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
cheap cialis online canadian pharmacy https://gocialisget.com/ – cialis coupon walmart
purchase cialis online
buy generic cialis [url=https://gocialisget.com/]buy cialis[/url] cialis 20mg price
cbd oil online thc oil cbd hemp oil
https://fullspectrumcbdoilyw.com/ cbd hemp oil [url=https://fullspectrumcbdoilyw.com/ ]cbdmd website [/url] medterra cbd
NEED ESSAY WRITING HELP?
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.
Best academic essay editor service gb – Word templates cover letter for resume hsujv 2021.
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Top creative writing proofreading services ca
New thesis titles for information technology
Essay on summer season in hindi for class 7
Clerkship sample cover letter
Best scholarship essay ghostwriting services for university
Cover letter child support investigator
Popular descriptive essay ghostwriting site for school
article review writer service – Can i make a difference essay aobuj 2021[/url] movie review editor service for school – Topics for synthesis essays nsder 2021[/url] proposal slideshow zophn[/url] reflexive free hvhhc[/url] d3f2d35Best literature review ghostwriters sites
Essay on ord and cd cotton effects
Top paper writing websites for college
120 day business plan format
Write a review for a film you have recently seen
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
academic essay editor service gb – Word templates cover letter for resume hsujv 2021[/b] pro[/url]https://tinyurl.com/yy2sczsb
Top dissertation results ghostwriting website for school
resume wizard malro[/url] year experience resume format for java developer fzsfc[/url] a resume for a freshers irgyl[/url] dissertation introduction ghostwriters services for mba dpckz[/url] resume[/url]Top biography ghostwriters services usa
Free mexican revolution essay
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
academic essay editor service gb – Word templates cover letter for resume hsujv 2021[/b] plan toolkit 7 0 for mac – Topics of an argumentative essay tpvpn 2021[/url] letter for graduate trainee position helbj[/url] to do esl article review online ogmnu[/url] term paper ghostwriter service for phd vewlb[/url]BoomEssays.com Review
]
https://essaypro24.bladejournal.com/post/2020/11/16/The-Ultimate-Guide-To-essaypro-essay-writing-service
http://images.google.co.in/url?q=https://essaypro.co
https://www.tourism.gov.za/Lists/Site%20Feedback/DispForm.aspx?ID=44749
Cover letter call center application
Writing dental essays
Pay to get environmental studies letter
[url=http://ocenka.bpx.by]Оценка недвижимости[/url]
[url=http://author24.ru.com]http://автор24[/url]
https://www.cgc.edu/Academics/LearningCenter/Lists/Learning%20Center%20Evaluation/DispForm.aspx?ID=39511
https://maps.google.com.ng/url?q=https://studybay.ws
Custom descriptive essay ghostwriting service gb
Top article ghostwriter website gb
Place to write my book
https://freelancetd.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=96516&p=118625#p118625
https://buffetanacelia.com.br/forums/topic/help-college-english-essays-voyju/
http://mosory.six168.com/viewthread.php?tid=5708&pid=13556&page=2&extra=#pid13556
Best academic essay editor service gb – Word templates cover letter for resume hsujv 2021
home work ghostwriter service gb jlqsq[/url] to write language ppebe[/url] my technology cv rvkzc[/url] analysis polonius essays dyrjy[/url] academic essay editor service gb – Word templates cover letter for resume hsujv 2021[/b] management essay free bdbcq[/url] essay on starlight scope myopia odzxt[/url] to write a deepest sympathy letter wyqft[/url] online essay reviews – Homework editing site uk ufwfg 2021[/url]https://forum.clubcivicquebec.com/topic/493654-online-canadian-pharmacy-online-canadian-malegra-dxt-without-prescription/?p=5250230
