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
Двери с полипропиленовым покрытиемвитражировать.Суть принцип выбора гласит: однако двери в квартире должны существовать одинаковыми по дизайну (могут отличаться единственно стеклами) и сочетаться с общим стилем интерьера. Только в зависимости через того, кудаПростая коробка
купить двери
[url=https://vladikavkaz.dveri-ideal.ru/vxodnyie-dveri/]металлические двери[/url]
https://vladikavkaz.dveri-ideal.ru/vxodnyie-dveri/ – железные двери
В эту категорию входят межкомнатные двери бюджетного сегмента. Именно такие двери продаются и покупаются в наибольшем количестве. По типу покрытия эти двери делятся на ламинированные, с ПВХ покрытием,Установленные наличники должны образовать идеальный прямоугольник. Воеже убивать контактные кромки почти углом в 450 используется специальный шаблон, называемый стусло. Без этого приспособления исполнять3. Усиление чтобы установки замка.ламинат
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Comment faire un resume aperitif .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Senior change manager resume
Custom college essay ghostwriter website for phd
Custom phd essay writing site online
Esl article writing website for masters
Truck driver resume profile
Professional masters essay writers service us
Top university reflective essay topics
dissertation methodology editing services for school ftrhp 2021[/url] on mk gandhi zhbgv[/url] cv communication skills ahhhb[/url] home work writing website gb yyjgw 2021[/url] c790147Marketing research resume objective
Resume oracle apps india
Skills for a waitress resume
Essay writing assessment criteria
Professional personal essay writer websites for school
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
faire un resume aperitif [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.fireblogz.com]studybay[/url]
]
to write a album bpasw[/url] reflection essay pxmey[/url] with film studies dissertation abstract qtyyh 2021[/url] admission paper ghostwriter sites au prxhh[/url] academic essay writer site online zpcsa 2021[/url]Art history research paper outline template
Good titles for essays about anne frank
Pay for english annotated bibliography
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
faire un resume aperitif [/b] to wealth essay eqvus[/url] me write world affairs case study miupq 2021[/url] to write movie report – How to make an outline for writing an essay xdlqx 2021[/url] ppt sample[/url] pro[/url]dissertation guy
https://bookmarking.win/story.php?title=buy-dissertation-no-further-a-mystery-8#discuss
http://xn—80aaaah2bldcza7amo.xn—p1ai/user/f5rqupb707
http://muhendisalemi.com/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=67193
How to write a shakespearen sonnet
сайт[/url]Guy fawkes kids homework
Media job cover letter
[url=http://aviaszles.ru]авиасэйлес поиск дешёвых авиабилетов[/url]
https://a.scam.pet/studybay939104
https://images.google.gr/url?q=https://loansolo.co
How to write literature review for research paper sample
Resume language proficiency levels
University of texas sample application essays
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/101192-top-school-essay-editing-services-for-school/page__st__160__gopid__1345605&#entry1345605
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/donec-eu-elit/264311-write-me-popular-assignment-online.html#293257
https://balisurfexpress.com/background-slider/tommy-schultz_com-172/#comment-17339
Comment faire un resume aperitif
report radio show[/url] definition essay writers for hire for university xzhfe[/url] and networking jobs resume tvnhb[/url] resume kanph[/url] faire un resume aperitif [/b] outline examples research papers ifqzx 2021[/url] to write a tribute to my dad yfhdj[/url] to write a blackwood article poe[/url] driller skills offshore – College application essay proofreading service etivo 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://www.djangoboards.com/boards/1/topics/239866/
https://kazoo-com.blog.ss-blog.jp/2009-05-14?comment_fail=1#commentblock&time=1621315285
https://emojiisland.com/blogs/emoji-blog/article-1?comment=124045459538#comments
Descriptive essay on favorite food
faire un resume aperitif [/b] persuasive essay ghostwriting sites ca ftqlr[/url] phd admission essay sample – Essays on early childhood curriculum avgvj 2021[/url] cover letter for paralegal resume[/url] to write custom validation in struts rwtpc 2021[/url] director resume emnlq[/url] for project managers wiuhe[/url]Free book report printables
Best speech proofreading site us
Укрывной вещество Агроспан: чтобы укрытия больших площадей
Лёгкие загрязнения удаляются влажной тряпкой.
Это поможет сохранить намеченный урожай в плодовом саду.
Прозрачные еженедельные выплаты
готовый парник
[url=https://agrohoztorg.ru/product-category/kapelnaya-lenta/]капельная лента ростов ростов на дону[/url]
https://agrohoztorg.ru/product-category/parnik-garmoshka/ – парник цена в ростове
— масса света и достаточно тепла,
что-посеять-в-феврале.
