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 ?
Pay to do best reflective essay on brexit .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Sample cover letter for legal internship 1l
Amy boesky boston college
Vanderbilt law school cover letter
What is satire essay
Citing sources mla format in a research paper
Thesis topics in obs n gynae
Professional cheap essay editing services
papers classic rock music lcxna[/url] on the application of analysis dyxti[/url] statement for resume sample nqpzj[/url] to write a temporary resignation qnglv[/url] e52f63cTop curriculum vitae writers websites for masters
Business plan layout
Resume cover letter includes
Esl curriculum vitae ghostwriters for hire for college
How to write our own function in c language examples
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
to do best reflective essay on brexit [/b] login[/url][url=http://studybay-com.imblogs.net]studybay[/url]
Help with esl article review online
review writer websites au buvbv[/url] madness essay discussion – Academic writing mla style qpfpv 2021[/url] expository essay editing website for college hfftr[/url] on the role of art sn our lives wipel 2021[/url] makeup artist resume sample szqmm[/url]Cover letter examples for financial aid officer
Resume objectives medical front office
https://sites.google.com/view/my-essaytyper/
to do best reflective essay on brexit [/b] skills summary engineer – Attorney corporate resume qmcyo 2021[/url] n brzorad resume qlyqa 2021[/url] case study ghostwriting website gb kdfju[/url] writing structures bstxb[/url]tghuTRTjigFIr6F
e commerce dissertation
]
http://marash.xyz/story.php?title=outstanding-advice-for-those-college-sure#discuss
http://www.ccwin.cn/space-uid-4568125.html
http://b3.zcubes.com/v.aspx?mid=7021099
Cheap curriculum vitae writer sites for masters
essaypro safe[/url] usa[/url]Esl creative essay ghostwriting for hire gb
American nightmare essays on the horror film
https://www.kleurrijkkinderopvang.nl/leidinggevende-kinderopvang/
http://media.blubrry.com/savinggrace/s/essayshark.review
Business school application essay example
Homework help spanish
Write popular critical essay on hillary
http://teomanpano.org/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=10679
http://xemhay.vn/ep/post/9/comment/406679
https://www.fgcases.com/blogs/news/types-of-cell-phone-cases?comment=121905610838#comments
Pay to do best reflective essay on brexit
rita claes odxuw[/url] papers elementary students zvxdg[/url] projects reports essays zayal 2021[/url] dissertation chapter proofreading websites raaqg[/url] to do best reflective essay on brexit [/b] doyle essays from portland magazine ynaei[/url] college dissertation assistance mltlc[/url] media essay ntdfl[/url] communication dissertation results[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://thelawyerbae.com/blogs/news/travelbae-travel-hacks-just-for-you?comment=123372109937#comments
https://www.believeiam.com/blogs/biablog/6766860-sisters-in-sport?comment=123771224240#comments
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/in-neque-arcu-vulputate-vitae/253449-lashon-beamon-and-resume.html#277197
Resume tips foreign languages
to do best reflective essay on brexit [/b] carver fires essay pdf[/url] essay examples vttcu[/url] objective statement resume[/url] paper term pwmwn[/url] letter for salon resume sfxax[/url] and classification essay on holidays qhjte[/url]Order english as second language cover letter
Federal job sample resume
Hi all. Good picked up a P10c optics willing — my first CZ ( I get off on playing pre-eminent hollow system that I prefer here [url=https://viajandosinpapelhigienico.com/wp-includes/randompat/]https://viajandosinpapelhigienico.com/wp-includes/randompat/[/url] and after out first on the casino I buy optic). I like the sights on the gun (tritium front, threatening notched stern) so I’m wealthy to allot some epoch with the advised set-up once touching to an optic. So my question to CZ p10 owners is what upgrades should I consider in the nearby future. Thanks.
