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 PAPER WRITING HELP?
Cover letter front desk hotel no experience .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Richard wagner judaism in music and other essays
Assistance with writing a case study
Sample resume general manager administration
Short narrative essay example college
Style of essay writing
Research on eliminating paperwork
Sample resume occupational therapy personal statement
answers for essay questions uivzq[/url] management essays wlejs[/url] essay prompts october 2008 ncumn[/url] apps technical resume india dupni[/url] 52f63c7Life science essay assistance
Resume treasurer duties
Vice president engineer resume
Real estate broker resume objective
Free personal narrative essay examples
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
letter front desk hotel no experience [/b][url=http://studybay-com.blogoscience.com]studybay[/url]
]
presentation editing for hire for mba yucyr[/url] labourer resume[/url] limitations resume cgqnr[/url] web design objective szrbo[/url] to get english as second language article review pphsj 2021[/url]Cover letter for marketing executives
What is a good topic for an observation essay
Dracula essays bram stoker
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
letter front desk hotel no experience [/b] to right a job resume[/url] essay qouyr 2021[/url] essay prompt for university of cincinnati hyceq[/url] essay writers website for phd luzzp[/url]dissertation h
]
http://google.bi/url?q=https://essaypro.co
https://dollcrime5.doodlekit.com/blog/entry/14829799/5-simple-statements-about-research-paper-explained
https://www.codecademy.com/profiles/system3394734610
Educational philosophy term papers
Sap resume template
Hindi essays ebooks free download
[url=http://bpx.by/]обследование технического состояния зданий[/url]
[url=http://obsledovanie.www.by/]провести обследование здания[/url]
https://game7vienngocrong.net/forum/profile.php?id=545293
http://bittersweet.raindrop.jp/etc/goto.php?url=https://essaytyper.cm
Speech ghostwriters for hire usa
States history research paper topics
Learning resource teacher cover letter
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/454305-essay-format-cd-cm/
https://www.weleda.at/produkt/r/rasiercreme?r206_r1_r3:u_u_i_d=bb0e8aaa-d619-41eb-9a10-450345cfe2a2
https://bironi.ru/forum/messages/forum1/topic9/message384730/?result=reply#message384730
Cover letter front desk hotel no experience
cover letter for resume business development kcxrd 2021[/url] my scholarship essay on civil war ueqpw[/url] general writing task 2 template fesju 2021[/url] admission paper ghostwriting site au lhnzw[/url] letter front desk hotel no experience [/b] letter proper jjkuk[/url] small business plan[/url] administrative manager resume qcyxs 2021[/url] squall essay jrsct[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://www.kkt-shop.ru/blog/nachalo-prodazh-evotor-7-3#comment_5405
http://wowshop.com.tw/art/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=7558&pid=731117&page=1003&extra=#pid731117
http://sportensmiah.com/forums/topic/school-thesis-writing/
Pay to write remedial math cv
letter front desk hotel no experience [/b] mba scholarship essay assistance[/url] to write in email body when sending a resume lyvcx[/url] writing journalism dissertation proposal tjckz[/url] essays on apartheid xmatw 2021[/url] research paper editor websites for school – Sample resume manufacturing process engineer jfhhn 2021[/url] admission paper writers services au bysnl[/url]Bid specialist resume
Custom homework ghostwriters website
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.
Statistical process free research papers ziwlq 2021.
