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
Very fast and secure [url=https://solarcoin.ru/news/optima-trade-otzyvy-dejstvitelno-chestnyj-broker/]optima-trade отзывы[/url] in service in the Best Rate!
https://bookmymentor.in/groups/bitstarz-affiliates-bitstarz-sign-up-bonus/ Bitstarz affiliates, bitstarz sign up bonus. Our casino reviews will always explain the bonuses so you can understand them easily. https://casual-infofun.ru/community/profile/bitstarz21071305/ Bitstarz promo bonus code, bitstarz promo code free 2020. The community is a huge part of the gaming experience, which is why the site includes a public chat feature on the right site and encourages players to talk to each other. https://mxmedia.agency/activity/p/41383/ Bitstarz games, bitstarz casino sign up bonus. Esports betting is also an option as well as betting on horse racing and playing bitcoin poker. http://kitchenwithtehmish.com/community/profile/bitstarz3245512/ Bitstarz any good, bitstarz com. The mobile-friendly application also provides up to five different levels in a personalized VIP program, each offering unique benefits. https://ebonyrealm.org/community/profile/bitstarz35667243/ Bitstarz comp points, bitstarz free spins bonus codes. Bitcoin Casino Bonus Codes. https://motosportrider.com/community/profile/bitstarz7567868/ Bitstarz no deposit, bitstarz no deposit bonus codes for existing users. Withdrawing your winning may even be subjected to withdraw fees. http://legendendertechnik.de/community/profile/bitstarz17963327/ Bitstarz casino no deposit bonus codes, bitstarz casino reviews. Faucet bonus 10 Satoshi faucet bonus just by registering. https://care.2love.earth/community/profile/bitstarz47784105/ Bitstarz affiliates, bitstarz casino affiliates. This comes under blockchain technology; it verifies and ensures fair play on each bet or any gambling related things. https://peacefulafrica.com/community/profile/bitstarz27536528/ Bitstarz kyc, bitstarz promo code free 2020. Bonus is non cashable. https://azoutlet.com/groups/bitstarz-deposit-bitstarz-deposit-bonus-codes-1519193595/ Bitstarz deposit, bitstarz deposit bonus codes. If you do not have enough money to buy this expensive platform, keep your keys separate from the web by using two desktop computers as protection against cyber breaches. https://esrsa.co.za/forum/profile/bitstarz20371772/ Bitstarz referral, bitstarz reddit. Even when it comes to supported currencies, it supports quite a few of them including the Cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, ETH, and Doge as well as fiats which includes RUB, AUD, CAD, ZAR, SEK, and NOK. https://ymbm21photography.com/activity/p/54088/ Bitstarz opinioni, bitstarz 15. Damit gelten die EU-weiten Regelungen zum Verbraucherschutz auch fur die Spielbank. https://akutszakasz.hu/community/profile/bitstarz3190057/ Bitstarz askgamblers, bitstarz free bitcoin. Or try out the selection of 200 casino games the site offers. http://hitni.ru/community/profile/bitstarz35056742/ Bitstarz uk, bitstarz casino promo code. Top 7 Bitcoin Casinos in the Industry. https://teatimediy.tech/community/profile/bitstarz17824313/ Bitstarz casino affiliates, bitstarz casino review thepogg. Here you can find more information about free spins in Bitcoin casinos. http://asfaltadir.co.il/index.php/component/k2/item/5 http://nanomedikal.net/index.php/component/k2/item/9 oetqnsfflvrwer
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Professional masters book review examples .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Com hotjobs post resume
Custom custom essay ghostwriter websites ca
Professional font resume
Popular blog post proofreading service uk
Cheap bibliography writer site ca
Kindergarten book report worksheet
Sociology research paper on poverty
a home daycare contract anbfb[/url] thesis ghostwriters for hire for masters vqyka[/url] article proofreading service for phd avdma[/url] educational letter resume ifhtu 2021[/url] f3e52f6Dmt research paper
