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 PAPER WRITING ?
How to start an essay on a hero .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Custom dissertation introduction editing for hire gb
Dew point essay
Thesis on english language learning
Abortion argumentative essays
Sample objective statements for resume
Resume contents objective
Write a number sentence math problems
repair technician resume owotd[/url] paper constitution – Esl research proposal writing service for college lapyl 2021[/url] law cover letter – Esl masters essay ghostwriting site au xmygy 2021[/url] to write a good complaint letter to a holiday company ywjzc 2021[/url] c76b219Custom cheap essay ghostwriting websites for phd
Free essay causes american revolution
Popular dissertation hypothesis ghostwriting site gb
Resume objective language
Type my popular reflective essay on brexit
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
to start an essay on a hero [/b][url=https://www.instagram.com/loansolo_/]loansolo[/url]
]
government topics for research papers zetfk 2021[/url] school papers help fnpsj[/url] essay introduction fgiif[/url] to write 20 in decimal form wfsia 2021[/url] to write an elevator speech for college students uldkz[/url]Sample of process analysis essays
Popular analysis essay writers websites us
How to cite a dictionary in apa format in text
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
to start an essay on a hero [/b] specialist resume ymfvn[/url] of homework hljvo[/url] course work ghostwriting for hire for university oqpwo 2021[/url] critical essay proofreading website for university – Do my popular book review online nwvsl 2021[/url]dissertation kafka
]
http://www.0510365.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=4859673
https://inet.katz.pitt.edu/studentnet/mba/Lists/casediscussion/Flat.aspx?RootFolder=%2Fstudentnet%2Fmba%2FLists%2Fcasediscussion%2FBEST%20ESSAY%20WRITING%20SERVICE%20IN%20USA%2C%20BUY%20ESSAY%2C%20Buy%20Dissertation%20online&FolderCTID=0×0120020029EA054F13ECD5449BECD133C06C5B9D
https://2.gp/a93Gj
Government essay
loans online[/url]Professional course work ghostwriter service ca
Cv ghostwriters websites au
[url=http://xn——htbcnhwhkni.xn—p1ai]топ кредит[/url]
http://nybookmark.com/story6834437/edubirdie-edubirdie-com
http://biowiki.clinomics.com/index.php/User:EduBirdiecom
Free hitler essay
Cheap dissertation methodology ghostwriters site for college
How to write a history thesis
http://dzcpdemos.gamer-templates.de/dzcpv1554demo13/forum/?action=showthread&id=18&page=104#p1041
https://doloreshaze.com/blogs/editorial/fw14-mother-mary?comment=123499118782#comments
https://www.aiyima.com/blogs/news/our-brand-history-hope-you-participate-with-us?comment=123260239947#comments
How to start an essay on a hero
creative writing editing websites for college arpex[/url] on why i want to be a mathematician flslq 2021[/url] my rhetorical analysis essay on pokemon go zmhsx 2021[/url] by coursework ukm bbzyl[/url] to start an essay on a hero [/b] letter sample for housekeeping attendant[/url] dissertation introduction writer services for mba poack[/url] letter no name human resources fyxej 2021[/url] for the week dlhun 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://www.wildlifewilly.com/topic/professional-mba-essay-writer-sites-usa/
https://www.devicedoctors.net/blogs/news/blog-or-about-us?comment=123952627761#comments
https://leeks.jp/gred2/#comment-180672
Literature review proofreading websites gb
to start an essay on a hero [/b] team manager resume jbmoi[/url] format of hardware engineer sdxvv[/url] paper research write zgfrv[/url] paper middle school rftim[/url] top rhetorical analysis essay on hacking[/url] for essay awonf[/url]Resume for ba history
Sometimes answers are simple to complicated questions essay
про сад и огород, переходите по ссылке, не пожалеете, найдете массу всего интересного
]
для дачников, полезные советы как вырастить отличный урожай
i игра осада города 4 с читами на деньги официальный сайт wow игровые миры заработок в интернете на кликах и рекламах проверенное заработок в интернете бонусы при регистрации в онлайн покер без депозита игра загадки на деньги герои войны и денег флеш онлайн игра ножевые кейсы кс го симулятор симулятор кейсов в кс го игра скачать игру на андроид игру swamp attack много денег на заработок в интернет казино миф или реальность миллион автоматы бонус при регистрации открывать кейсы кс го на сайте как заработать на рулетки кс го аватария джекпотом
талисман и амулет для овна http://www.loginteriors.ru/forum/user/105552/ деньги для игр бесплатно варфейс http://irolog.ru/index.php?subaction=userinfo&user=ebigid юридическая консультация города орска https://calpe-mebel.ru/communication/forum/user/5136/ онлайн игры на двоих стрелялки против зомби http://avestalaw.ru/index.php?subaction=userinfo&user=alosofiq настройка хостинга для почты на яндексе http://www.pozdr.ru/forum/?PAGE_NAME=profile_view&UID=42780
биткоин краны от 10000 сатоши в 10 минут с моментальным выводом денег на wot blitz где взять бонус коды джекпот для золушки скачать торрентом бесплатно бонус коды на world of tanks на сентябрь 2015 игра положить деньги на телефон работа на бинарных опционах без вложений с выводом денег бонусы wmz на вебмани без регистрации скачать игру хитман кровавые деньги на русском игры онлайн на деньги с реальными людьми купить бонус код wz 111
заработать деньги на компьютерных играх http://oshobr.grodno.by/index.php?subaction=userinfo&user=oforyc формы заполнять при перерегистрации ооо http://vpereslavle.ru/forum/user/56470/ ставки транспортный налога в иркутской области на грузовые автомобил@ас http://www.detskiy-mir.net/index.php?subaction=userinfo&user=itosemog бесплатные программы заработок в интернете http://gbu-hovrino.wmtest.ru/index.php?option=com_kunena&view=topic&catid=3&id=51578&Itemid=275#51632 продажа сайта спортивных прогнозов http://fr79644r.bget.ru/index.php?subaction=userinfo&user=oqahi
Hot sexy porn projects, daily updates
little big leauge porn hentai porn anal beads code geass hentai porn hanged by neck porn sissy bw pornhttp://thailadyboys.shemalesurprise.instakink.com/?jeanette