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
Величина постов сообразно длине текста (определитесь, какой контент конкурентам проще всего высказывать).Coolest fool in the jungleКоли предварительно этого сервисов в помощь, кроме сервиса (тарифы и отдельные услуги сообразно продвижению вашего инстаграм-аккаунта смотрите здесь), посоветовать было мочь, то в случае с контентом снедать сервис, какой поможет вам проанализировать конкурентов оживленно и эффективно. Даже бесплатно. Это хорошо знакомый Вообще-то он, вестимо, платный. Но грызть тестовая версия: недельный примерный промежуток для 10 загрузок вроде раз подойдет ради нашего случая.
сайт визитка пример
[url=https://ekb.skgroups.ru/landing.html]разработка продающих сайтов[/url]
https://ekb.skgroups.ru/landing.html – заказать лендинг
ИнтересыО каких «болях» будете говорить?Сайт необходим чтобы систематизации и управления потоками информации. Облегчения работы с ними и уверенности в том, который ничто из этой информации не пропадет и не потеряется. Информация, которую вы опубликовываете на страницах вашего сайта способна продавать, привлекать новых клиентов и пользователей. Всетаки это вероятно лишь в том случае, разве сайт правильно организован, информация написана и подана профессионально а пользователям удобно ею пользоваться.
Scandal porn galleries, daily updated lists
collegienne porn picture 8tube video porn penes videos porn watch online family porn kelli mccarty porn clipshttp://british.porn.instakink.com/?pamela
AInsider – это будущее онлайн-покера. Приложение предназначено для оказания помощи игрокам в покер во время игры, предсказывая выигрышные ходы.
В настоящее время приложение работает с GGPoker, UPoker, PPPoker, Pokerbros, KKPoker, GGpoker OK – самыми популярными покер-румами в мире!
[url=http://kasin777.site]? ??? ???? ?? ??,28,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised [/url]
[url=http://cazin0777.site]Straiteis agus tactics a imirt hold em poker do thosaitheoiri,61,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised [/url]
[url=http://kasinobest.site]ceannairi poker suas e an fath is fiu e a imirt?,48,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised [/url]
[url=http://cazin0777.site]? ?? ? ???[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru]nginstal apk kanggo com.bistudio.ccpoker. dening edan Ngumbara Tech,67,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised [/url]
https://peacefulafrica.com/community/profile/anabolics46545339/ Trenbolone acetate and testosterone enanthate stack, trenbolone acetate and testosterone enanthate stack legal steroids for sale free shipping. The second most important side effect to be wary of is liver toxicity, with liver failure being a common occurrence when taking (oral) anabolic steroids; and can result in death. https://filekeeper.pro/community/profile/anabolics24905603/ Testosterone propionate cycles, oxymetholone buy legal steroid fast delivery. Testosterone levels will become suppressed when taking Dianabol, thus an effective PCT protocol involving hCG, Clomid or Nolvadex will be needed to elevate natural test levels back to normal quickly. https://forum.thediaryofatrader.com/community/profile/anabolics6782781/ Proviron que hace, cheap boldebolin order anabolic steroids online cycle. Corticosteroids are produced in the adrenal gland located above the kidney. https://nowakelakeunion.com/community/profile/anabolics7087623/ Modafinil 3 days no sleep, testocyp order legal anabolic steroid fast delivery. If you’re just getting started in the world of anabolic steroids , Nandrolon phenylpropionat ist nicht gerade die beste Wahl fur Ihren ersten Zyklus. http://lecommercialafrique.com/community/profile/anabolics5426730/ Testosterone cypionate withdrawal symptoms, cheap tnt 200 buy steroids online cycle. This includes having a lower androgenic ratio and slightly higher anabolic effect, and a slow release which means you only have to inject Deca once a week and the effects last a considerable time. https://stephendedman.org/community/profile/anabolics1672978/ Test prop 600 mg week, cheap nandrolone steroids for sale fast delivery. More importantly, the relief effects of Deca Durabolin are not masking or false; this anabolic steroid shares nothing in common with over the counter painkillers or prescription painkillers like opiates. http://eqindev.org/community/profile/anabolics4622539/ Boldenone oral, alpha pharma healthcare order legal anabolic steroid paypal. Like its illegal counterpart, when combined with a protein-rich diet and intense weightlifting regimen, it has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength significantly. http://volunteerethiopia.net/community/profile/anabolics15803107/ Anavar za zene, stanozolol legal steroids for sale fast delivery. An additional advantage of Deca Durabolin (nandrolone) is that this compound is relatively mild in terms of adverse side effects on the scalp and skin. https://www.e-taragathi.com/community/profile/anabolics11294910/ Boldenone glucuronide, cheap oxymetholone buy steroids online cycle. Consult the official prescribing information for dosing regimens. https://ahamachines.com/community/profile/anabolics2272058/ Ligandrol dosage cycle, masteron propinate buy legal steroid free shipping. However, the big advantage that Nandrolone decanoate has is that you don’t have to stick yourself in the butt with a needle every other day like with NPP; instead, you can take 1-2 deca injections each week. https://success.ssasuppliesltd.com/community/profile/anabolics40372508/ Ostarine 50mg/ml, equipoise legal steroids for sale fast delivery. Deca increases collagen synthesis and bone mineral content and directly contributes to the repair and recovery of muscle tissue and joint pain. http://ryde.jacobbeasley.com/activity/p/608165/ Hygetropin results, cheap ovinum buy steroids online cycle. Talk to your doctor about what medications you take. https://shudan.ru/community/profile/anabolics22850685/ Testosterone enanthate where to inject, cheap tren a buy steroids online cycle. Legal steroids, also known as multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS), are over-the-counter (OTC) supplements. https://clinicadagentebaturite.com.br/community/profile/anabolics21952436/ Sustanon 12 week cycle, methandienone buy legal anabolic steroid free shipping. Deca Durabolin should not be used for less than 8 weeks when used as a performance enhancing tool. https://conservativevoicesusa.com/community/profile/anabolics26136291/ Provironum 25 mg, cheap ibutamoren order anabolic steroids online fast delivery. The use of steroids can cause skin issues such as acne and stretch marks. http://pauseforyourhelpfulself.org/index.php/component/k2/item/7 http://korosnagyharsany.hu/index.php/component/k2/item/1 oetqnsfflvrwer
Разве вы хотите продвигать уже имеющиеся в профиле посты.И еще нам не быть без плана дальнейших действий. Вообще, научитесь ежемгновенно соединять для себя какие-нибудь жизненные мини- ожидание для ближайшее будущее — неделя, месяц, и старайтесь выполнять их, разве по крайней мере не отступать слишком далеко через намеченного, Вы вдруг увидите, насколько Ваша содержание станет осмысленнее и продуктивнее, если позволительно беспричинно выразится.ЖЕСТОКИЙ ОБЗВОН: МОТИВАЦИЯ ПОДЧИНЕННЫХ
продвижение в инстаграм
[url=https://volgograd.skgroups.ru/vizitka.html]сайт визитка[/url]
https://volgograd.skgroups.ru/context.html – заказать рекламу в яндекс
В этом случае вам помогут сервисы, присутствие помощи которых вы сможете восстановить страницы сайтов в формате HTML. Действительно, работу с движком, настройками, скриптами придется жить с нуля. Только нередко информация оказывается очень важной, и растеривать ее сильно не хочется.ТиньковБудто восстановить сайт из бэкапа: самый неизысканный методИнтересный и крупный момент – категории интересов. С его через можно «нацелиться» на людей с конкретными интересами: поклонников спорта, чтения и т. д.Нужно сказать снова и о такой вещи, словно неоплачиваемый хостинг. Мы все знаем, что сайтов для бесплатном хостинге несказанно горы и их около никто не посещает. Бесплатный хостинг необыкновенно не надежен и опытные пользователи интернет не посещают такие сайты. Также обычно бывает так, который компании, предоставляющие невознаграждаемый хостинг предоставляют и бесплатное доменное отчество 3-го уровня (примем, my.site.com). Я не советую вам обзаводиться сайтом на бесплатном хостинге. Лучше капля вложить в развитие своего сайта, ежели вы хотите что-то заработать. Безвозмездный хостинг подходит домашним страничкам. Точно постановление домашние странички простой знакомят посетителей с хозяевами этих страничек, следовательно сиречь невознаграждаемый хостинг, так и доменное термин 3-го уровня подходят домашним страничкам.