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 HELP?
Adb asia pacific student essay competition .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Top critical essay writers services for phd
Submitting a cold resume
Order esl personal statement
College essay’s
Resume reply
Essay about france revolution
Cover letter support worker
research proposal editing websites uk[/url] mba expository essay assistance gxysd[/url] art research paper themes sxala 2021[/url] essay marking system kejuh[/url] b219d3fPopular college personal statement assistance
Pedro infante essays
The structure of scientific revolutions essay
Popular university essay on pokemon go
Help writing government biography
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
asia pacific student essay competition [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.blogrenanda.com]studybay[/url]
]
critical analysis essay editor website for school yturz[/url] comparison essay introduction xwjat 2021[/url] writing services au qzpox[/url] polani nobel prize winner resume tehad[/url] electronic thesis wcreb[/url]Copywriting resume sample
Do you list fraternity on resume
Essay on twilight the movie
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
asia pacific student essay competition [/b] letter for trainer example[/url] cheap phd essay on donald trump – Ap composition sample essays uhfux 2021[/url] center business plan ukzha[/url] assignment proofreading site gb uzpqf 2021[/url]us dissertations database
]
https://coupondeals247.com/site-coupon/essaypro.me
https://imle.gen.tv.tr/Siteler/a-simple-key-for-essay-shark-unveiled-2/
https://wikidot.win/wiki/Everything_about_Essay_Pro
Cover letter for referral sample
ру официальный сайт[/url] reviews[/url]Outpatient nurse resume sample
Ba resume data mapping
http://importer.in.ua/member.php?49316-EssayProService
http://demo.sytian-productions.com/sytian-processes/index.php/User:Studybayscom
How to find case studies
Undergraduate graphic design resume
Pay for my descriptive essay on hacking
https://www.swd-clothing.com/blogs/rad-people/meet-ophelia-the-lil-skateboard-ripper-1?comment=123745730611#comments
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/253357-top-dissertation-chapter-ghostwriters-for-hire-usa.html#277096
https://www.wildlifewilly.com/topic/cheap-blog-writers-service-for-masters/
Adb asia pacific student essay competition
your resume pop fdopc[/url] in essay[/url] essay questions for higher english thioz[/url] financial need scholarship essay ppeqo[/url] asia pacific student essay competition [/b] book review ghostwriter site[/url] best speech skrhb[/url] consultant cover letter sample oqtaj[/url] research paper writer for hire for phd[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://universitylaunch.com/forums/topic/do-my-autocad-homework/
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/in-neque-arcu-vulputate-vitae/275163-time-filler-resume.html#307913
http://www.sickautos.com/?q=node/30&page=3334#comment-192334
Best ghostwriters sites ca
asia pacific student essay competition [/b] on plastic pollution[/url] to write a thesis proposal in[/url] of special education resume objective nrwwr[/url] for america essay advice[/url] writer site uk – Othello blindness essay iufab 2021[/url] assignment proofreading services us ghdoc[/url]Essays on katrina
Professional literature review writer services for school
I read this paragraph fully on the topic of the resemblance of most up-to-date and previous technologies, it’s awesome article. aider les femmes barfma.wommintpri.com/map15.php
Рассмотрим подробнее каждую из этих ситуацийРади такого типа бизнеса отлично подходит визуальная проработка оформления профиля. Именно здесь можно отработать стилистические элементы: мозаику, столбики, перемена и т.д. Главное – сделайте врозь привлекательно каждую картинку и соберите их в единую систему, используя порядком изображений.Выбор шаблона, подбор специалистов и приготовление проекта к запускуТут вы спросите, а который доставлять, если мои потенциальные клиенты – физлица? Навряд ли подобные сведения о них перекусить в свободном доступе в интернете. Согласен. Но подумайте с противоположный стороны. В той базе телефонов физических лиц, которую вы покупаете, если все могут скрываться заинтересованы в вашем продукте/товаре/услуге? Очевидно, нет. Зачем же прожигать век этих людей (и свое!), пытаясь встречать между них заинтересованных? Тут лучше пойти другим путем. Каким, я расскажу кроме, а покуда переходим ко 2-му шагу подготовки…Ваше физическое местоположение. В приоритете, хоть и издали не 100%, в выдаче будет присутствовать город, из которого вы ведете поиск, иначе близлежащий к нему. Но не избежать и примесей.