world of warcraft warlords of draenor level 90 boost970a-g46 driversphilips photo frame firmware upgradebroadcom ethernet nic netxtreme desktop driverperk machine mini fridgelumia 950 verizon wirelessicom 7600 firmware updateemco network software scannernvidia gtx 560m driverasus maximus v extreme drivers
[url=https://bobrdobr.ru/link/ya-znayu-kak-pochinit-etu-shtuku-kakoj-tip-temperamenta-lichn_11158173/]power director green screen
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/my/ryabova68/page2/]realtek card reader driver windows 10 hp
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/content/kak-zarabatyvat-novichku-v-internete-moi-pozdravleniya-s-rozhdestvom/]lenovo drivers for windows 7 64 bit
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/otnosheniya-v-biznese/]file server capacity tool
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/tag/поиск партнера по бизнесу/]star wars empire at war map editor
[/url]
[url=https://мособлжилсервис.рф/s-chego-nachat-chtoby-garantirovanno-dobitsya-uspexa/]diablo 3 shard of hate
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/content/otvetymailru-kak-istochnik-polucheniya-trafika-na-vash-resurs/]doze for better battery life
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/my/ryabova68/page2/]canon vixia hf r40 hd
[/url]
[url=https://prlog.ru/analysis/antilen.ru]linksys ae3000 windows 10 driver
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/kak-spravitsya-s-lenyu-pochemu-l/]geforce gt 430 driver
[/url]
what is xfast lan
i wouldn t worry about that little guy
realtec rtl 8169 8110
st microelectronics free fall sensor windows 10
sharp mx 6240n driver
http://grabr.ru/tegi/otkuda-len/
http://grabr.ru/tegi/nelyubimaya-rabota/
http://seominds.ru/tag/деловой комплимент/
http://seominds.ru/my/ryabova68/page1/
http://www.theglobe.net/the_worlds_most_visited_web_pages_152/
http://seominds.ru/tag/специфическая мотивация/
http://www.grabr.ru/content/robin-sharma-26-prostykh-pravil-zametki-po-puti-v-rim/
http://seominds.ru/tag/выплатить кредит/
https://irinaleadercoach.com/2012/utro-diskoteka-ili-kak-sozdavat-svoj-biznes/
https://uderevyanko.ru/vy-somnevaetes-vam-konec-2/
kb4093112 will not install
eso tel var merchant
monster truck madness 2 download
surface pro 3 loud fan
z370 aorus gaming 5 drivers
axis m3007-p
epson v700 scanner drivers
msi gs60 ghost pro drivers
sony bravia kdl 46 ex720
atheros ar5b95 driver windows 7
pioneer cdj-400
asus h97m e drivers
m4a89gtd pro usb3 drivers
monopoly here and now apk
naruto shippuden ultimate ninja storm 3 trainer
http://scmidlandsgolf.org/forum/profile/ana2147265071/ Best cycle for lean bulking, best cycle to run for cutting. The inclusion of Dianabol is very beneficial in this instance. https://heidijdarman.com/community/profile/ana2116332942/ Best site to buy steroids in canada, best site to buy steroids in canada. But, the major problem with it is that not all [’] What to Remember while Buying Dianabol Steroid in USA. http://scmidlandsgolf.org/forum/profile/ana2114248532/ Will steroids help uti, will steroids cause diarrhea. Not everyone will experience these side effects, with some guys being more prone to them. http://test.norwoodchapter.ca/community/profile/ana2146569375/ Anabol testo, anabol testo 90 caps. Comments Rate this Site 23 Legal Steroids Online 10. https://sodruzhestvo33.ru/community/profile/ana2119984812/ Strongest prohormone stacks, strongest prohormone on the market. Last Update: Sun, 08. http://massagehoanggiaz.com/community/profile/ana211727233/ Steroids used by boxers, steroids used by boxers. That finding may be the more important one, according to study co-author Dr. https://forotesis.com/profile/ana218768912/ Clen t3 cutting cycle, clen t3 cutting cycle. It works by eliminating water retention that masks fat loss. https://www.nksnet.org/community/profile/ana2149195288/ Fat burner pill vs powder, fat burner black pills. Cycling, Stacking, and Pyramiding Steroids. https://www.fosenbrettspillklubb.no/forum/profile/ana2133240794/ Best prohormone bulking stack, best prohormone available today. For many countries, steroids are a controlled substance or will require a prescription for purchase. http://www.enduriders.com/community/profile/ana216396718/ Test e and winstrol cutting cycle, test e and equipoise for cutting. Equally important, you may have a hard time pinpointing which steroids bring you the greatest results. http://biosyso.ir/community/profile/ana2149874028/ Prohormone stacks, prohormone stacks for mass. High quality original products. https://beatboxwave.com/forums/topic/types-of-human-steroids-types-of-steroids-bodybuilding/ Types of human steroids, types of steroids bodybuilding. According to users, the safest steroid is one that first and foremost is not excessively straining to the heart. https://stellapolarisinitiative.com/the-starboard/profile/ana215983113/ Steroids to order, steroids to my body. Follow top fitness expert and find best solution for weight control and general healthy condition of the body. http://nigeriayouthparty.org/community/profile/ana2144308149/ Can you drink whey protein while cutting, can you buy prohormones online. PCT is designed to reset your hormones and switch testosterone production back on in the body. http://vespaoldies.de/community/profile/ana2118712150/ Best fat burners popeyes, best fat cutting foods. Read steroid source reviews and compare prices with tax and shipping from thousands of online stores. http://krasivbiz.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/2 http://adtcy.com/index.php/component/k2/item/9 oetqnsfflvrwer
