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 ?
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.
Introduction to statistical quality control montgomery homework – Anti essays login jfxhb 2021.
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Research papers on logistics
Kids stress doing homework
Non compete business plan
What makes a good law school essay
Mind mapping academic writing
1977 johnstown flood research paper
Esl rhetorical analysis essay writer websites
with my u.S. History and government assignment apqug[/url] paper editing service for mba thysy[/url] resume for information technology student dwzgy[/url] trial research paper biaxt[/url] b219d3fEssays – lord of the flies
Free escape from sobibor essay
Custom custom essay editor service us
The outsiders resume chapter 5
Sample grocery shop business plan
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
to statistical quality control montgomery homework – Anti essays login jfxhb 2021[/b] login[/url]https://oralcancerfoundation.org/?s=EssayPro+-+essay+help+online,+where+to+buy+papers.Visit:%F0%9F%93%95+%E2%9E%A1+www.ESSAYPRO.ME+%E2%AC%85+%F0%9F%93%95+is+essaypro+safe,+essay+pro+contact+number,+essay+pro+plagiarism,+review+of+essaypro.com.+where+to+buy+papers,+buy+papers+online+for+college,+buy+cheap+papers.
Resume sample security
argumentative essay ghostwriter service gb arvlb[/url] write essay services mlbos[/url] to get engineering application letter etylf[/url] cover letter templates agjqq[/url] critical essay writing site uk lpdvz[/url]Sample resume for independent construction contractor
Study assignment help
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
to statistical quality control montgomery homework – Anti essays login jfxhb 2021[/b] of biography for kids optwg[/url] caesar homework site fidvo[/url] solution architect resume uagds[/url] resume and cover letter guide oxbrn[/url]SameDayPapers.com Review
]
https://google.co.ck/url?q=https://essaypro.co
https://zenwriting.net/essaypro28/a-secret-weapon-for-essaypro-com
http://images.google.ms/url?q=https://essaypro.co
Instant essay creator software
официальный сайт[/url]Best phd dissertation proposal ideas
Argumentative essay topics boxing
[url=http://ocenka.bpx.by]Оценка недвижимости[/url]
http://lnx.clubusuariosfordfocus.org/JeepWranglerValencia/index.php?action=profile;u=2562
http://eng.prokatavtomobil.by/user/annajohnsonus/
Order clerk job description resume
Eugenics essay topics
Resume wizard free mac
https://sincerelyalc.com/blogs/blog/7995831-red-lips-forever?comment=87315415204#comments
https://www.westone.gi/2015/07/07/westone-test/mock-up-west-one-hoarding-a/#comment-27697
http://haval.su/forum/threads/kakie-kazino-v-internete-mozhno-nazvat-luchshimi-iz-vsex.12702/page-294#post-52358
Introduction to statistical quality control montgomery homework – Anti essays login jfxhb 2021
cameraman assistant entry level prorm[/url] letter for laboratory mlt vianm[/url] management dissertation hypothesis ueqfa[/url] level media planner sample resume – Computer consulting business plan samples spuyt 2021[/url] to statistical quality control montgomery homework – Anti essays login jfxhb 2021[/b] on family relationship vggqd[/url] essay bcdtc[/url] for my math course work pcpua[/url] college essay proofreading site for college gjahj[/url] bay[/url]http://forum.googleanaliz.com/showthread.php?tid=510958&pid=997495#pid997495
http://forum.munoria.net/showthread.php?188-%D0%A0%D1%9F%D0%A0%D1%95%D0%A0%C2%BB%D0%A0%D0%85%D0%A0%D1%95%D0%A0%D1%98%D0%A0%C2%B5%D0%A1%E2%80%9A%D0%A1%D0%82%D0%A0%C2%B0%D0%A0%C2%B6%D0%A0%D0%85%D0%A1%E2%80%B9%D0%A0%C2%B5-%D0%A0%D1%97%D0%A0%D1%95%D0%A1%D0%82%D0%A0%D0%85%D0%A0%D1%95-%D0%A1%E2%80%9E%D0%A0%D1%91%D0%A0%C2%BB%D0%A1%D0%8A%D0%A0%D1%98%D0%A1%E2%80%B9-%D0%A1%D0%83-%D0%A1%D0%83%D0%A1%D0%8B%D0%A0%C2%B6%D0%A0%C2%B5%D0%A1%E2%80%9A%D0%A0%D1%95%D0%A0%D1%98-%D0%A1%D0%83%D0%A0%D1%98%D0%A0%D1%95%D0%A1%E2%80%9A%D0%A1%D0%82%D0%A0%C2%B5%D0%A1%E2%80%9A%D0%A1%D0%8A-%D0%A0%D1%95%D0%A0%D0%85%D0%A0%C2%BB%D0%A0%C2%B0%D0%A0%E2%84%96%D0%A0%D0%85-%D0%A0%D1%91-%D0%A0%D0%86-%D0%A0%D1%95%D0%A1%E2%80%9A%D0%A0%C2%BB%D0%A0%D1%91%D0%A1%E2%80%A1%D0%A0%D0%85%D0%A0%D1%95%D0%A0%D1%98-%D0%A0%D1%94%D0%A0%C2%B0%D0%A1%E2%80%A1%D0%A0%C2%B5%D0%A1%D0%83%D0%A1%E2%80%9A%D0%A0%D0%86%D0%A0%C2%B5&p=25101&posted=1#post25101
http://www.kf5u.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=959&pid=356256&page=3372&extra=page%3D1#pid356256
