yatırma bonusu yok 20 tours gratuits. Then shuffle the deck with your player-seed and the result should be final-deck. http://www.coolplace.com.au/community/profile/bitz14362873/ Bitstarz bonus code october 2021, bitstarz bonus code 2021. Casinos that have been recognized to be among the top no deposit Bitcoin casinos by multiple reviews should be given top priority by the gamers. https://evrikaspace.ru/community/profile/bitz42839694/ Bitstarz ei talletusbonusta 2021, bitstarz ei talletusbonusta 20 zatočení zdarma. Bitcoin Casino us Customer Service. https://diabetcontrol.com/community/profile/bitz23020534/ Bitstarz sverige, bitstarz казино отзывы. Here is the user reviews summary of Bitcoincasino. http://decoarq.mx/index.php/component/k2/item/3 http://maxiorbit.nl/index.php/component/k2/item/7 oetqnsfflvrwer
Torrents: [url=http://memorial.farm/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-final-season-11-negan-vendetta-wont-define-maggie-story-scott-gimple/] The Walking Dead: World Beyond Season 2 Goes to “Crazy Different Places” Visited by Rick Grimes The Walking Dead: World Beyond Cameron Bonomolo 05/21/2021 08:20 pm Fear the Walking Dead Flashes Back to the Beginning in 614 Opening Minutes Fear the Walking Dead Cameron Bonomolo 05/21/2021 05:50 pm Dakota Meets Teddy in Fear the Walking Dead 614 Clip: “Mother” Fear the Walking Dead Cameron Bonomolo 05/21/2021 02:00 pm Fear the Walking Dead Tears Theory Could Mean Dwight’s Doomed in Season 6 Fear the Walking Dead Cameron Bonomolo 05/20/2021 11:20 pm The Walking Dead Complete Series Coming to Disney+ Star The Walking Dead Cameron Bonomolo 05/20/2021 05:55 pm ComicBook Nation: New Batman Animated Series & Doctor Strange 2 Villain Revealed? Comicbook Nation Podcast Kofi Outlaw 05/19/2021 04:43 pm The Walking Dead Does Something It’s Never Done Before in Big Season 11 Premiere The Walking Dead Cameron Bonomolo 05/17/2021 09:35 pm Fear the Walking Dead Newcomer Keith Carradine on Playing Dad Dorie Without Garret Dillahunt’s John Dorie Fear the Walking Dead Cameron Bonomolo 05/17/2021 07:59 pm The Walking Dead Boss Previews a “Really Brutal” and “Very, Very Dark” Final Season The Walking Dead Cameron Bonomolo 05/17/2021 06:01 pm Fear the Walking Dead: A Season 4 Character Returns in “Mother” Sneak Peek Fear the Walking Dead Cameron Bonomolo 05/16/2021 11:30 pm Alicia Clark Is Shocked to See a Familiar Face in Fear the Walking Dead 614 Trailer: “Mother” Fear the Walking Dead Cameron Bonomolo 05/16/2021 10:15 pm [/url]
no Kanata no Four Rhythm English Subbed[/url] Man Episode 104[/url]The John Butler Trio – flesh and blood (320CBR) [MentalZero] ! [url=https://tradenetblog.com/miraculous-ladybug-episode-3-the-pharaoh]Miraculous Ladybug Episode 3 The Pharaoh[/url].
2.broke s05
Howard – [url=http://fxsignals24.com/assistir-bbb-2021-13-04-2021-episodio-79/]Assistir BBB 2021 13/04/2021 EpisГіdio 79[/url]. DVDFab v9 3 1 2 Setup + Patch – [url=http://tearthehousedown.com/versatile-mage-chapter-483]Versatile Mage Chapter 483[/url].
Secrets of the Dark Temple of Night [2016-for-MAC]
Money Mischief: Episodes in Monetary History + [url=http://5548u.com/music/afrique-victime/mdou-moctar]86 Afrique Victime[/url]. [BigTitsAtWork] Nicole Aniston (Team Player – 16 11 2016) rq (2k) mp4 – [url=http://gusemie.com/genre/Surnaturel/]Surnaturel[/url].
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your blog.
You have some really great articles and I feel I would be a good asset.
If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to
write some material for your blog in exchange for a
link back to mine. Please shoot victoria secret near me now an email if interested.
Cheers!