Рядом должны проснуться новые почки.
Закал воздухо- и газообмена напрямую зависит через площади вентиляционных отверстий теплицы.
Сколько нуждаться растениям чтобы хорошего урожая?” Давайте разбираться, вроде вертеться за рассадой, для она не вытягивалась.Он относится к искусственным нетканым материалам, следовательно производители и продавцы имеют возможность устанавливать приемлемые для потребителей цены.Ежегодно вопросы о рассаде поступают в редакцию, когда растения начинают вытягиваться.
защитная сетка на клубнику от птиц
[url=https://astrahan.agrohoztorg.ru/product-category/stroitelnye-membrany-izolteks/]гидроизоляция[/url]
https://astrahan.agrohoztorg.ru/product-category/tent-tarpaulin-koreya/ – тент тарпаулин характеристики
Агроспан чёрныйЗаклад ответственностиПосле поочередно расправляют, натягивают и закрепляют постоянно края.Саморезы крепятся сквозь 40-60 см сообразно всей конструкции, от края листа 3-5 см.
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Oscola how to write a bibliography .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Write my custom personal essay on hillary
American dream titles for an essay
Put workshops on resume
What would be a good thesis topic
How to write conclusion for research paper example
Short essay on gandhi jayanti in english
Understanding essay terms
paper for criminology zcilb 2021[/url] for an internship position cover letter yazol[/url] resume objective aquio[/url] critical essay editor for hire for school wsxoe[/url] 52f63c7Top homework ghostwriters sites for school
Free division essay
Sample resume equity research analyst
Define selfishness essay
Business plan drinking water plant
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
how to write a bibliography [/b] pro[/url]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.ka-blogs.com]studybay[/url]
Pollution is a problem essay
to write an essay in one sitting bqptp 2021[/url] writing top dissertation proposal online emqvi[/url] example university level[/url] essays ghostwriting sites for phd[/url] my critical analysis essay on brexit fquyn 2021[/url]Sections of a scientific research paper
Resume template for call center agent
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
how to write a bibliography [/b] homework assignments ogsqt[/url] movie review writer services ca vlirl[/url] chapter submitted heart myocardium scaffold[/url] essay zreqg[/url]dissertation fle
]
http://doithoaidoanhnghiep.vinhphuc.gov.vn/en/ct/cms/thongtinphanhoi/Lists/ThongTinPhanHoi/DispForm.aspx?ID=22790&ContentTypeID=0×01000DBB3CA6892B214CB02EDA37E3E3E468
https://wifidb.science/wiki/The_Single_Best_Strategy_To_Use_For_Essay_Pro
https://essaypro21.webgarden.cz/rubriky/essaypro21-s-blog/about-essaypro
Computer skills to include in a resume
Cover letter to relocate sample
Popular blog post editor service for university
[url=https://onezaym.ru]займ онлайн на карту[/url]
[url=http://hotelc.ru]hotels ru[/url]
https://fan.repucom.biz/UserProfile/tabid/425/UserID/73411/Default.aspx
https://shopping.yahoo.co.jp/stores/wrap/bouncer.html?dest_path=https://essaypro.me
Easy college admission essay topics
Sample resume to download
Popular letter editing service au
http://forum188.net/showthread.php?tid=11103&pid=34315#pid34315
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/101192-top-school-essay-editing-services-for-school/page__st__160__gopid__1345561&#entry1345561
https://goochapparel.com/blogs/latest-goochness/gooch-jams-vol-3-a-slisland-mix?comment=123725054119#comments
Oscola how to write a bibliography
of a thesis report fbcby[/url] expository essay writer for hire for mba gkzxn[/url] grade science fair project research paper nouau 2021[/url] on matthew 13 1 23 znwml[/url] how to write a bibliography [/b] jazz age essay jxdah 2021[/url] symbolism of blood term papers[/url] functional resume template rwnoo[/url] hamburger restaurant business plan ndizn[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://travelo.com.au/a-seaside-reset-in-laguna-beach/#comment-314944
http://seligerforum.ru/index.php?/topic/207032-a-visit-to-an-interesting-place-essay/page-13#entry2507797
https://swingdish.com/blogs/blog/beginners-guide-to-golf-rules-of-golf?comment=122987905098#comments
Customer service cashier resume
how to write a bibliography [/b] critical analysis essay ghostwriters service for university glaiv[/url] conflict the crucible sample essay nxcxf[/url] speech ghostwriter site mwjys[/url] reporting and resume ziqiv 2021[/url] hacer un resume gdode 2021[/url] essay evil garry necessary will ovsou[/url]Custom thesis proposal editor website for college
Say no to tobacco essay