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
https://euryece-consulting.fr/community/profile/casinobtc16769511/ Bitcoin casino dice game odds, bitcoin casino top. He speaks about the useful and useless influence of blockchain on the gaming industry and sports betting particularly: While blockchain is very cool technology, its impact on gambling will be very limited. https://beingpurple.co.uk/community/profile/casinobtc16925792/ Bitcoin casino por mercado pago, bitcoin casino bonus 10 euro ohne einzahlung. Check out CyberSpins now to get the most entertaining online gambling experience. https://hiphopizados.com/community/profile/casinobtc1845648/ Play for fun black oak casino, play for real money casino slots. And this popularity is changing with varying success. https://activelogisticshub.com/community/profile/casinobtc38046314/ Mobile bitcoin casino no deposit bonus keep what you win, mobile bitcoin casino signup bonus no deposit. For instance, the platform provides you with a chance to win faucet Bitcoins if you a zero account balance by playing some games, and new customers also get free Bitcoin (BTC) to wager and tons of other benefits. http://opennet-blog.de/community/profile/casinobtc46673299/ Online casino south africa free bonus no deposit, online casino no account. Transactions and Payment Policies. https://forums.multirev.net/community/profile/casinobtc18000812/ Free bitcoin slots to play for fun only, free bitcoin slots games with free spins. It can crash (or go up) and the value will fluctuate every minute. https://psyphilosophy.com/community/profile/casinobtc31316083/ Jumbo cyprus limassol, fiesta bitcoin casino miraflores. Discover the pros and cons of these leading online Bitcoin casinos and betting sites. https://thriveinrecovery.online/community/profile/casinobtc42122182/ Bitcoin casino 500 welcome bonus, bitcoin casino p&o. This means that a business that uses a public blockchain can make everything they do completely open to the public. https://translatorscabin.com/community/profile/casinobtc17580390/ Free bitcoin roulette australia, free bitcoin slot play games. The online casino industry offers numerous opportunities for casual and professional gamblers. https://test.top10master.com/community/profile/casinobtc19252170/ Cryptocurrency gambling strategy, cryptocurrency gambling app. I just finished writing a brand new guide directed for beginners. https://webolinfer.vlired.cu/community/profile/casinobtc5724709/ Online casino oplichten, online casino for all countries. You can choose to place bets on single number, number combinations or for example red or black numbers. http://test.zenebikes.com/community/profile/casinobtc33801096/ Casino high school shop, casino high tea perth. Definitely avoid oddsmaker and sportsbook. https://desamulyasari.banjarkota.go.id/community/profile/casinobtc3062560/ Play casino online and win real money, play casino holdem online free. Without the overhead, Ethereum casinos can pass on the fees to the player and in return have a lower house edge. http://www.marinliv.se/forum/profile/casinobtc30803805/ Live roulette casino review, live roulette casino uk. After their initial success a number of bitcoin gambling websites started popping up around them. https://www.libertas.express/groups/centre-commercial-casino-geant-centre-commercial-casino-quimper/ Centre commercial casino geant, centre commercial casino quimper. Select deposits and then select the BTC marker. http://kainsktrans.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/3 http://primaverii-otopeni.ro/index.php/component/k2/item/1 oetqnsfflvrwer
https://funnyinvest.com/community/profile/ana2112089480/ Crazy bulk cutting stack how to use, crazy bulk cutting stack side effects. Now we’re talking about the stuff used by the big boys. http://www.midnightdba.com/DBARant/community/profile/ana214651055/ Cutting steroid stack, cutting steroid cycle for intermediate. Oral dianabol is almost an exception to this rule, as it’s likely to get a beginner jacked, but won’t compromise their health (as much as other steroids can). http://www.businesseschina.com/community/profile/ana2132379881/ Steroid uses, anabolic steroid jaundice. If one experience changes in their weight, it should be reported to the doctor. https://sodruzhestvo33.ru/community/profile/ana2111926132/ Will steroids enlarge your heart, will steroids help diverticulitis. Enanthate testosterone Side Effects. https://legal24.cc/community/profile/ana2113398471/ Types of steroids pills, types of synthetic steroids. It helps you to bulk up, it increases strength, it boosts muscle size, it burns fat and much more besides. http://zeml.info/forum/profile/ana212167634/ Dhea prohormone stack, dhea prohormone stack. Among these guys are: Trenbolone, Winstrol, and Anavar. http://www.businesseschina.com/community/profile/ana2119611264/ Anabol tablets british dispensary 5 mg, anabol tablets online shopping. For bulking, this injectable steroid is very popular because it is affordable, and it yields very impressive results. http://hitni.ru/community/profile/ana2148404016/ Steroids for sale craigslist, steroids for your brain. There are many online platforms that offer users the possibility to share their experience with used steroids. http://site.carottesandco.fr/community/profile/ana2143603478/ Are steroids safe for bodybuilding, are steroids hgh. If, however, your anabolic diet is in check and you are able to hit the gym regularly to train. https://www.schiacciamondo.com/community/profile/ana2118534271/ Steroids and cutting, steroids and ear infection. Top 3 Best Anabolic Steroids For Huge and Fast Muscle and Strength Gains. http://theshelterandstorm.com/community/profile/ana2135571542/ Tren yolculuğu, tren yolculuğu denince akla gelenler. When it comes to Tren, this sentiment has never seen truer. http://kartarkiv.no/kartnerd/community/profile/ana214740396/ Injectable steroid for sale, injectable steroid for sale. With that said, we won’t judge those that use them either. https://www.yosoydeleotec.com/foro/profile/ana2149584543/ Topical steroids in herpes zoster, topical steroids drugs. It also means that when you cut, you have more weight to lose. http://54.148.214.159/community/profile/ana214912951/ The use of anabolic steroids, the use of anabolic steroids. Over the course of this blog, we’ll provide a comprehensive rundown on the best steroids for mass available on the market ’ from their benefits to their side-effects to the appropriate dosage. https://wp-china.org/forums/forum/228 Steroids weight gain, steroids weight gain. It can take years to add a couple of pounds of lean muscle to your frame. http://inraidotrading.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/2 http://medenta34.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/6 oetqnsfflvrwer
Scandal porn galleries, daily updated lists
free amatuer adult babysitter porn nude sky digital porn channels pasionate porn tubes teedra diora porn julie morse pornhttp://cheesecakeporn.teempornvideos.energysexy.com/?yesenia
Torrents: [url=http://typecrm.com/watch-cornered-2021-full-movie-free-123movies-9282.html]Cornered[/url]
PelГculas | 894 Series | +17K Torrents[/url]BurnAware Premium 9 4 FINAL + Serials [TechTools ME] ! [url=http://zsoiree.com/director/howard-overman/]Howard Overman[/url].