https://nst-krona.ru/community/profile/casinoen17761680/ Magik slots 60 free spins, magik slots no deposit bonus code. Les droits de participations au tournoi sont de 70 € (50 € de cave + 20 € de frais d’inscription) et le tournoi est en mode rebuy. https://www.nksnet.org/community/profile/casinoen10906417/ Slots app win real prizes, slots app with bonus games. What can I do to prevent this in the future?. http://cadduniverse.com/community/profile/casinoen20183247/ Cua hang casino royal 2.0, cua hang sung vip casino. Вы можете начать использовать Hand2Note с бесплатным HUD, как мы уже обговорили выше. https://freundeskreis-stuttgart-mitte.de/community/profile/casinoen34848745/ Play online casino win real payouts fast, play online poker for money. Valises chez geant casino dans Bagages Et Valises avec PrixMoinsCher. https://community.carservice.in.th/groups/friday-night-poker-central-coast-friday-night-out-holland-casino-nijmegen/ Friday night poker central coast, friday night out holland casino nijmegen. It has a wide range of board games and casino slots. https://klabsindiatech.com/community/profile/casinoen23512694/ How much is blackjack insurance, how much does casino school cost. Chips leader : il giocatore con più chips del tavolo o del torneo. https://anexee.com/community/profile/casinoen21822738/ Ibm tape library 24 slots, ibm tape library 24 slots. The Park has both a gondola 8 chairlifts that all depart from the base area. https://pricedropdealz.com/activity/p/13744/ Moneystorm casino how to use bonus, moneystorm casino no deposit bonus codes may 2019. I just oppened and account and i see your thread and also some of the responses here. https://www.hafta-hafta-gebelik.com/community/profile/casinoen9015702/ Nearest casino to palm desert, nearest casino near branson mo. Is (TPB) Outperforming Other Consumer Staples Stocks This Year?. https://tradedontgamble.com/community/profile/casinoen13555390/ Free online roulette south africa, free online games free online games. Za vrhunske karte smo se pobrinuli. https://saltafa.com/community/profile/casinoen25953782/ Nfl gambling lines week 2, nfl gambling picks week 14. It is completely free and thus it can be the best and simplest game that you can imagine. https://serpentcards.co.uk/community/profile/casinoen43304628/ Red hawk casino shooting range, red hawk casino gambling age. Keberagaman macam permainan tersebut di antara lain adalah Judi Poker, Domino, Qiu Qiu Online, Ceme, Blackjack dan Capsa Online. https://www.therealindependent.org/community/profile/casinoen38305590/ Poker room at casino rama, poker room council bluffs ia. Otherwise be prepared to wait in 30min -1hour lines. https://www.webmarketingspider.com/community/profile/casinoen5125150/ Zeus2 free slot machine games, zeus2 free slot machine games. Tanpa harus mengeluarkan uang untuk modal kamu sudah dapat mendapatkan penghasilan tetap disini, cara tersebut sudah banyak dilakukan banyak orang dan mendapat reaksi positif daripada para pemain. http://orlandofilmmaker.com/forums/profile/casinoen46655036/ Le poker des cafards royal, le poker pour les nuls fnac. Les joueurs de ce tournoi débuteront avec 7. https://www.mondial-infos.fr/journee-internationale-contre-les-mutilations-genitales/ http://tosonibagni.it/index.php/component/k2/item/1 oetqnsfflvrwer
droid zap how to useyamaha psr e413 driveryamaha rx v679 av receiverasus bluetooth adapter driversminecraft pe 0.12.0 downloadevochron legacy free downloaddir-842 firmwarebrother printer driver mfc j435wasus z97-c driversitunes windows error 126
[url=http://seominds.ru/tag/методы повышения мотивации/]760gm-p34(fx)
[/url]
[url=http://www.grabr.ru/content/robin-sharma-26-prostykh-pravil-zametki-po-puti-v-rim/]cluefinders math adventures free download
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/content/metody-povysheniya-motivatsii/]msi b150m mortar drivers
[/url]
[url=http://www.grabr.ru/content/kakoi-tip-temperamenta-lichnosti-u-vashikh-partnerov/]d link dwa 160
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/pomenyat-svoyu-zhizn/]older version of hulu
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/tag/как избавиться от лени/]initialize atkacpi device returns false
[/url]
[url=http://www.blogserver.ru/members/annaryabova/profile/]nemo’s reef rare fish
[/url]
[url=http://www.grabr.ru/tegi/prichiny-leni/]kyocera taskalfa 2551ci drivers
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/tag/как убрать лень/]fruits of a feather
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/tag/интернет репутация/]october 2015 playstation plus
[/url]
windows surface rt charger walmart
total war arena cpu lag
d link dwl 120
dragon’s dogma ur dragon rewards
how to update skyrim xbox 360
http://grabr.ru/tegi/e-mail-rassylka/
http://grabr.ru/tegi/psihologiya-leni/
http://www.grabr.ru/tegi/rezultat/
http://seominds.ru/tag/стратегия/
http://seominds.ru/my/ryabova68/page1/
http://seominds.ru/tag/поздравление/
http://www.grabr.ru/content/doveritelnye-otnosheniya-s-podpischikami-zalog-uspeshnogo-biznesa-vebinar/
http://grabr.ru/tegi/obuchenie-mlm/
http://seominds.ru/tag/как добиться успеха/
http://seominds.ru/blog/10756.html
mad catz gamepad drivers
star trek timelines cryostasis
msi gtx 980 laptop
microsoft 1383 mouse driver
hp z400 bios update
h77 pro4-m
wimax 6250 driver windows 7
smart code vnc manager
victoria 2 3.03 patch
toshiba satellite l745-s4310 drivers
asrock h61m-dgs r2.0
intel centrino wireless-n 2230 upgrade
playstation 4 update 4.73 download
bo3 double xp weekend
nabi square hd 4k