Top creative essay writing websites for phd
Custom expository essay ghostwriter site uk
Lenders business plan
Product manager and resume and seattle
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
masters book review examples [/b] pro[/url][url=http://studybay-com.fireblogz.com]studybay[/url]
Essay about english as a second language
mother’s day – Professional case study ghostwriters services online ntvwd 2021[/url] literature review editing site au[/url] research paper editing sites gb cqatt 2021[/url] college critical essay example kpome[/url] essay format gkwfj 2021[/url]Pay for best thesis proposal online
By paper research step step write
https://sites.google.com/view/my-essaytyper/
masters book review examples [/b] rhetorical analysis essay ghostwriting websites for school lrjtn 2021[/url] cover letter writing services for masters zibbx[/url] to write marketing article review ozahn 2021[/url] cover letter for cad drafter ovutq 2021[/url]tghuTRTjigFIr6F
dissertation know
]
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/133782766-neal
http://twipo.com.tw/userinfo.php?uid=364512
https://morphomics.science/wiki/Essay_Writing_Service_Can_Be_Fun_For_Anyone
Emily essay free rose
Cheap dissertation abstract editor website for school
Resume good examples
[url=http://ru-zaem.ru/]заем онлайн[/url]
[url=http://profcredits.ru]profi credit[/url]
http://www.chinahighlights.com/redirect.asp?url=https://studybays.com
http://microstockgroup.net/index.php?action=profile;u=34176
Popular mba essay writers site au
Business process management resume sample
Sample resume for nurse extern
http://www.uttsb.com.my/hello-world/#comment-210732
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/donec-eu-elit/266075-popular-research-paper-editor-service-online.html#295546
https://diy-decorator.com.au/poolside-entertaining/#comment-617142
Professional masters book review examples
report sale gapsz[/url] to write air force bullets jwkbj[/url] application letter writers website for university oeekr 2021[/url] presentation editor services for mba pzaxp 2021[/url] masters book review examples [/b] leader resume zbnuc 2021[/url] to write letters of concern semdi[/url] and weakness essay example wrapk 2021[/url] two essays for plagiarism aqlts[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/donec-eu-elit/267955-lansa-and-resume.html#298051
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/498367-essay-on-tim-berner-lee/page__gopid__1321567&#entry1321567
http://soundandair.com/bonzo-terks-set-for-spring-midwest-tour/#comment-8633
Best cover letter writing for hire for mba
masters book review examples [/b] on importance of discipline in student life in hindi lwfye 2021[/url] about cyber classes yoyyt 2021[/url] for top phd essay on hacking pkyrg[/url] letter for resume for freshers teachers lahuv 2021[/url] gallaghers college admission essay – Esl thesis proposal ghostwriters for hire online aiumh 2021[/url] on importance of positive attitude smgio[/url]Cheap university essay ghostwriter websites for phd
Nineteen fifty five alice walker essay
]
руны значение таблица
руны нико
ангельские руны значение
седьмая руна
райдо значение руны
https://znacheniyerun.blogspot.com/2021/05/blog-post.html
https://podlesnyiakarenlei.wordpress.com/2021/05/12/%d0%b7%d0%bd%d0%b0%d1%87%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%b5-%d1%80%d1%83%d0%bd-%d0%b8-%d0%b8%d1%85-%d1%81%d0%be%d1%87%d0%b5%d1%82%d0%b0%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%b5/
https://bopsneeews.blogspot.com/2021/05/blog-post.html
руна рыба значение
руны каин
удир руны
руны ненния
значение руны юль
<a href=https://thenewstipa.blogspot.com/2021/05/blog-post.html >руна лагус
<a href=https://bopsneeews.blogspot.com/2021/05/blog-post_16.html >руны велеса
<a href=https://bopsneeews.blogspot.com/2021/05/blog-post_16.html >руны ривен
руны скандинавские значениеруна человек значениенаутиз руна значениезначение татуировок рунпантеон руны
руна стрела значение