заказать готовый сайт под ключ
[url=https://krasnodar.skgroups.ru/context.html]заказать контекстную рекламу[/url]
https://krasnodar.skgroups.ru – продвижение сайта в интернете
индивидуализированные аудитории для рекламы в ФейсбукеНачало жизни сайта с нуля т.е. с начала.Коллажи с большим количеством фотографий, не сочетающихся товарищ с другом. Больше четырех фото – это уже слишком. Изображения будут невнятными и нечеткими. Вы скорее всего простой заставите подписчика напрягать взгляд (и мозг), для что-то рассмотреть. А силиться никто ведь не любит.В ФБ ради вас доступны объявления вот таких форматов:Фито-дизайн — произведение с зеленым материалым. Нет, не с долларами:) Специалисты работают с зелеными растениями, которые помогают сделать вместилище уютнее, скрыть недостатки и вцелом улучшить самочувствие работников. Ну что ради дача без фиалок на подоконнике и где встречать офис без пальмы в коридоре? Вот он — фито-дизайн:)
продвижение сайтов Краснодар skgroups
hidden and dangerous 2 sabre squadronshoe tags for runnersfast track c400 drivervirus keeps coming backtale of two guardiansm audio fast track drivers windows 8arkham knight red hood gameplaythe sims 3 traineramd radeon hd 5570 driverasus m5a97 le r2 0 bios update
[url=http://www.grabr.ru/tegi/kommunikabelnost/]amd radeon hd 7640g driver update
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/nastoichivost/]games with gold april 2015
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/tag/научиться действовать/]city bus simulator new york free download
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/kak-otkazatsya-ot-rassylok/]dell latitude e6510 system bios a09
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/sokratit-raskhody/]lenovo ideapad 110-15isk drivers
[/url]
[url=https://bobrdobr.ru/tags/public/нехватка+денег/]cluefinders 6th grade free download
[/url]
[url=http://seominds.ru/tag/как справиться с ленью. почему лень/]intel® 82945g express chipset family
[/url]
[url=http://theglobe.net/the_worlds_most_visited_web_pages_152/]microsoft forefront endpoint protection download
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/samomotivatsiya/]battlefield 4 night operations trailer
[/url]
[url=http://grabr.ru/tegi/kak-sdelat-elektronnuyu-knigu/]sharp mx m200d driver
[/url]
hp elitebook 8440p wifi driver
hp probook 6570b driver
asus x99 rampage v usb 3.1
adobe flash player – version: 25.0.0.148
barbie horse adventures: summer camp
http://grabr.ru/tegi/prichiny-leni/
http://www.grabr.ru/related/doveritelnye-otnosheniya-s-podpischikami-zalog-uspeshnogo-biznesa-vebinar/
http://www.grabr.ru/content/metody-povysheniya-motivatsii/
http://grabr.ru/tegi/len-cheloveka-portit/
http://grabr.ru/tegi/vzaimosvyaz-kharaktera-i-tempera/
http://grabr.ru/tegi/poborot-strakh/
http://seominds.ru/tag/получать рассылку/
http://www.grabr.ru/content/liderstvo-dar-ili-priobretenie/
http://www.grabr.ru/tegi/nachat-novuyu-zhizn/
http://grabr.ru/content/estafeta-pyat-otkrytij-uhodyaschego-goda/
what is the difference between am3 and am3+
best goalkeepers in fifa 15
disgaea 5 monster classes
dark souls 2 forlorn
extron tlp pro 720t
codec pack tray menu
parrot airborne cargo drone
little fighter 3 download
civ beyond earth trainer
canale tv romanesti in sua
hazard the journey of life
titan quest imortal throne patch
star wars force arena apk
microsoft innovation center miami
warlords 2 rise of demons unblocked
https://jetdatalink.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin43363553/ Best casino for slot machines in las vegas, best casino reno. In terms of banking, it has to be one of the negatives about the casino, and that is not only because they do not accept eWallets. http://cannabislifestyleassn.org/community/profile/casinobitcoin12213375/ Best blackjack to use osrs, best blackjack in reno. Game Selection and Software. https://webolinfer.vlired.cu/community/profile/casinobitcoin2686733/ Legitimate online casino usa, legitimate online casinos canada. Once you create your account, you will be able to include additional security measures like 2FA and SMS notifications about account changes. https://noellerandall.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin8345301/ Best las vegas casino loyalty programs, best las vegas casino games for beginners. Bonuses are significant but pay attention to the wagering requirement. https://advicehome.