Bad Moms Stream
Svensk lusta XXX WebGift
The walking dead S06
Erykah Badu Bag Lady Smooth Mix Chopped And Screwed – [url=http://36561631.com/toosii-thank-you-for-believing-album-complet.html]Toosii &#ff7dee; Thank You For Believing Album Complet[/url]. KarupsHA 16 11 17 Raven Orion Hardcore XXX 720p MP4-KTR[rarbg] – [url=http://jdyhh.com/show/show-me-the-money-season-6/]Show Me The Money Season 6[/url].
The Bold And The Beautiful – S30 Ep7463 – 2016-11-15 TV Shows
Stacy Schiff – The Witches Salem, 1692 (PDFamp;EPUBamp;MOBI)
Register + [url=http://totem.casino/hu/movie-upcoming]Premierek[/url]. One for the Money 2012 RC 720p BDRiP x264 AC3-26K – [url=http://whatamessdonald.com/Cartoon/Dino-Ranch]Dino RanchEpisode 24 – Wild Wild Thunderfoot[/url].
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Scholarship essay ghostwriting websites au .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Custom academic essay writers websites for school
Resume for administration officer
Thesis title early childhood education
Custom paper writers website uk
Cna research paper
Hamlet as a tragic hero thesis
How to write egyptian phone numbers
consultant resume sezri 2021[/url] travel essay scholarship ikpvk[/url] assistant resume azttr[/url] best essay ghostwriters service for phd rgtar[/url] 219d3f2Hr resume latest format
Free resume writing web site
Template for writing a persuasive essay
Hindi holiday homework for class 10
Rpi dissertations
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
essay ghostwriting websites au [/b][url=https://www.instagram.com/payday_loans_usa_/]payday loans[/url]
]
annotated bibliography writing for hire ca rdwdi[/url] business plan financial templates zhogz 2021[/url] resume templates sales associate knxyh 2021[/url] to write an a level history essay on sources – To write a narative essay vgkax 2021[/url] letter in person – Resume design nukkw 2021[/url]Help writing professional creative writing online
Top paper writer service online
Cover letter to recording studio
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
essay ghostwriting websites au [/b] work writers for hire[/url] to english literature essays uphzj[/url] letter academic computer science rnnpw[/url] movie review ghostwriters service gb – Goes introduction apa research paper uuieg 2021[/url]benedict xvi dissertation
]
https://images.google.com.eg/url?q=https://edubirdie.review
http://www.bbs.91tata.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=5161099
https://marvelvsdc.faith/wiki/Considerations_To_Know_About_EduBirdiecom
Help writing professional definition essay online
essay online safe[/url]Political theory essay example
Homework organizer assignment notebook guide
[url=https://onezaym.ru]займ онлайн[/url]
http://www.5178.info/home.php?mod=space&uid=325828&do=profile&from=space
https://buyobuyoringo.com/yabaflight1/
Write great business plan william sahlman pdf
How to write a hiring procedure
Best school argumentative essay sample
http://seligerforum.ru/index.php?/topic/504246-best-personal-essay-ghostwriter-service-for-university/
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/in-neque-arcu-vulputate-vitae/271945-top-reflective-essay-ghostwriting-service-for-phd.html#303375
http://www.rtiles.gr/cement-tile?unapproved=831034&moderation-hash=431b7b8be4322f7542118f77d0420e1b#comment-831034
Scholarship essay ghostwriting websites au
6 writing assignments[/url] dissertation writing ijybd 2021[/url] to write like jeremy clarkson dvgvc[/url] course work proofreading for hire online jqpzi[/url] essay ghostwriting websites au [/b] sleep themes essays twznr[/url] resume layout izaxi[/url] test questions pdf lhimu 2021[/url] planning engineer resume ebtob[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://hayesgrange.com/hello-world/?unapproved=224476&moderation-hash=1337c07d03d096373b4443565b6510a7#comment-224476
http://u2467405.isp.regruhosting.ru/blog/soediniteli_scotchlok_uy2_ur2_i_ub2a#comment_570423
https://www.boulderteashop.com/blogs/tea-blog/you-wont-believe-these-amazing-herbal-tea-options?comment=123287699617#comments
Resume bloopers and blunders
essay ghostwriting websites au [/b] ghostwriter services usa pjgpp[/url] persuasive essay writing websites uk – Common wealth game 2010 essay avzut 2021[/url] samples do dissertation binding[/url] college essay editor sites for phd brugk[/url] yourself how to write a blockbuster cyltj[/url] thesis format sample zyifl[/url]How to overcome food crisis essay
First three chapters of a dissertation