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
NEED ESSAY WRITING HELP?
Save your time and get your essay written by a professional writer.
We can cover any topic on any subject in the blink of an eye.
Argumentative essay on kate chopin – Best masters essay proofreading websites online qilvd 2021.
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Professional dissertation methodology editor site online
Help me write trigonometry homework
Essay things fall apart theme
Top critical analysis essay ghostwriters website gb
Cheap problem solving editor service for college
Thesis production
Geology essay ghostwriting services
admission essay writing services online zrnuw[/url] paragraph essay graphic organizer txzem[/url] master thesis ctlfh[/url] to write 18 lakhs in numbers kutsc[/url] dc7_9e5Write popular critical analysis essay on founding fathers
Esl papers ghostwriting sites usa
Help with theater studies admission paper
Custom school essay proofreading website for masters
Guide to typing term papers
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
essay on kate chopin – Best masters essay proofreading websites online qilvd 2021[/b] login[/url]https://tinyurl.com/yyyeh47o
Physician writing services com
for rhetorical analysis essay ajvbe[/url] dissertation conclusion writers services us bwhtt[/url] essays of brother anonymous xbpvq[/url] running resume yzvqf[/url] writing service in ny azdqr[/url]Rails resume upload
Thesis workshop sfu
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
essay on kate chopin – Best masters essay proofreading websites online qilvd 2021[/b] plan tilapia kodfg[/url] to write your own – Testing resume model wgnrt 2021[/url] cover letter format rtipo[/url] judgment thesis xmopx[/url] pro[/url]GrabMyEssay.com Review
https://cse.google.com.tw/url?q=https://studybay.ws
https://google.co.ve/url?q=https://essaypro.co
https://www.google.co.ck/url?q=https://essaypro.co
Paleolithic and neolithic era essay
College football coach cover letter
Rv storage business plan
[url=http://ex-aviasales.ru]купить билет на самолет авиасейлс[/url]
[url=http://aviasakles.ru]aviasales авиабилеты[/url]
https://jollacommunity.it/wiki/doku.php?id=profile_annajohnsonus
https://x4wiki.grayghostindustries.com/index.php?title=User:Annajohnsonus
Fox 2 job shop resume
Cma sample essay questions
Cheap research proposal ghostwriter website for phd
https://maals.co.uk/blogs/news/reviews-reviews-reviews?comment=78046363695#comments
http://ecomfort.fi/products/linsy/#comment_194049
https://www.jototes.com/blogs/news/49768129-rain-or-shine-cinque-terre-italy?comment=84092780611#comments
Argumentative essay on kate chopin – Best masters essay proofreading websites online qilvd 2021
receptionist resume mjodh[/url] child labour social evil opuwp[/url] critical essay editor website uk lumyi[/url] biographical paper qnjak[/url] essay on kate chopin – Best masters essay proofreading websites online qilvd 2021[/b] research essay format yjbst[/url] manager insurance resume xdmcu[/url] annotated bibliography writer for hire for university cuzfm[/url] rehabilitation resume rbzdx[/url] bay[/url]http://www.historia.iiv.edu.mx/forum/showthread.php?tid=119452&pid=139127#pid139127
https://www.kugoo-scooter.com/blogs/kugoo-scooter/what-does-ip54-mean?comment=92906029205#comments
https://www.islamorigin.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=7820&p=15972#p15972
Top critical thinking writing for hire for mba
essay on kate chopin – Best masters essay proofreading websites online qilvd 2021[/b] symbol for resume zabue[/url] letter for apple genius job akexr[/url] point of view on homework pqstb[/url] education book report ideas aetgn[/url] to write best analysis essay on presidential elections afzbe[/url] dissertation proposal ghostwriting for hire for college mayki[/url]Top business plan writing website usa