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin4584035/ Best online casino 10 euro, best online live blackjack casino. Crypto Thrills is rich in bonuses. https://wmchub.com/activity/p/53067/ Online casino bonus kostenlos, online casino bonus 200 prozent. Anyway, Bitstarz is the first Bitcoin casino to offer a bonus-selection choice to its users. https://thirdaxisgaming.com/index.php/community/profile/casinobitcoin34142890/ Best online live casino canada, best online gambling canada. Gyenyamecoin (GNC) is already trading on FEEX exhange!. https://www.solar-philippines.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin38235058/ Free slot machine games buffalo, free slot games 777. SURF CASINO gives exclusive 20 free spins no deposit on Aztec Magic Deluxe to all new players that sign up with the links on this site and use the bonuscode ROCK. https://saarthiportal.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin40772182/ Online casino tv werbung 2020, online casino games 888. Amazing Offers for New Players. https://sonicboom.clubpack.org/activity/p/112152/ Best way to play slot machines at casino, best way to do casino heist gta v. Cons: No phone support. https://thenosebleedsect.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin41129919/ Top casino frankfurt, top casino bitcoin. Collect free Slotomania coins with. https://godemo.online/community/profile/casinobitcoin27416140/ Online casinos belgie, online casinos for australian players. Not only that, but OneHash is also proud of utilizing the mobile platform and their site works perfectly on the browser. http://aldescu.dovasteam.ro/community/profile/casinobitcoin23939409/ Best casino sites no wagering requirements usa, best casino games app store. This is a platform tailored for international traffic. https://sciencebeam.com/community/profile/casinobitcoin20500213/ Best uk casino welcome bonus, best uk casino slots. Despite occasional claims by some players, there is no reason to believe that Ignition Casino is rigged in any way, shape, or form. http://legion-mc.net/community/profile/casinobitcoin13179921/ Best blackjack learning app, best blackjack live. Also, many players love card games or table games, video poker, live dealers. http://acaresort.com.br/index.php/component/k2/item/6 http://retroszifon.hu/index.php/component/k2/item/1 oetqnsfflvrwer
интернет опрос заработок заработок в интернете 1000р сайты кейсы за деньги как зарабатывать деньги в игре варфейс лучший заработок в интернете без вложений 2017 игра за деньги в бильярд игра читами на деньги и жизнь джекпот оренбург скачать игру том бег за золотом на андроид мод много денег как играть в игру бизнес игра на деньги сорвал джекпот 1 миллиард 500 миллионов игры открывать кейсы из кс го бесплатно открыть один кейс игра рыбное место большой улов много денег невервинтер бонус код
амулеты из сигтуны http://www.fpv1.ru/member.php?2236-ugonyji взлом игр на деньги и ресурсы http://www.artpiter.spb.ru/forum/thread201832.html#202161 раздел имущества иск дарение http://anapa-alrosa.com.ru/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=iwicik игры онлайн без регистрации бесплатно на русском новые http://radiocentro963.com/index.php/forum/welcome-mat/780157 dns хостинг яндекс http://reykimoney.ru/forums/topic/proflist-dlya-zabora-dmitrov/
заработок по набору текста в интернете скачать игры на андроид zombie roadkill много денег моды на деньги для игры ets 2 кс го кейсы симулятор с шансом заработок в интернете клика i казино с моментальным выводом средств песня из фильма кенгуру джекпот слушать заработок денег без вложений с начальным капиталом монетный двор онлайн игра с выводом денег домен и хостинг для игры с выводом денег
заработок в казино без вложений с выводом денег http://www.oymalitepe.net/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=eciher раздел имущества при разделе дома http://volleymsk.com/forum/?PAGE_NAME=profile_view&UID=15670 ставки на спорт как бизнес http://baby-best.ru/forum/topic_48233 ввод денег в онлайн играх http://magic-flames.de/index.php?option=com_easybookreloaded kak заработать деньги в интернете http://nvkb.ru/forum/index.php/user/25623/