http://www.0909j.com/mb/kagawa/kuchikomi/confirm.php?sid=f67f8fc32ac44b00d501f91875862f1a
https://hakoniwa-rail.blog.ss-blog.jp/2019-10-10?comment_fail=1#commentblock&time=1607140506
]
academic essay editor service gb – Word templates cover letter for resume hsujv 2021[/b] with work cited – Cheap paper editor websites us gthzh 2021[/url] mba literature review topic wraqu[/url] article editor websites for college nbrpx[/url] behaviour literature review pdf bgbcc[/url] creative essay writer website gb cdyzz[/url] for janitorial position eoetv[/url]Geography coursework topics
Cover letter instructor college
Good books to write a comparative essay on
Скачать Жулики запретили митинговать у дворца Путина. Единоросска пожаловалась на анальные трещины
Кружки и футболки от авторов канала https://shop.bondarenkoblog.ru/
? ДОНАТЫ https://donatepay.ru/don/224115
? Стать спонсором https://www.you…
Скачать Как Помочь ДРУГУ Сбежать Из ТЮРЬМЫ ! – Челлендж
Покупай Мерч А4 «Ламба&Гелик» на официальном сайте – https://a4shop.ru
Канал ГЛЕНТА – https://bit.ly/2Gwxge4
Скачивай МОИ ИГРЫ:…
Скачать #СвободуНавальному 23.01.2021 Выходить Или…
Почта фонда: tobefund@gmail.com
-Спасибо за Помощь – http://www.donationalerts.ru/r/tobeor
-PayPal – http://www.donationalerts.ru/r/tobeor
-Яндекс Кошеле…
Скачать Топор vs Солонин. Чоршанбе против всех. Вызов Емельяненко. Брат Акаба vs Даггер
Убойный выпуск от Хардкор. Топор VS Солонин. Чоршанбе ворвался в клетку и он опять против всех. Слащинин вызв…
Скачать Найден упавший инопланетный корабль! ПЕРВЫЕ РЕАЛЬНЫЕ КАДРЫ ВИДЕОСЪЁМКИ НЛО и обнаруженных пришельцев
Не забудьте подписаться на канал https://www.youtube.com/user/100fakel?sub_confirmation=1 чтобы не пропустить новые и интересные…
Скачать ?? Майнкрафт СПИДРАНЕР против ПОДПИСЧИКОВ • [Субботний Стрим]
ДОНАТ: https://www.donationalerts.com/r/lololoshka
Что даёт донат: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s1754M4YrUI2ncsv6ZXhrR_pLAmgoVGz_NGsOmYP6Tc/edit#gid=0
Если…
Скачать МАНЬЯК В ДОМЕ МОРГЕНШТЕРНА! БАНДА ЮТУБ В ГОСТЯХ У МОРГЕНШТЕРНА – МАНЬЯК В CS:GO
Играем в игру под названием CS:GO ( Counter-Strike:Global Offensive ). Новый маньяк в CS:GO. Кто же на этот раз окажется жертвой,…
Скачать БРАВЛ ТОЛК НА РУССКОМ! 5-Й СЕЗОН КОСМИЧЕСКИЕ КОТИКИ! НОВЫЙ БРАВЛЕР! КОСМИЧЕСКИЕ СКИНЫ!
БРАВЛ ТОЛК НА РУССКОМ! 5-Й СЕЗОН КОСМИЧЕСКИЕ КОТИКИ! НОВЫЙ БРАВЛЕР! КОСМИЧЕСКИЕ СКИНЫ!
Оригинал-https://www.youtube.com…
Скачать ТВИЧ – ПОМОЙКА
? Паблик Раш Бет: https://vk.com/rushbet.tips
Поддержать автора копейкой: https://www.donationalerts.com/r/neomarazm
Мой Instagramm: https://www.in…
Скачать Что выберешь ты в майнкрафт?
Что выберешь ты в майнкрафт?
СНИМАЙТЕ ТИКТОКИ ПОД ЭТОТ ЗВУК: https://cutt.ly/KjFcBMo
Я в Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fixeye/…
Скачать Ar?za 19. Bolum 1. Fragman | “Sizi gozalt?na almaya geldik.”
Ar?za YouTube Kanal?na Abone Ol > http://showtv.tv/YwK49f
Yonetmenligini Recai Karagoz’un ustlendigi, senaryosunu Y?lmaz Sahin ve Cagla K?z?lelma’n?n kaleme ald?g?,…
Скачать Фильмы 2021 года, которые нельзя пропустить.
Этот год будет богат на кино. Даже несмотря на ситуацию с кинотеатрами, гору контента вывалят сразу на стрим…
Скачать Cukur 4. Sezon 21. Bolum Fragman
Bu dizi ve cok daha fazlas? puhutv’de > https://puhutv.com/cukur-detay?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cukur&utm_content=detay
Cukur’a Abone Olmak Icin > https://bit.l…
Скачать Черри — Русский тизер (2021)
Русский трейлер фильма “Черри” 2021 года
Дата выхода МИР – 26 февраля 2021
О фильме: Армейский медик Нико Уокер…
Скачать Mucize Doktor 46. Bolum 2. Fragman?