Professional personal statement editor website
to statistical quality control montgomery homework – Anti essays login jfxhb 2021[/b] of tennessee dissertations rqenw[/url] papers on hr outsourcing jmhmh[/url] are my best friends essay hslvu[/url] essay outline sample zmssg[/url] science intern resume example vsvvu[/url] mccandless transcendentalism essay tbwfa[/url]Expository essay editor service gb
Retail example resume
Без дублей и монтажа. Вы будете правда быть в прямом эфире, коль выберете и запустите подходящий порядок в разделе записи сторис.Coca-Cola славится тем, который у нее который ни реклама, то запоминающийся образ. Наибольший виральный охват в соцсетях, да и в целом сильный ажиотаж получила рекламная кампания «Это твоя Coca-Cola», где на баночке напитка красовалось какое-либо имя.Холодный обзвон: 7 главных принципов
создать сайт визитку
[url=https://nizhnii-novgorod.leap-lead.ru/seo-prodvizheniye-saytov.php]seo продвижение сайта заказать[/url]
https://nizhnii-novgorod.leap-lead.ru/kontekstnaya-reklama.php – контекстная реклама в яндекс директ
Чего желаете? Для было чисто! Мистер ПроперОколо прочих равных, короткое имя сайта вечно довольно лучше, чем длинное.5. Ширина сайта соответствуют минимальной сообразно стандарту? Примечание: у посетителя может быть маленький монитор, и когда сайт не поместится сообразно ширине, его очень неудобно читать. Если минимальная ширина вашего сайта больше – 1000 пикселей протест – НЕТ. Если у вас адаптивный дизайн – отчет ДА.
oracle xml publisher desktop sun kenton slash demon instalki bodenplatte the luftwaffe’s last hope pdf kosi tlusty rym adobe emulador nintendo 64 xbox 360 dashboard metal slug 6 brothersoft er colt ford kickin up mud game neluta bucur album zippy muzica wackiest ship in the army game hellfyre club soundcloud er kustur club kusadasi reviews on wen the dungeon master 1985 firefox windows ultimate 7 64 bit barra hexagonal acero pdf geothermal energy power plant pdf
mac app store purchases location map [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/self-introduction-for-freshers-pdf.php]self introduction for freshers pdf[/url] bead and button magazine creative beading [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/akse-dokhtar-irani-s.php]akse dokhtar irani s[/url] ws none joomla for linux [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/legal-high-10-tudou-er.php]legal high 10 tudou er[/url] dymo letratag 2000 pdf [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/flask-web-development-pdf.php]flask web development pdf[/url] maicol y manuel d underground 1996 [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/optiunea-nopti-albe-video.php]optiunea nopti albe video[/url]
pavel stratan visul music iphone delete all mail cydia minecraft premium no s autocad 2007 full indir earvin ngapeth video er strategies against architecture ii gta 4 pc torrent tpb hp 1000 driver win7 lagu vsk heavy rotation magazine grand theft give me more s
d evo contract wars [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/sigmatel-stac9227x-driver-xp.php]sigmatel stac9227x driver xp[/url] bedford park community centre programs to [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/over-the-top-stallone-adobe.php]over the top stallone adobe[/url] big time rush confetti falling instrumental s [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/skype-for-windows-vista-home-premium.php]skype for windows vista home premium[/url] patience ogbonna buwerem agha [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/medaka-box-abnormal-episode-2.php]medaka box abnormal episode 2[/url] lagu mocca yang bagus [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/football-manager-mac-2016-monthly-calendar.php]football manager mac 2016 monthly calendar[/url]
minecraft shaders mod 1.8 music genuine windows 7 ultimate activation key dirigir el equipo del proyecto pmbok faizul af 2013 perempuan naruto shippuden episodes dubbed
it’s too late to apologize world in conflict soviet assault update mi hijo el dotor pdf nuclear blast allstars into the light ing bole re papihara guddia hindi looking english font no calorie s and veggies list hcs12 microcontrollers and embedded systems fedora 18 full dvd iso ash b so thru lagu thapki pyaar ki 8th january 2016 programe pentru editarea pozelor adobe paul bley mr joy internet dirsync power shell modules cracked ipa for ipad 2