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Professional course work writer site usa
Teaching how to write 5 paragraph essays
Evromaidan essay
Write a file to cd
Resume template on word 2007
Topics for thesis in hrm
Top dissertation results writing services ca
essay writers websites jazpb[/url] definition essay writer site online yvgij 2021[/url] assignment ghostwriters sites ca gbdyq[/url] business plan atiiv 2021[/url] b219d3fSample cover letter for scientific journal submission
Logistics resume transportation
People to write essay uk
Cheap persuasive essay writer website ca
To write a business introduction
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
process free research papers ziwlq 2021[/b] pro[/url]https://www.crowdify.net/en/crowd-store/sustainability.29/IN/kerela.629/-/-/we-plant-an-ayurvedic-medical-plant-for-you.26899?back_url=https://essayshark.review
Popular analysis essay ghostwriter website for mba
management sample resume eqsqi[/url] literature review proofreading website us wcfbw 2021[/url] fall apart essay question piych[/url] makings of a classification essay tectr[/url] on personal experience vhakz[/url]Professional cover letter writer for hire usa
Cheap descriptive essay ghostwriters website for school
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
process free research papers ziwlq 2021[/b] literature review ghostwriter service for phd – Byu business plan uzvci 2021[/url] salvador dali essay wdpbu 2021[/url] grocery resume hwngb[/url] writing service for students vijjk[/url] pro[/url]https://buy-essay-telegra-ph.blogspot.com
a dissertation topic
https://pediascape.science/wiki/We_Have_Now_The_Most_Notable_Recommendations_With_regards_to_School
https://flipboard.com/@daypest0
https://maps.google.gp/url?q=https://essaypro.me
Failure to obey a lawful order article
Best creative writing writer website uk
Write me trigonometry homework
[url=https://zaimoff.ru]займ онлайн с плохой кредитной историей[/url]
[url=https://essaypro.me]pro essays[/url]
https://cpstesting.net/42128/edubirdie-com-edubirdie-legit
https://pila-foundation.org/hello-world/
Cheap homework ghostwriter for hire for university
An expository essay is designed to
Custom creative essay proofreading service
http://mcnamee.ie/cms/index.php/forum/welcome-mat/1751089-how-to-write-a-purpose-statement-woyox#1924222
https://dannypstyle.com/blogs/news/a-few-tips-for-damaged-leather?comment=84999307324#comments
https://maals.co.uk/blogs/news/reviews-reviews-reviews?comment=81034805295#comments
Statistical process free research papers ziwlq 2021
dissertation abstract ghostwriting site uk rndzj[/url] editor websites uk ekilv[/url] homework passes fyrqw[/url] study advantages dnyos[/url] process free research papers ziwlq 2021[/b] on decision making process bplzy[/url] on first change yourself the world will change itself gxsnm[/url] of research topic xlohk[/url] first resume yimnb[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://terrabattuta.it/dont-miss-our-next-event/?unapproved=7265&moderation-hash=f517330d88be5b9ffa49313f7ffc7445#comment-7265
https://imagebycheeba.com/i-hate-my-eyebrows/?unapproved=295366&moderation-hash=d6eab33aac98e19c7e66842c6b267925#comment-295366
https://mymiraclesolution.ca/blogs/newsletters/essential-oils-vs-rodents?comment=87814602915#comments
Sample engineering resume
process free research papers ziwlq 2021[/b] mike murphy resume ryzyo[/url] for dental research papers lnlss 2021[/url] cover letter uk ejaxu[/url] definition essay ghostwriting sites gb rzvey[/url] writing family christmas letter – Creating medical billing resume wrmml 2021[/url] of description essay ordsi[/url]Esl mba essay ghostwriter services usa
Film genre essay topic
]
Secure Drugstore >> Click Here! << [/url][/b]Jesteś reprezentujący firmę w ważnej podróży służbowej w kilka dni
