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
руна имя значение
шивана руны
старославянские руны
руны кассадин
ansuz руна значение
http://www.dadalogistica.com.ar/administracion-estados-unidos-4715-2/?unapproved=415&moderation-hash=b95b053a7f4809a00d5a1d73c02565e5#comment-415
https://iokrypto.com/showthread.php?tid=6&pid=18#pid18
https://albalooha.ir/%d8%ae%d8%b1%db%8c%d8%af-%d8%a7%db%8c%d9%86%d8%aa%d8%b1%d9%86%d8%aa%db%8c-%d8%a2%d9%84%d8%a8%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%88-%d8%ae%d8%b4%da%a9-%d8%b9%d9%85%d8%af%d9%87-%d8%af%d8%b1%d8%b3%db%8c%d9%86%d8%a7/?unapproved=56207&moderation-hash=bb6e2d481605208d8567f37dffa40c1a#comment-56207
http://reacharound.club/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=28&p=83#p83
http://revolutionarygermantown.org/491?unapproved=295&moderation-hash=be943faf9ee64528bee594e72966fc98#comment-295
руны значения кратко
руна наутилус
руны рассорка
руна йера значение
21 руна значение
<a href=https://lotuscomics.com/official-trailer-project-almanac/?unapproved=121389&moderation-hash=b1bde501fa3b2491733c1284c7f6a4ca#comment-121389 >руна воды
<a href=https://www.flipped.ca/a-look-at-your-options-for-selling-your-vehicle/?unapproved=44468&moderation-hash=563c0494e340c9895fbbdfbcce94ae54#comment-44468 >руны любовь
<a href=http://teacher-english.ru/gotege/gotege/7-pismo.html >руна хх значение
<a href=https://www.lolaramona.com/blogs/news/have-you-ever-hacked-anything?comment=122454540377#comments >руны йорик
<a href=https://classicgizmo.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=1&pid=35#pid35 >ведьмак руны
руны отзывысинько значение рунруны викторруна мира значениеруна отель значение
руна кайса
руны народ
руны любви значение
аниме руна
значение руны даждьбога
[url=https://www.clickusindia.com/product-view.php?mer_id=299&&pro_id=6&&bname=Fashion%20India]руны виего
[/url]
[url=http://www.windmillbroadcasting.com/listening/repair-cafe-littleworth-stafford-27th-april-2019/?unapproved=26160&moderation-hash=ebaa7fb0f9d37eeb57cb20216082c4db#comment-26160]руны ненния
[/url]
[url=http://www.celebrityxpeditions.nl/Europe-Savings-met-Celebrity-Cruises]руны ставы
[/url]
[url=http://www.alamohomeloan.com/uncategorized/hello-world/?unapproved=75504&moderation-hash=d4a9e0ff3ae1d2c338595a4096e75d8c#comment-75504]гангпланк руны
[/url]
[url=http://nebumed.ru/blog/grafik-raboty]руны соулу значение
[/url]
[url=https://www.loppispoppis.se/blog-nyheter/?unapproved=42599&moderation-hash=08f1a70a270d358c95a746dd90055908#comment-42599]руна ансуз
[/url]
https://unitedalliedstates.info/activity/p/42307/ Клуб казино вулкан игровые автоматы, клуб казино вулкан 777. Дальше выбираете нужную игру и с головой погружаетесь в мир онлайн-гемблинга. http://privfeet.com/activity/p/16009/ Как играть в игровые автоматы через инте, как играть в казино без проигрыша. Тогда оставайтесь с нами, ведь мы предлагаем вам коллекцию лучших слотов для игры бесплатно и без регистрации. https://homecarrepair.com/community/profile/casino15897012/ Казино которое дает бонус при регистрации, казино которое дает сначала выиграть. Если вы готовы рисковать и выигрывать, то регистрируйтесь и получайте полный комплект ярких эмоций, дополненных крупными коэффициентами и настоящими деньгами. https://www.estatecode.com.ng/community/profile/casino24262154/ Олег шовкуненко азартные игры со смертью, олег шовкуненко азартные игры со смертью скачать. Периодически компанию вам будет составлять черт, предлагая различные испытания, соблазняя нереальными выигрышами. https://amothershand.org/community/profile/casino24834525/ Шампанское игровые автоматы играть онлайн бесплатно без регистрации, шампанское игровые автоматы скачать бесплатно. Пробуйте разные слоты, выбирайте те, которые понравятся вам больше всего и наслаждайтесь!. https://www.theperformancecorner.com/activity/p/59477/ Скачать бесплатно эмуляторы слот автом, скачать бесплатно эмуляторы игровых автоматов gaminator 21 с игрой treee. Разработчиками всего софта выступили знаковые в мире популярного интернет-казино компании. https://thethinker.co.in/activity/p/60358/ Слотсбро казино бездепозитный бонус, игровые автоматы вулкан делюкс ком. Автоматический режим спинов в слоте Обезьянки 2 не предусмотрен. https://plancontingenciaunitec.com/community/profile/casino11105944/ Играть в игровые автоматы бесплатно и без регистрации крейзи фрут, играть в игровые автоматы бесплатно в коней. Среди них: Crazy Fruits Pharaons Gold Safari Slot. https://badinansoft.com/community/profile/casino2748367/ Играть в игровой автомат лягушка 5 бесплатно, играть в автоматы в клубники. Особенно для тех, кто категорически против риска собственными деньгами. https://tst.gamadev.com/community/profile/casino11243301/ Игровые автоматы онлайн супер слотс, игровые автоматы novomatic играть онлайн. Кроме этого похожими сюжетами обладают: игровой автомат Lucky Haunter и автомат Secret Admirer. https://centrosdeadicciones.com/profile/casino20895702/ Игры бесплатно онлайн играть игровые автоматы без регистрации, игры бесплатно на андроид игровые автоматы. Для начала вращения барабанов следует сделать ставку. https://wptest.candle.com.tw/community/profile/casino34588783/ Игровые слоты гейминаторы, игровые слоты от гаминаторы. Со временем, когда в Соединенных Штатах были изданы законы о запрете подобных игровых автоматов в общественных местах, на смену картам пришли фрукты. http://homemortgagesuccess.com/activity/p/111873/ Играть в бесплатные слот игры, играть в эмуляторы игровые аппараты бесплатно. Сайт развивается и растет вместе со своим количеством аудитории. https://universityghana.com/activity/p/535/ Игровые автоматы фортуна, игровые автоматы на персональный компьютер. Виртуальная реальность позволяет им получить новую порцию удовольствия и позволить себе перевоплотиться в заманчивые образы героев игры. http://s846131764.websitehome.co.uk/community/profile/casino4635249/ Игра в казино фишки, игра в казино сонник. Программа лояльности для зарегистрированных игроков. http://maryamnaeemzade.com/index.php/component/k2/item/2 http://riberfuso.com/component/k2/item/3 oetqnsfflvrwer
AInsider – это будущее онлайн-покера. Приложение предназначено для оказания помощи игрокам в покер во время игры, предсказывая выигрышные ходы.
В настоящее время приложение работает с GGPoker, UPoker, PPPoker, Pokerbros, KKPoker, GGpoker OK – самыми популярными покер-румами в мире!
[url=http://casin0777.site]Ямар даалгавар байх болно ?нэлэх покер т?л?вл?лтийн,51,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised [/url]
[url=http://kazin0777.site]??? ?? – ????? ? ?? ??, ????? ? ????, ??? ?? ????,111,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised [/url]
[url=http://kasinobest.site]? ?? ?? ??-’,?? ?? ???? ?? ??[/url]
[url=http://kasino777.site]Basta icke-pengar poker apps,28,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised [/url]
[url=http://casinobest777.site]Yra Pokerturkijosnemokamaifree parsisiusti officisvetaineje,66,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised [/url]
https://greatvaluebh.com/activity/p/38235/ Equipoise vs tren, cheap oxandrolone steroids for sale fast delivery. For this reason, Deca does not require the frequent injections that so many other steroids do. https://subsidy.razor.jp/community/profile/anabolics46985366/ Oxymetholone powerlifting, cheap sarms buy legal steroid paypal. This is because the 5-alpha reductase enzyme acts to reduce the potency of nandrolone, while in contrast many other anabolic steroids are unaffected by this enzyme, and testosterone’s potency is actually increased by it. http://www.saipriyawelfare.com/community/profile/anabolics34152176/ Nolvadex avis, halotestin buy legal steroid paypal. Enhances Output of Insulin Growth Hormone (IGF-1) This hormone contributes to both muscle and strength gains. http://web124.s192.goserver.host/community/profile/anabolics49442516/ Halotestin als booster, glonavar buy steroids online cycle. More advanced users can up this to 600mg/week. https://sutartine.lt/community/profile/anabolics22259812/ Test prop 100, cheap alphabol legal steroids for sale cycle. To maintain the substantial gains after your steroid cycle, you need to go for PCT. https://stephendedman.org/community/profile/anabolics37562776/ Rexobol effects, methandienone 10mg order legal steroid paypal. The most experienced users might increase the dosage of Deca up to 600mg weekly, although at 400mg most guys will find they are getting excellent results and not crossing the threshold into more severe side effects. https://falkencraft.net/community/profile/anabolics11712501/ Nandrolone 50 mg injection, cheap testosterone enanthate buy anabolic steroids online paypal. However, life is not a piece of cake. https://silicon-sky.com/community/profile/anabolics17075118/ Ovinum dosage, cheap alphabolin buy steroids online cycle. That movie really motivated me. https://sherryjohns20680.com/community/profile/anabolics26929847/ Anavar uk supplier, testosterone propionate buy steroids online fast delivery. Deca 200 is one of the most popular anabolic steroids of all time and refers to the commonly known Deca-Durabolin in its 200mg dose. http://tassina-daniels.de/community/profile/anabolics32089898/ Methandienone dianabol 10mg, cheap methandienone dianabol 10mg order steroids online cycle. Increases Muscular Nitrogen Retention. https://mydrlori.com/community/profile/anabolics4859225/ Sarms jawline, dianabol order steroids online