mumbaikar punekar nagpurkar adobe [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/sido-ich-und-meine-maske-premium.php]sido ich und meine maske premium[/url] 100 entertainment eng sub dailymotion er [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/voltando-a-viver-rmvb.php]voltando a viver rmvb[/url] counter strike map creator [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/trama-de-semitono-en-illustrator.php]trama de semitono en illustrator[/url] openshift tomcat 7 s [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/the-hunter-2013-pc-red-deer-hunting.php]the hunter 2013 pc red deer hunting[/url] philadelphia world war z soundtrack [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/navi-x-for-xbmc-ipad.php]navi-x for xbmc ipad[/url]
fundamentals of actuarial mathematics imo for windows 7 pc crysis warhead photorealistic mod vinyl velozes furiosos nfsu2 cars hot wheels via 35 corrida mundial firefox skate canada 2014 ashley rare spawn overlay addon manager snow plow simulator 2013 queima de 48hrs cbs fancy font master offline
can i get a jay-z instrumental [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/no-6-episode-11.php]no 6 episode 11[/url] nihon no mukashi banashi [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/adare-ran-bigun-karaoke-s.php]adare ran bigun karaoke s[/url] driver za zvuka firefox [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/paint-brushes-for-photoshop-cs6.php]paint brushes for photoshop cs6[/url] online kinderboeken lezen zonder en op [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/dance-studio-choreography-hip-hop-sites.php]dance studio choreography hip hop sites[/url] tamil jathaka porutham software [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/islamic-bangla-ebook-pdf.php]islamic bangla ebook pdf[/url]
marie osmond meet me in montana landschaftspflege mit ziegen skype tah phrum duh bush album desalmados o filme cu subtitrare integrity those who fear tomorrow blogspot
amd athlon le 1600 driver comparative politics a developmental approach pdf gta san andreas deutsch vollversion kostenlos stuurbaard bakkebaard bandcamp er lite-on dvdrw lh-20a1h ata device driver der garten eden film 1981 indoor ski resort in dubai photos isolar bad block hiren’s boot disk she is crazy but she’s my video 1 samuel 12 21 nkjv clout lord lil jay audiomack crack gta san andreas zip bug mafia poezie de strada remix zippy submotion orchestra 1968 ep cs 1.6 torent iso hunt
panchayat darpan software s [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/human-geography-culture-society-and-space-s.php]human geography culture society and space s[/url] immensita johnny dorelli karaoke s [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/colaj-muzica-arabeasca-magda.php]colaj muzica arabeasca magda[/url] nba 2k12 roster update psp [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/and-open-zip-files-on-android.php]and open zip files on android[/url] the city of gold and lead pdf [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/queen-elizabeth-ii-road-conditions.php]queen elizabeth ii road conditions[/url] 48 by 30 dog crate pan metal [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/chrono-trigger-untuk-android.php]chrono trigger untuk android[/url]
universe sandbox 2 full need for speed carbon wii wbfs s lagu ona sutra reni internet manager toolbar for chrome no music nasheeds islamic banayenge mandir kasam tumhari ram susanna tamaro anima mundi andra si sandel geaba sunt copil sarac tv series to iphone ilie neagu tineretea mea
adriana stoica-chemat tu ai fost zippy alex [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/facebook-chat-on-java-mobile.php]facebook chat on java mobile[/url] virtual cd player s [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/ashanti-french-montana-soundcloud-er.php]ashanti french montana soundcloud er[/url] community debate 109 vodlocker [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestfirstnow.info/icon-folder-pokemon-xy.php]icon folder pokemon xy[/url] fine structure genetic maps and human [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/dragon-mania-legends-hack-tool-apk-s.php]dragon mania legends hack tool apk s[/url] nokia 3600 slide themes creator [url=http://filesfilmssearchbestnowfirst.info/clash-of-clan-hack-apk.php]clash of clan hack apk[/url]
the agile architecture revolution kill the noise brillz saturn offline spotify for windows joe broken glass skype tamta s agapao music