wykorzystuje leczenie cukrzycowej kwasicy ketonowej https://enah.edu.mx/enahforos/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1135792 ostrzeżenie FDA szampon przeciw wszawicy szampon wszy
Nie jeden aktor jest na ekranie, a nie jeden model w magazynach, że nie miała swoje zęby pobieloną Rezultatem jest możesz mieć jest sucha skóra
kanadyjski Ејel przeciwwirusowy http://assopellettieri.it/forums/topic/kwetiapina-apteki-internetowe/ i gazu leczenie po Ејelowych paznokciach trД…dzik Ејel do leczenia wardah
Ostrzejszy obraz, pionierzy jonowych oczyszczaczach, byli producenci tego Ionic Breeze Quadra oczyszczacz powietrza
inna nazwa profilaktyka przeciwwirusowa bortezomib https://stop-violence.net/ar/forums/topic/ogolna-nazwa-marki-flavoxate-dobra-cena/ i leczeniu wrzodów leki przeciwwirusowe denga
Sprawy Intensity </ b> intensywność, że masz w fizycznym programu szkoleń fitness, odgrywa ważną rolę do decydowania, czy będzie kontynuować program, czy nie
rekomendacja interakcji przeciwwirusowa maseczka ochronna dla dzieci wielokrotnego uЕјytku https://www.classadrivers.com/forum/food-health/175117-omeprazol-mechanizm-dziaania.html#post674324 dla kobiet koronawirus yodate
Jeśli stwierdzisz, że można wyświetlić dowolny z tych objawów zaleca się, aby szukać rady medycznego i będą w stanie uruchomić kilka standardowych testów i egzaminów, jak wykluczyć różne możliwości
Czy kiedykolwiek wyobrażał sobie, że źródła żywności CoQ10 także dodatek dla zdrowia? Tak, jedząc pokarmy zawierające koenzym Q10 i nawet dodanie suplement, który posiada CoQ10 składnik – to po prostu pomaga organizmowi się zdrowsze, silniejsze i bardziej energiczne
Jak długo mogę brać antywirusowe de la grippe https://enah.edu.mx/enahforos/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1136101 zwyrodnienie problemy leki przeciwwirusowe i szczepionki
Gone są dni bez opcji, dla tych z nas, którzy zawsze chcieli mieć jasną wizję i mają możliwość noszenia każdej pary okularów bez kosztów wymiany soczewek na receptę te kontakty są wspaniałym dodatkiem do linii Acuvue z produkty Lepiej być zabezpieczonym niż później żałować, jak wiele osób mówi,
w porównaniu lek przeciwwirusowy dziecko https://www.classadrivers.com/forum/food-health/174661-gdzie-kupi-generic-warfaryna-bezpieczna-apteka.html#post673868 aktywny ingrediant w leczenie zakaЕјeЕ„ grzybiczych twarzy
Journal of American College of Cardiology pokazał te olejki zapobiegające krzepnięciu krwi i regulować lub nawet niższe ciśnienie krwi
Jak długo mogę brać przeciwwirusowy para garganta https://www.classadrivers.com/forum/food-health/169401-kup-online-olmesartan.html#post668603 tarczycy i aktywnoЕ›Д‡ przeciwwirusowa p53
Więc jakie są 3 bardzo częste objawy zmęczenia nadnerczy? Pierwszy bardzo częstym objawem zmęczenia nadnerczy jest przewlekły zmęczenie i nadmierne zmęczenie
leki z pierwszych rąk czosnkowe badanie przeciwwirusowe http://assopellettieri.it/forums/topic/karbamazepina-tanio/ stosowany w leczeniu przeciwwirusowe leczenie opryszczki
Czy nie </ u> wziąć alkoholu przed lub w trakcie lotu
Sexy photo galleries, daily updated collections
porn dad shcks daughter boyz n da hood porn lauren williams porn homemade ghetto porn free porn easiest to fuck girlshttp://gaypornxvideos.moesexy.com/?jolie
Hot galleries, daily updated collections
http://tvtsdating.energysexy.com/?ayanna
top rated tube porn sites free strap on porn streaming free porn gianna michaels phuket porn boys mobile ebony porn free
http://topanasex.com/
dara keo porn producer wi porn free flash pure free asian porn hardcore porn rapidshare free black teen porn tube
Hey, hope you are well! I’m a simple girl, who loves having fun, chatting and meeting new people. You will always find me smiling and happy because nothing disturb me! Join me https://sex-dating.me and your mind will be blown!