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 ?
Best expository essay editor for hire .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Xepersian thesis cls download
How to write year in chinese
Pay for my best cover letter online
Esl phd essay proofreading website for college
Essay on population growth and economic development
Type my world literature dissertation conclusion
State jobs resume builder
letter for electrical draftsman xactm 2021[/url] thesis 2005 jgvnr[/url] secret jlkia[/url] research proposal writer service online hdclf[/url] 219d3f2How to write cover letter of proposal
Cheap dissertation abstract writing sites for phd
Does 300 word essay look like
Cheap cheap essay ghostwriter sites for mba
How to write a casting call notice for models
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
expository essay editor for hire [/b][url=http://studybay-com.blogrenanda.com]studybay[/url]
]
term paper editing websites ca – Top dissertation introduction editing for hire for college mguys 2021[/url] blog post g[/url] templates fo[/url] letter office clerk sample[/url] thesis for character analysis gnodf[/url]Examples argument analysis essays
Architecture sustainable thesis
Cover letter examples for construction management
https://sites.google.com/view/my-essaytyper/
expository essay editor for hire [/b] report writer services uk kasgk[/url] you write a letter ymbpq[/url] my argumentative essay on shakespeare giyzw[/url] form sample – La laicit en france dissertation zpdpd 2021[/url]tghuTRTjigFIr6F
RushEssay.com Review
]
https://cse.google.com/url?q=http://author24.ru.com
https://bom.to/j5J3tjShmAO2g
https://bookmarkstore.download/story.php?title=buy-essay-can-be-fun-for-anyone#discuss
How to make a short cover letter for a resume
Resume cover letter information
School essay on algebra
[url=http://tinkoffcredit.ru]тинькофф банк оставить заявку[/url]
[url=http://ru-zaem.ru/]заем онлайн[/url]
https://www.google.co.ma/url?q=https://essaypro.me/
http://servizi.unionesarda.it/ssl/accountadmin.aspx?Returnurl=https://essaytyper.cm
Cheap dissertation chapter editing website usa
Pay for popular essays
Research paper help
http://matty90live.altervista.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2134904#2134904
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/498044-esl-dissertation-abstract-ghostwriting-websites-au/page__gopid__1333966&#entry1333966
http://zhitomir.prombaza77.com/products/molokomer-10-l#comment_1339290
Best expository essay editor for hire
stars critical essay hbrth[/url] essay on transcendentalism by charles mayo ellis bftrp[/url] business plan rhrof 2021[/url] a leadership experience essay[/url] expository essay editor for hire [/b] term paper editor services uk dehmu[/url] plan for renting to relatives hgssb 2021[/url] account essays dsesz[/url] school essay ghostwriters sites for school pmwxd[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://forum.nerdcom.host/index.php?/topic/265022-cover-page-sample-for-resume/
https://pootersdiapers.com/blogs/pooters-diapers-blog/cloth-diaper-detergents-what-to-look-for-in-a-cloth-diaper-friendly-detergent?comment=124492415091#comments
https://cryptographybuzz.com/portsmash-hyper-threading-decryption-keys/?unapproved=539384&moderation-hash=62bb1d0f1b534e3f2306121ac17cf81e#comment-539384
Financial reporting analyst cover letter
expository essay editor for hire [/b] book review proofreading for hire usa ksmpj[/url] resume on web jgjvr[/url] research paper lioky[/url] vitae definition vs resume hegcu 2021[/url] school principal sample resume njmrc 2021[/url] thesis topics hmwuv[/url]College essay on mathematics
Sample descriptive essay writing
gigabyte ga ep45 ud3rsamsung blu ray bde5400latitude e6420 bios a05asrock b85m itx driversasus strix b350-f driversgigabyte ga-h61m-d2p-b3heroes of might and magic 6 trainerdell wireless 5620 evdo hspa mobile broadband mini card driverhp envy ts 17 notebook pc driversperk machine mini fridge
[url=https://bit.ly/3yV2pBF]tritton ark 100 pc
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3p8S3de]dell alienware m18xr2 drivers
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3p7Zb9o]legends of the lawn
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3vQ4AVv]epson stylus pro 11880 driver
[/url]
[url=http://newsfromtiranene.blogspot.com/2021/05/google-sheets-windows-10-downloadstay.html]where are paint 3d files saved
[/url]
[url=http://secondtops.blogspot.com/2021/05/games-for-windows-live-for-windows-10.html]lenovo yoga vs macbook air
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3fGEHkZ]angry birds 3 15 walkthrough
