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
Сотрудники компании ЦентрКонсалт оформят изза вас всю внутреннюю первичную документацию по всем формам бухгалтерских услуг, беспричинно от того является ли имя ООО, тож вы зарегистрированы в качестве ИП. Также возможно оформление справок сообразно расчету кредитных процентов, заполнение зарплатных ведомостей.Профессиональная бухгалтерия безопаснее самостоятельного ведения бухучетаСотрудники завсегда проконсультируют вас о важности соблюдения всех правил финансовой деятельности и оформят ради вас необходимые документы.Ежели требуется произвести постройку казарм, нового административного здания, важный исправление на территории режимного объекта, то допуск получают только лицензированные строительные организации.Дабы встать, уйти и сохранить деньги
лицензия на фармацевтическую деятельность
[url=https://nizhnii-novgorod.gokonsalt.ru/vnesenie-izmenenij-v-egryul/]внесение изменений в егрюл ооо[/url]
https://nizhnii-novgorod.gokonsalt.ru/bankrotstvo-yur.licz/ – конкурсный управляющий по банкротству юридических лиц
Соотношение требований НПА, утвержденных Правительством РФ, которые регулируют гарантия защиты сведений, попадающих почти определение государственной тайны, в ходе выполнения работ, связанных с использованием данных сведений;Как определить, что ваш адвокат — плутОсновная вина, сообразно которой вам стоит заказать бухгалтерские услуги в России ради ООО, – это экономия времени и денег.Важность 2. Вы сможете снизить величина уплачиваемых вами налогов, проконсультировавшись со специалистами сообразно вопросам уменьшения налоговой базы без нарушения законодательства. Выключая того, вы избавите себя через риска неправильно рассчитать сумму, необходимую чтобы уплаты в бюджет. Вашей фирме довольно оказана подмога в получении дополнительных вычетов из совокупного дохода. Специалисты сообразно налогам проконсультируют вас по возможным налоговым последствиям отдельных сделок. Также дозволено проверить ваши договоры на содержание соответствия их последним дополнениям в сфере законодательства.Выдает удостоверение адвоката – Министерство юстиции Российской Федерации.
This is a topic that is near to my heart… Many thanks!
Exactly where are your contact details though?
My page :: stooges fun house [Wendy]
Hey guys! Watch what I’ve found: Medecos is developing a platform for nurses. The objective is to teleconsult with a doctor from the patient, in order to optimize the quotations and to multiply the acts by the teleconsultation. An offer
created by healthcare professionals, [url=http://medecos2011.com/]nurses[/url]. all-in-one, including software, tablet, training and warranty included.
https://acepokersolutions.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin48187189/ Best btc gambling website, best btc casino. The casino offers promo codes every single day. https://bbh-lohnsteuerhilfe.de/community/profile/casinobitcoin22383322/ Best casino game on switch, best casino resorts east coast. We are always in contact with these bitcoin casinos to try to obtain exclusive casino bonuses (free spins no deposit or free chips no deposit on registration). https://bsbreastcancer.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin26321311/ Online casino australia paysafe, online casino deutschland beste. What is the safest way to store Bitcoins in computer or mobile devices?. https://rainplatform.wtelecom.es/community/profile/casinobitcoin6059780/ Best casino games on play store, best casino games to play in vegas. Do not hurry to withdraw funds because every day at midnight the site charges a five percent bonus on the income received over the past three days. http://tassina-daniels.de/community/profile/casinobitcoin41159320/ Vegas online casino download, vegas online casino reviews. The list below explains the seeds used in our process. https://solaraussie.org/community/profile/casinobitcoin25722065/ Free slot games highway kings, free slot games rainbow riches. Check out our Betcoin review to find out more about this casino. https://ibpblogger.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin13964372/ Best casino bonuses usa, best casino stocks to buy. Fusing together bitcoin, other leading cryptocurrencies, and several popular international currencies, freedom to both pay and play your way is what we deliver. https://goodlyword.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin48979998/ Online casino gambling in pa, online casino free 20 no deposit bonus. You can also play dice games like Bitcoin craps. https://retrogame.cyberphreak.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin31176663/ Best casino payouts in kansas city, best casino approach gta. And Ignition Casino has NO TRANSACTION FEES when you deposit via Bitcoin!. https://wozai-travel.com/forum/profile/casinobitcoin42750303/ Beste online casino ohne umsatzbedingungen, beste online casino europa. Cashback on Losses Massive welcome bonus In-play betting Read Review. https://othermod.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin14371416/ Tennessee top slots lafayette tn, tennessee top slots lafayette tn. This online casino has been known for being one of the best in the industry. https://forum.eminence.edu.bd/community/profile/casinobitcoin35916927/ Usa online casino with free signup bonus real money, usa online casino no deposit bonus code. The plan is to add two titles each month, which can amount to a decent number before long. https://all-afloat.wales/activity/p/117328/ Keno online casino australia, keno online casino australia. Players get stuck time and again and may require the help of casino personnel if their queries are not featured in the Frequently Answered Questions segment of the casino website. https://contributions.leprintempsiserois.fr/community/profile/casinobitcoin6663063/ Online casino schweiz gratis, online casino canada live dealer. A provably fair casino is the casino, the fairness of which can be proved (and is proved) technically. https://thethinker.co.in/activity/p/69252/ Best odds to win money at casino, best odds casino card games. This is a minimum amount of wagering you need to do before you can cash out any winnings from your bonus. http://dreamedia.solutions/component/k2/item/8 http://dynamoit.com.br/index.php/component/k2/item/3 oetqnsfflvrwer
Howdy! Quick question that’s entirely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My site looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
If you have any recommendations, please share. Thank you!
Have a look at my blog post; CBD Oil Benefits