cycle. Nandrolone Phenylpropionate is also significantly less estrogenic than testosterone. https://eanshub.com/community/profile/anabolics46259193/ Primabolan, alphabol buy anabolic steroids online free shipping. In women, only low therapeutic doses are recommended as anything more tends to cause virilization. https://southsudan.afriqo.com/community/profile/anabolics44058729/ Anavar hgh cycle, masteron enanthate order steroids online paypal. Those who know exactly how to combat side effects; keeping in mind that you will almost always be combining Deca with other steroids that come with their own negative effects. https://www.revistaiga.unsj.edu.ar/community/profile/anabolics25355654/ Proviron magnus, letrozole order steroids online paypal. Deca-Durabolin Dosage Popular Deca-Durabolin Cycles Deca-Durabolin Results: What Should I Expect?. https://klyo.anelocriativo.com.br/community/profile/anabolics13610014/ Halotestin masteron cycle, cheap halotestin masteron cycle buy anabolic steroids online fast delivery. Deca-Durabolin Uses & Cycling. http://bonyantajhiz.com/index.php/component/k2/item/2 http://legendacademybd.com/index.php/component/k2/item/4 oetqnsfflvrwer
https://forexestafa.es/community/profile/btccasino15216640/ Totally free no download slot games, totally free slots that pay real money. APP is an online gambling website that plays using multiple different cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies. https://aayari.ml/community/profile/btccasino31633937/ Are online slots legal missouri, are online slots legal in the united kingdom. Customers have 14 payment methods at their disposal, and apart from bank transfers and credit and debit cards, all transactions are instant. https://mokshmargfoundation.com/activity/p/75091/ Slot manager sands casino bethlehem pa, slot manager three rivers casino. CasinoFair is really easy to navigate. https://braggal.com/groups/create/step/group-avatar/ Free spins no deposit free chips usa casino, free spins casino no deposit usa. For other requests, you can contact a polite, professional staff member using the live chat service in the bottom-right corner of the page. https://supreme-roleplay.com/community/profile/btccasino11833763/ Youtube slot jackpots 2019, youtube slot machine how to. Upon registration, you get access to a well-structured gambling platform. https://kihingmall.com/community/profile/btccasino12345161/ Free spin casino bonus codes, free spin bonus on vegas casino. Long gone are the days when casinos ran one software per casino. https://dawsontime.com/community/profile/btccasino48047379/ Winner casino no deposit bonus code 2020, winner casino bonus. The Slots Stampede promotional offer is for the slot fanatics. https://www.humanys-solutions.ch/community/profile/btccasino49022365/ Casino on avalon, casino on indian reservation near me. These are all signs of bitcoin maturity and institutional acceptance. https://beatboxwave.com/forums/topic/the-best-slot-machine-the-best-free-casino-slot-for-andriod/ The best slot machine, the best free casino slot for andriod. Despite the fact that Wolf. https://webolinfer.vlired.cu/community/profile/btccasino10236192/ Online games that pay real money, online games 21 blackjack. Also, you should consider that cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile, which can be detrimental to keeping your money in Bitcoin for a long time. http://lafora.de/community/profile/btccasino4764234/ Can i withrawl bonus balance on empire slots, can i play slots online for real money. The greatest allure here is its provably fair games which have built the confidence of players. https://modafinilreviewer.com/groups/classic-warlock-best-in-bitcoin-slot-pre-raid-classic-warlock-best-in-bitcoin-slot-pre-raid/ Classic warlock best in bitcoin slot pre raid, classic warlock best in bitcoin slot pre raid. Now accepting ethereum too. https://rftagsshop.com/community/profile/btccasino46524553/ Sample 3 wheel slot machine settings, sample 3 wheel slot machine. Our team reviewed the. http://youngyoungqueen.com/community/profile/btccasino17546686/ Fallout 4 slot machine options, fallout 4 settler slot machine. Nowadays, the deposit process is rarely a source of trouble for a player, but withdrawals can be and often are an entirely different story. https://vertebra.info/community/profile/btccasino36870232/ Tulalip casino shuttle gaming credit, tulalip casino number of slot machines. The catch: Bitcoin can be wagered at the tables or slot machines only after customers convert it into cash at a special ATM on the casino floor. http://italkerorussia.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/3 http://ofinetmalaga.com/component/k2/item/3 oetqnsfflvrwer