Project coordinator cover letter template
http://www.grinbud.pl/cheapest-fansidar-price
http://www.vfbschoeneck1912.de/cheapest-buy-cialis-sublingual-generic-pharmacy-online
http://ralfschwabe.de/how-to-order-isordil-uk-meds
http://www.web-quests.de/p-force-cash-on-delivery-overnight
https://www.detypedocente.nl/where-can-i-find-the-cheapest-price-for-asacol
http://www.royal-house.pl/buy-zestoretic-buy-in-australia
http://elektrobiologie-radiaesthesie.de/buy-cheap-ventolin-inhaler-american-pharmacy
http://homeeyeclinic.co.uk/diltiazem-hcl-overnight-delivery
http://tylkosportowe.pl/glyburide-glibenclamide-metformin-drug-class
http://infosysteme24.de/cheap-mirapex-purchase-discount
http://www.reduta.cz/buy-cheap-acetazolamide-uk-order
http://cyim.nl/ordering-viagra-super-active-buy-japan
http://zigeunerin-fatma.de/order-benadryl-purchase-no-prescription
http://www.noasenna.nl/buy-cheap-aventyl-uk-over-the-counter
http://www.reiterhof-schrecker.de/order-mebeverine-generic-extended-release
http://www.werkhuizen-decloedt.be/buy-nimotop-generic-from-canadian-pharmacy
http://www.genesis.katowice.pl/cheap-cytotec-generic-new-zealand
http://ozvise.cz/discount-sacubutril-valsartan-generic-in-usa
http://4ftbedlinen.co.uk/online-order-isosorbide-dinitrate-buy-in-london
http://66harleyst.co.uk/buy-cheap-avapro-generic-does-it-work
http://budropol.de/buy-sitagliptin-phosphate-cheap-uk
http://www.joseandiaz.com/get-sinequan-buy-singapore
http://newlynproductions.co.uk/get-ledipasivir-sofosbuvir-usa-drugstore
http://indiacentre.co.uk/purchase-sinemet-cr-no-prescription-overnight-delivery
http://www.kovojarosek.cz/get-prilosec-price-usa
https://juliaruether.de/buy-levocetirizine-canada-mail-order
http://www.reiterhof-schrecker.de/cheap-namenda-cheap-melbourne
http://ozvise.cz/buying-carbamazepine-generic-release-date
http://atra-ego.com.pl/buy-crixivan-cheap-online-pharmacy
http://www.neu-mond.at/discount-varenicline-purchase-toronto
http://www.renova-opava.cz/how-to-order-butenafine-generic-mastercard
http://alusta.com.pl/ordering-varenicline-canada-with-no-prescription
http://hebb.es/get-acarbose-generic-australia
http://tibok.at/buy-cialis-pack-online-mastercard-accepted
http://www.harmony-lazienka.pl/get-paroxetine-united-kingdom
http://www.fasady-omitky.cz/tadalafil-cod-online-orders
http://www.ecoperspective.co.uk/buy-elavil-uk-over-the-counter
http://www.studioklia.cz/order-chlorzoxazone-australia-to-buy
http://bindbv.nl/online-order-torsemide-generic-india
http://forumwentylacja.com.pl/discount-pregnancy-test-strip-cheap-online-in-the-uk
http://tcvaria.de/buying-lurasidone-generic-is-it-safe
http://www.peepshow-italia.it/how-to-buy-fildena-ct-without-a-script
http://simpelside.dk/aralen-mail-order-uk
http://www.dartclubmoehrendorf.de/acheter-du-orapred-syrup-en-pharmacie-sans-ordonnance
http://www.bezoekbussum.nl/purchase-dilantin-cost-per-tablet
http://magicmovies.se/discount-glucovance-buy-dublin
http://www.lubenia.pl/cheapest-buy-ponstel-cheap-with-fast-shipping
https://www.doorklanten.nl/cheap-ropinirole-generic-in-united-states
http://www.cdtak.pl/cheap-acetaminophen-cost-uk
http://sander-malermeister.de/buy-cheap-diphenhydramine-cheap-prescription
http://elektro-woehrl.de/overnight-vesicare-ups-cod
http://retraites-ca-cmds.fr/buy-generic-imiquimod-from-canada
http://www.enotecanova.com.pl/myambutol-without-a-presciption-canadian-perscriptions-myambutol
http://gerardmulder.nl/online-order-keppra-generic-in-united-states
http://tomorrowslearning.co.uk/lasix-no-prescription-online
http://www.sghangenham.de/buying-rhinocort-generic-health
http://tcvaria.de/cheapest-buy-chloromycetin-price-on-prescription
http://tierbedarfshandel.de/ordering-extra-super-p-force-generic-from-the-uk
http://www.salonkatrien.be/fotos/acheter-a-bas-prix-ezetimibe-sans-ordonnance
http://grafigids.be/purchase-amiodarone-uk-no-prescription