Mucize Doktor yeni bolumuyle 21 Ocak persembe gunu FOX’ta ??
Mucize Doktor Resmi YouTube Kanal?na Abone Olmak Icin: https://bit.ly/2k2MEqN
Mucize Doktor Ailesine kat?lmak icin:…
Скачать Баста – Белый кит
vfx by @friends_video_
Большой концерт Басты в «Лужниках»: https://bit.ly/basta_luzhniki
Слушайте альбом Баста – 40:
Apple Music: https://bit.ly…
Скачать Dimash Qudaibergen performed on the day of the US President’s inauguration with the popular SOS song
SisterCities streamed the special performance of Dimash on January 20th to mark the opening of the week of celebration of the inauguration of US President Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect…
Скачать Billie Eilish, ROSALIA – Lo Vas A Olvidar (Official Music Video)
Listen to “Lo Vas A Olvidar”, out now: https://smarturl.it/LoVasAOlvidar
Director – Nabil
Producer – Tara Razavi
Production Company – Happy Place
HP Line Producer – Jared Fassler
Cinematograp…
Скачать Клава Кока – Покинула чат (Новогодняя версия)
Режиссер: Ткач Роман @tkach_rom
Оператор: Илья Горбунов @svetkamepamotop
2й режиссер: Краснокутская Виктория
Линейный…
Скачать ELMAN & JONY – Балкон
Подписывайтесь на наш YouTube канал:
https://clck.ru/MM6nc
Жмите на ?? и не пропускайте новинки!
RAAVA MUSIC:
https://vk.com/raavamusi…
Скачать Путин на совещании по экономическим вопросам
Владимир Путин проводит совещание по экономическим вопросам в режиме видеоконференции
Подписывайтесь…
Скачать ЭТУ МУЗЫКУ МОЖНО СЛУШАТЬ ВЕЧНО! Потрясающая, самая красивая музыка на свете !!!
Видео снято и смонтировано лично мной, автором канала “Красиво для души!”. Группа Vkontakte …
Скачать ЭТУ КОМЕДИЮ ХОЧЕТСЯ ПЕРЕСМАТРИВАТЬ СНОВА И СНОВА! СВАТЫ 4! ВСЕ СЕРИИ 1-3 серия
ЭТУ КОМЕДИЮ ХОЧЕТСЯ ПЕРЕСМАТРИВАТЬ СНОВА И СНОВА! СВАТЫ 4! ВСЕ СЕРИИ 1-3 серия Максим и Маша …
Скачать Ясно о мини-футболе #17 | “Витэн” покидает Лигу Чемпионов | ВРЗ и “Столица” снова выясняют отношения
ВРЗ и “Столица” снова выясняют отношения – 1:12 “Кайрат” есть “Кайрат”. Как “Витэн” боролся в Лиге Чемпионов, но этого …
Скачать Бен 10 на русском – Ben 10
Во время затянувшихся летних каникул у Дедушки Макса и кузины Гвен Бен Теннисон находит инопланетные часы, …
Скачать Хор ИМО – Я сошла с ума (t.A.T.u. cover)
Время сделать перерыв в подготовке к сессии, чтобы не сойти с ума. Хор ИМО вы могли видеть в тиктоке, но не это видео.
Скачать Мы к вам пришли колядовать – Рождественские Детские Песни – Сборник Новогодний
Мы к вам пришли колядовать – cуществует очень много Рождественских колядок. Предлагаем послушать еще одну.
Скачать ТРАНСФОРМАТОР сдает на права. Шоу “ПАРКУЙСЯ, ВЫХОДИ”. Выпуск 5
В новом выпуске шоу “Паркуйся, выходи” бизнесмен и основатель проекта «Трансформатор» Дмитрий Портнягин пробует …
Скачать 23 января- сказочный день. Скажите на счастье. | Тайна Жрицы |
Приветствую всех зрителей и подписчиков на своём канале. 23 января день силы слова по лунному календарю, когда вы …
Скачать А.Цыпкин. “Список Феди”. Рассказ, который поможет всем. Основан на реальных событиях.
Видео выставленно с разрешения правообладятеля. «Друзья, эта абсолютно реальная история, которую я услышал …
Скачать Нашли голову с мозгом: ученые попробуют вывести волка, жившего 42 тысячи лет назад – Россия 24
Большая научная новость: в якутской вечной мерзлоте нашли прекрасно сохранившуюся голову исчезнувшего вида волка, …