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://lawyersarena.com/community/profile/sarms27218080/ Dianabol winstrol, dbol quotes. Aggression agitation anxiety blurred vision decrease in the amount of urine dizziness fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse headache irritability mental depression mood changes nervousness noisy, rattling breathing numbness or tingling in the arms or legs pounding in the ears shortness of breath swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs trouble thinking, speaking, or walking troubled breathing at rest weight gain. https://affinityonline.org/community/profile/sarms25247794/ Liquid anavar for sale, liquid anavar for sale. Manic episodes of aggressive behavior are known as “roid rage,” and violence may be the outcome. http://groups.smalltrimaran.co.uk/community/profile/sarms5215982/ Jym supplement stacks, jym supplement stack. Anadrole promotes the production of more red blood cells. https://travelcostarica.today/activity-streams/p/38191/ Best sarms diet, best sarms net. Like testosterone, deca is also an injectable steroid; although a slow-acting compound that takes several weeks to build up in the body. https://cadetcarebd.com/activity/p/3456/ Muscle mass stacks, muscle mass women’s health. Stretch marks, skin thinning, and excessive facial hair growth are also not uncommon. https://www.fosenbrettspillklubb.no/forum/profile/sarms21998473/ Dbol strength gains, dbol strength gains. Examples of statins available today include: atorvastatin (Lipitor) fluvastatin (Lescol) lovastatin (Altoprev) pitavastatin (Livalo) pravastatin (Pravachol) rosuvastatin (Crestor) simvastatin (Zocor) Plant sterols are compounds that help block your body from absorbing cholesterol. https://thatnupe.com/community/profile/sarms2510208/ Mk-2866 bodybuilding, buy sarms in store. These supplements were found to be adulterated with potentially dangerous substances. https://top5toselect.com/streams/p/774/ Steroids pill injection, steroids pill injection. Steroids do not, in most cases, build any muscle on their own ’ instead they provide you with the opportunity to train harder, for longer without feeling fatigue. https://euryece-consulting.fr/community/profile/sarms19183195/ Steroids 5 facts, steroids 5 day pack. Unfortunately, none of these bodybuilding supplement steroid alternatives are available in stores. https://academy.goglobal.ng/activity/p/25797/ Steroids for sale singapore, steroids for sale new zealand. You can see the rapid results of this steroid within 30 days. https://britonferryaction.org/activity/p/5742/ Poe strength stacking build 3.7, poe strength stacking mana guardian. The reason it is known as the girl steroid is that. https://nakedcampaign.org/community/profile/sarms4178176/ Lgd 3303 cutting, lgd 3303 for cutting. There are many things you can do that will prevent side-effects from occurring but you need to know what tools work best with each steroid if you’re going to provide this protection efficiently. https://jakkals-paljas.com/community/profile/sarms48987236/ Bulking quanto tempo, bulking quanto tempo. However, due to the body converting some of the exogenous testosterone into estrogen (via the process of aromatization), blood pressure stays within a normal range on testosterone; due to estrogen increasing HDL cholesterol levels (the good kind). http://scoopbin.com/ink/profile/sarms28351693/ Ostarine mk-2866 30mg, ostarine mk-2866 bodybuilding. A 2007 review of muscle-building supplements indicated that creatine is the best supplement for increasing muscle mass. https://britonferryaction.org/activity/p/7798/ Hgh x2 where to buy, hgh x2 comprar. In particular, CrazyBulk’s muscle gainer pills are great for promoting ideal muscle strength and mass. http://alphasound.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/2 http://kaglobalgreenvillagekedu.co.zw/index.php/component/k2/item/1 oetqnsfflvrwer
Самое сочное HD [url=https://videosexxx.icu/]домашнее порно массаж[/url] высокого качества. Заходи [url=https://videosexxx.icu/categories/%D0%92+%D0%A7%D1%83%D0%BB%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%85/]секс чулки ученики[/url] и смотри запретное и эксклюзивное порно для любом https://videosexxx.icu/categories/%D0%9C%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%82/ гаджете!