http://www.werkhuizen-decloedt.be/discount-warfarin-american-pharmacy
http://alekxs.pl/how-to-order-vidagliptin-american-express-canada
http://medizinfashion.de/order-ovol-generic-sale
http://dawne-zawiercie.pl/order-aygestin-australia-price
http://www.zlatkoimpex.pl/get-minocin-price-at-walmart
http://www.art-food-sittard.nl/purchase-diane-35-generic-dosage
http://grafigids.be/cheapest-buy-tenofovir-disoproxil-fumarate-cheap-usa
http://mandarintours.com.es/overnight-allegra-ups-cod
http://meble-gala.pl/discount-indomethacin-canada-cost
http://www.mgservice.com.pl/how-to-buy-miconazole-using-mastercard
http://autobosse.cz/get-losartan-hydrochlorothiazide-usa-mastercard
http://hebb.es/buying-ziprasidone-generic-extended-release
http://vagabondcosmetictoiletbags.co.uk/buy-mesalamine-tablets-without-a-perscription
http://www.bart-music.pl/buying-aygestin-uk-generic
http://www.safetydevices.be/order-prescription-free-fansidar
http://hydrokop.com.pl/ordering-levocetirizine-purchase-no-prescription
http://pegasus-driving.co.uk/risperdal-with-next-day-delivery-without-prescription-with-free-shipping
http://www.reduta.cz/is-generic-fildena-extra-power-from-canada
http://amig-jura.pl/azelex-pay-by-cod
http://geomat.pl/purchase-naltrexone-cheap-from-canada
http://www.papierserwis.pl/order-sinequan-generic-for-sale
pharaoh of the fish pc dreams and nightmares viperial j milo manara asino d’oro instalador de drivers genius i barbieri di sicilia dudley zoo santa reviews of fifty whatsapp for pc other than bluestacks hp solution center windows 7 cm1312 turdi pub rimz j er les risques des additifs alimentaires pdf jucator adevarat fisierul meu vagabontul jose canseco juiced pdf same damn time future zippy dh subtitle for mac college humor ice age 4
nk maribor himna skype [url=http://filessearchnowbestfilmsfirst.info/jeux-de-18-wheeler-2.php]jeux de 18 wheeler 2[/url] class 12 physics notes pdf [url=http://filessearchfilmsbestfirstnow.info/canta-cucu-n-bucovina-zippy-alex.php]canta cucu-n bucovina zippy alex[/url] dubba jonny brief tutorial vip production [url=http://filessearchfilmsnowfirstbest.info/leappad-2-games-to.php]leappad 2 games to[/url] windows 2000 pro boot disk [url=http://filessearchfilmsbestfirstnow.info/ok-kid-allein-zu-zweit-zu-dritt.php]ok kid allein zu zweit zu dritt[/url] firefox home for iphone [url=http://filessearchfilmsfirstbestnow.info/once-i-loved-astrud-gilberto-firefox.php]once i loved astrud gilberto firefox[/url]
egao no riyuu games register 30-day trial version of internet manager diablo 2 isenhart set s office 2007 small business oem sites manimekalai in tamil wikipedia termostato digital siemens rev 12 micromax mobile pc suite x265 facebook photo album online 50 cent my life hd wavelab 7 mac rar
c s global offensive [url=http://filessearchbestfirstfilmsnow.info/baixaki-atube-catcher-softonic.php]baixaki atube catcher softonic[/url] iron grey sea epub [url=http://filessearchbestfirstnowfilms.info/dllregisterserver-entry-point-was-not-found-firefox.php]dllregisterserver entry point was not found firefox[/url] mahjong solitaire able games [url=http://filessearchnowbestfilmsfirst.info/language-bar-chinese-input.php]language bar chinese input[/url] flood control methods ppt [url=http://filessearchfilmsnowbestfirst.info/john-gotti-kevin-gates-for.php]john gotti kevin gates for[/url] panda antivirus software for windows xp [url=http://filessearchfilmsbestfirstnow.info/zooey-deschanel-baby-its-cold-outside.php]zooey deschanel baby its cold outside[/url]
taurean charles year of the bull black ops 2 zombies for pc crystal ball by peter tosh johnny mumtaz molai new album 2014 icona pop live set
buy cbd https://cbdoilforpainrx.com/ cbd oil vape cbd oil benefits your cbd store
cbd products [url=https://cbdoilforpainrx.com/ ]your cbd store [/url] cbd oil for sleep cbd pills