женские руны
эйваз руна значение
руна альгиз значение
руны скарнер
[url=https://bopsneeews.blogspot.com/2021/05/blog-post_16.html]дивиай руны
[/url]
[url=https://hubsternews.blogspot.com/2021/05/blog-post.html]руна yr
[/url]
[url=https://bopsneeews.blogspot.com/2021/05/blog-post.html]руны экко
[/url]
https://forums.multirev.net/community/profile/btccasino40038297/ Lucky shamrock bar slot machine, lucky shamrock slot game. In recent years, EGT has proven to be one of the worlds leading game developers and has been growing in popularity ever since its humble beginnings. http://theshelterandstorm.com/community/profile/btccasino948958/ False advertisign facebook slots as free, pala casino slot floor person salary. The gaming content comes from dozens of celebrated vendors such as Betsoft, Playtech, Microgaming and Yggdrasil, and new slots are added to the portfolio on a regular basis. http://curious101.org/forums/topic/jpmarkets-welcome-bonus-online-bitcoin-roulette-spin/ Jpmarkets welcome bonus, online bitcoin roulette spin. Once you have bought your first Bitcoin, it will be sent to your Bitcoin wallet which is based on your computer or mobile device. https://mcdiggles.com/community/profile/btccasino17471772/ Casino how long will slot machine pay, casino how track loyalty table games. We strongly advise our readers to DYOR before investing in any cryptocurrency, blockchain project, or ICO, particularly those that guarantee profits. https://retrogame.cyberphreak.com/community/profile/btccasino7277160/ Antique slot machine toy, antique slot machine stands for sale. Wer dies aber im Vergleich der Casinos mit PaySafeCard berucksichtigt, der trifft die besten Voraussetzungen, um einfache Zahlungen zu ermoglichen. http://rubbishdates.com/activity/p/85695/ Casino online list, casino online welcome bonus. You may use a variety of payment systems for adding funds to your casino account. https://opencoffeegbl.nl/zoekvragen/profile/btccasino48418907/ Lucky streak slots game review microgaming, olympia race queen slot machine. In my opinion, diving into the code, getting messy is a much better approach rather than reading more. https://www.mytutor.pro/community/profile/btccasino38195111/ 26 in 1 slot game, butterfly fairy slot machine. Game Selection and Software. https://mcdiggles.com/community/profile/btccasino1985457/ Old slot machine app, old slot machines kind. Most importantly, at KawBet, you are a VIP. https://beatboxwave.com/forums/topic/casino-le-valle-saint-vincent-casino-le-thillay-95/ Casino le valle saint vincent, casino le thillay 95. Any fees paid tend to be minimal and substantially lower than other payment systems. https://www.sackthemitchellshire.com/community/profile/btccasino43244581/ What is a slot machine in britain called, what is mystery pay on casino game. The help tab is basically a very detailed FAQ list that answers pretty much all of your questions. https://chrislumina.com/community/profile/btccasino30396282/ Can i play online casino with prepaid card, can i get free weapons slots warframe. Certain key features like the fact that the casino is licensed and regulated along with the fact that it has provably fair games will help you choose the top Bitcoin casinos. https://survivorshub.com/groups/online-bitcoin-casino-games-egt-online-bitcoin-casino-real-money-seven-heaven/ Online bitcoin casino games egt, online bitcoin casino real money seven heaven. For account-related questions, there is also an FAQ section. https://apollo-school.com/activity/p/27414/ Free casino games for fun roulette, free casino games offline. Highlights of Our Casino Review. https://digitalartvortex.com/community/profile/btccasino48107658/ Meadowlands nj slot machines, mils novelty co slot machine key blank. In 2020, these sites continue to evolve, offering new ways to play and pushing innovations in crypto gambling. http://mkbhuis.nl/index.php/component/k2/item/9 http://jackiesandidesign.com.br/index.php/component/k2/item/6 oetqnsfflvrwer