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3wKLOyD]asus p8z77 i deluxe mini itx lga1155 motherboard
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3wTVOpc]death and betrayal in romania
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3vNWvR8]pdf converter enterprise 8.0
[/url]
eternal conflict angels and demons
m4a785td-v evo bios update
ati firepro v4800 driver windows 10
tusb3410 driver windows 10
sony xperia m4 aqua amazon
https://bit.ly/3g0KFMC
https://bit.ly/3uGkobP
http://grabr.ru/related/kak-nachat-svoi-den-i-prozhit-ego-produktivno/
https://bit.ly/3c6D79T
https://bit.ly/3uGfnjv
https://bit.ly/34wAlH1
https://bit.ly/2SNqGcA
http://seominds.ru/my/ryabova68/page2/
https://bit.ly/34xRPCH
https://bit.ly/3vEVBGi
tascam us 144 mkii
sony tablet s lollipop
6150se nforce 430 drivers
lian li pc q26
amd radeon hd 8570 drivers
ipod nano 6th generation jailbreak
far cry 4 patch download
msi 970a g46 drivers
ms project 2003 download
sus rog connect plus
amd iommu device driver
corsair link software linux
a tale of two guardians quest
hp zbook 15 drivers windows 7
hp psc 1200 driver
https://bit.ly/2S3hoci
password key professional torrent [/url] stats fifa 15 [/url] photosmart c4700 driver download [/url] monster witcher 3 [/url] g70-80 drivers [/url] wow legendary mouse [/url] plane paint schemes [/url] b250m pro opt boost [/url] htc windows phone [/url] of persia 2008 trainer [/url]https://bit.ly/3fQXmJK
http://harakirinews2.blogspot.com/2021/05/genymotion-emulator-download-for.html
https://bit.ly/2SJRNVA
https://bit.ly/3c9Ldi0
https://bit.ly/2RT0r4m
https://bit.ly/3fKIYUS
https://bit.ly/3fXmVZP
https://bit.ly/3wR7ppf
http://grabr.ru/tegi/sozdanie-reputatsii/
German Amateur Porn Modell seaarch new User
http ://www.mydirtylive.com
Make Money with your Porn
;)
Энергетический паспорт объекта обычно содержит:Таким образом, затея получает энергетический паспорт своего объекта, весь подходящий действующему законодательству РФ, а также совет по энергосбережению и повышению энергоэффективности.4. Модель учитывает ошибку прогноза за последние изрядно дней и корректирует прогноз чтобы более точной нормы.
модернизация уличного освещения
[url=https://www.nppne.ru/modernizacziya-sistemyi-vnutrennego-i-vneshnego-osveshheniya-zdanij.html]модернизация освещения[/url]
https://www.nppne.ru/ – энергосбережение и повышение энергетической эффективности
Основные цели внедрения системы энергоменеджмента2. Отсутствует мочь проводить факторный испытание по выявлению наиболее энергоёмких узлов с целью снижения расходов для энергоресурсах.Система рекуперации тепла выходящего из помещения воздуха. Атмосфера выходит и поступает в землянка после специальный воздухопровод. В рекуператоре (теплообменнике) отработанный домашний теплый атмосфера нагревает поступающий уличный атмосфера (согретый уже в воздухопроводе от тепла земли) и кроме выбрасывается для улицу.
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Do my health research proposal .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
How to write an interpretive argument
Free real estate investor business plan
Sample academic cover letter literature
Professional thesis editing services online
Book reports on diary of a wimpy kid
Example of personal essays
Profi resume
vs att essay arxnk[/url] resume format kdrre 2021[/url] of the pledge of allegiance essay[/url] letter for pharmacy intern jrmhh[/url] 63c76b2Thesis on feuerbach meaning
Esl creative essay writers services ca
Custom application letter editing sites for university
Custom phd essay ghostwriter website for phd
Essay on freedom of press in india
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
my health research proposal [/b] pro[/url]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.bloggin-ads.com]studybay[/url]
Free resume color templates
admission paper proofreading site hmpxc 2021[/url] law scholarship essay iffkx[/url] school resume layout oxong[/url] to write to first lady chosp[/url] ghostwriter service gb gbkcl[/url]7th grade homework assignments
How to write a letter for financial hardship
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
my health research proposal [/b] do you write a lad conclusion[/url] literature review in games and learning dqywt[/url] homework ghostwriters services for college lgbyv[/url] college application essay ewiaf 2021[/url]dissertation expert
]
https://visual.ly/users/mcgowanerichsen950009/portfolio
https://cse.google.la/url?q=https://edubirdie.company
http://www.funkyfreeads.com/user/profile/443649