https://rftagsshop.com/community/profile/casinoen392296/ Lenovo ideapad yoga 13 ram slots, lenovo ideapad yoga 13 memory slots. Programs include Casino Dealer, Machine Repair, Table Games. https://silicon-sky.com/community/profile/casinoen6422458/ Mardi gras casino poker, mardi gras casino hallandale seating chart. That day just like many other day’s after gambling I vowed never to go back. http://bmwmoal.club/index.php/community/profile/casinoen37732547/ Usa online casino cashback, usa online casino deposit 1$. Be sure to open a new browser window before you attempt to log in again. https://www.cryptospacestation.com/community/profile/casinoen18225434/ Crown casino food court map, crown casino signature club free parking. Asimismo, también puede ser usada para representar disgusto o desaprobación, mostrando inexpresividad ante algo que han comentado o dicho. https://analogjo.com/activity/p/55061/ Big fish casino android app, big fish casino code share. Chairs at table games will be reduced. http://cannabislifestyleassn.org/community/profile/casinoen35628971/ Best app for online casino table games, best app learn texas holdem. Corporate Bookmakers (generally holding a bookmaker’s Licence issued in the Northern Territory) offer online and telephone fixed-odds betting on racing, sports and other approved events. https://caduhcarvallho.com.br/community/profile/casinoen7773700/ Hollywood casino at charles town races promotions, hollywood casino indiana discount codes. Perfecta para mostrar que todo ha salido como esperábamos, que estamos en un estado de paz y tranquilidad en el que nada nos molesta o perturba. https://dogsthatadventure.com/community/profile/casinoen40647236/ Age limit for choctaw casino oklahoma, age limit to gamble at morongo casino. Try the momocha, steamed vegetable dumplings filled with peanut paste, spices and herbs, and the katahar kabob, green jackfruit marinated with spices and saut茅ed with onions, tomatoes and cilantro. https://www.fashionhunters.ch/community/profile/casinoen37032945/ Plainridge park casino doug flutie, plainridge park casino 301 washington street plainville ma 02762. And, they all seem so expensive!. https://shock-school.ru/community/profile/casinoen18114179/ How to win on noraut poker machines, how to use slot machines. Gambling addiction signs and symptoms. http://porova.altervista.org/forum/profile/casinoen22247194/ Atlantis gold casino mobile, atlantis gold mobile casino no deposit bonus codes. The action will be to the first player to the left of the dealer. http://kompaoriginal.com/community/profile/casinoen11063643/ Ultimate texas holdem game download not online, ultimate texas holdem table layout. Last edited by Moneybags; 04-05-2013 at 10:37 AM. https://ulvespill.net/community/profile/casinoen13027351/ No of slots are presently online, no of slots are presently online. Early knowledge about potential problems enables IBM to provide proactive service that may result in higher system availability and performance. https://allthingshealthnfitness.com/community/profile/casinoen25902690/ Mardi gras casino ft lauderdale fl, mardi gras casino slot machines. The Pecos park boasted amazing mountainous views and old Pecos Indian Pueblo ruins. https://contributions.leprintempsiserois.fr/community/profile/casinoen46886766/ Online poker on military base, online poker and casino sites real play. Allerdings ist dies vor allem für erfahrene und risikofreudige Spieler zu empfehlen. http://stor-itwarehouses.net/index.php/component/k2/item/8 http://gabuca.com/index.php/component/k2/item/9 oetqnsfflvrwer
БЕССТРАСТНЫЙ ОБЗВОН: ИСПЫТАНИЕ КОЛИЧЕСТВЕННЫХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ1990 рублей в год, бесплатный пробный промежуток – 3 дня.Практически отдельный snare сайт — и быстро как совершенно коммерческие сайты — начинают свою существование в виде эскизов, сделанных в Фотошопе разве Иллюстраторе. И поскольку большинство из нас следует Правилу Троицы (покажите клиенту три дизайна, продайте соло из них), круг дизайн имеет двух нерожденных братьев.4. Повторение концепции внешнго вида — макета главной действие остальных уникальных страниц дизайна.Корректна ли выстроена организационная конструкция отдела?
создание сайтов под ключ
[url=https://ufa.skgroups.ru/context.html]заказать контекстную рекламу[/url]
https://ufa.skgroups.ru – раскрутка сайта цена
эффекты ленса3. Моральная приготовлениеТехнологии динамических страниц.1. Дизайн сайта ( в общем) — цвета, картинки, главный фон, порядок предметов и т.д. Набросайте для черновике предварительный эскиз будущего сайта.Итак, у вас употреблять бизнес, какой вы хотите развивать и объяснять в интернете. Ради начала определитесь, каких целей вы желаете достичь с через социальных сетей. Они могут скрываться различны:
Lesbian Dating App
Lesbian Island is 100% Free Lesbian Dating App
Direct link : https://lesbian.dating/download
Features:
The only 100% Free Lesbian Dating App on Google
Play.
Find Lesbian Girl nearby you, even in your district.
FREE VIP Membership to All of the group members.
Create a profile with your bio and interests.
Upload your videos, images and posts to your Gallery.
The other users can like your profile & send gifts to you.
Watch the other users videos, Pictures and Posts.
Unlimited Private Chat.
If you were offline you receive notifications for PM.
You can also contact offline users and they
will join.
Pride Link profile for all users https://Lesbian.is/YourName
Small and Free #Lesbian App.
Install Link : https://Best Lesbian Dating App.dating/download
Iphone users and PC users can use the website version https://lesbian.dating
Lesbian Island is only 100% free and will always be Free Lesbian Dating App