Insurance business plan example
Top thesis proposal writers sites for university
Esl presentation writers sites for college
]
[url=https://au.edubirdie.review]edubirdie.com[/url]
http://satguide.org/index.php?title=User:FredCoomes06723
http://planetestreams.net/index.php?qa=56196&qa_1=the-smart-trick-of-studybay-that-nobody-is-discussing
Order movie review
Volunteering business plan
Cover letter sample lectureship
https://scrubbys.net/blogs/post/meet-the-pump-booster?comment=124459614311#comments
https://prcfestival.com/blogs/news/correa-family-foundation-and-texas-united-for-puerto-rico-join-forces?comment=127160156294#comments
https://sunlifeorganics.com/blogs/news/loveyourlife?comment=124185968806#comments
Do my health research proposal
the stars by lois lowry essay zsjhm[/url] accounting essay topics kyytd[/url] of report uocrn[/url] ecology dissertation sgegj[/url] my health research proposal [/b] leadership essay[/url] me write theater studies problem solving ajzqn 2021[/url] on advantages of rainwater harvesting gavui[/url] homework rain persona 4[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://hall-computer.de/machen/all-ip-services/?cf_er=_cf_process_609d827fc4a6a
https://www.sentiens.us/home-page/novus1?unapproved=20388&moderation-hash=4a3ba27dd1d53e5c1f2c1400b0db781f#main#comment-20388
http://hayesgrange.com/hello-world/?unapproved=224476&moderation-hash=1337c07d03d096373b4443565b6510a7#comment-224476
Resume writers for hire gb
my health research proposal [/b] persuasive essay editing site for mba yqujz 2021[/url] personal essay qrqxt 2021[/url] unification essay cqfcw 2021[/url] school admission essay topics pephr[/url] ghostwriter for hire uk vjozr[/url] essays against the death penalty[/url]Essays on pricing commodity derivatives
How to write academic goals
gigabyte ga h55m s2vdragon ball revenge of king piccolo isogpu tweak vs msi afterburnerdell inspiron 545 driverslogitech z cinema driverkyocera printer deleter utilitywd my book 1140 drivertrendnet tew-mfp1m5a78l-m lx plus bioshp 2000 notebook screen
[url=https://bit.ly/3vIxxT1]total extreme wrestling 2016 free download
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3vKkhNP]mass effect trainer origin
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/tag/заработок в сети/]breaking the mold the art of bioshock
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/34GSQZ7]dark souls 2 forlorn locations
[/url]
[url=http://newnewsabout1.blogspot.com/2021/05/game-of-life-download-windows-10the_21.html]msi z77a gd65 drivers
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3uD7Thl]parrot bebop skycontroller update
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3g5Qc4r]dell latitude e6430 drivers windows 7 64 bit download
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3yRNus5]magic eagle mouse drivers
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3i3LAi9]dead island secret achievements
[/url]
[url=https://bit.ly/3wKh2WG]creative zen v plus firmware
[/url]
warcraft scroll of resurrection
sabertooth x58 bios update
wii u usb helper android
dynex blu ray player
what is test mode windows 7 build 7601
https://bit.ly/3wZc3Sj
https://bit.ly/3wR71qT
https://bit.ly/2SExSYi
https://bit.ly/2TvOGRz
http://newintheworld1234.blogspot.com/2021/05/geany-c-for-windows-10-free.html
http://besttops2n.blogspot.com/2021/05/git-download-for-windows-10git-for.html
http://besttops2n.blogspot.com/2021/05/galaga-download-windows-10galaga-for.html
https://bit.ly/3fKBEIR
https://bit.ly/3c4blL9
https://bit.ly/3g4DxyJ
wacom intuos cth-490
asrock h97m pro4 bios update
recettear an item shop’s tale download
what is an hp wireless button driver
fake iphone 11 camera
evga x58 motherboard drivers
home hero fire extinguisher
patriot 802.11n usb adapter driver download
asus x99 deluxe/u3.1
ralink rt3290 driver windows 8
visual mp3 splitter & joiner
rise of shadows bomb warrior
nokia 5610 t mobile
space pirates and zombies cheats
sony digital handycam dcr-trv17
http://besttops2n.blogspot.com/2021/05/glwiz-download-for-windows-10glwiz-for.html
970a-g43 usb 3.0 driver [/url] 6100 nforce 405 [/url] centrino® wireless-n 6150 driver [/url] romanesti in america [/url] [/url] core prime lollipop update [/url] g3 sprint marshmallow update [/url] pop astro lte [/url] dual action gamepad drivers [/url] conquest boost mobile [/url]https://bit.ly/3wLsSQc
https://bit.ly/3i3WB2U
https://bit.ly/3fXBYCX
https://bit.ly/3cctJ4O
https://bit.ly/3wK9van
http://goldnwa.blogspot.com/2011/08/dnu-bloga-posvvyashayetsya.html
https://bit.ly/3i5R4J0
https://bit.ly/3fFCEho
https://bit.ly/2RYHj4Q