Following the dream...running a business as a stay at home mom, navigating the fashion industry, sharing resources, promoting like minded people and businesses

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Motherhood, running a home business, and fashion industry trade secrets...


"THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING", reads my morning coffee mug.  It also has diaper pins all over it.  It is the perfect metaphor for both my life and this post.

These days I am changing more diapers since my swap from corporate America to motherhood.  Still, as all moms will attest to, I am working harder than ever.  Actually for me motherhood comes easy (my husband wrote this in my mother's day card and my eyes welled with tears).  I find myself patient in ways I didn't know I had in me.  I also can function on less sleep than I thought possible. 

With changing times in my career comes challenges to overcome.  The challenges in my life revolve around balancing my home business and motherhood.  Working at home so you can be with your child is living the dream some will say, but it has it's challenges.  Like trying to sew a dress as your toddler keeps stepping on your sewing foot.  Or making a sales call to a local boutique as your child pulls all the rubber duckies off the display and then throws a complete tantrum when you take them away.  At this point you turn back to the shop owner and say, "would you like to place an order?".

Then there are the challenges of navigating the fashion industry.  It is a small tight knit industry and people are all to often ready to share their successes but not any secrets of their success.  I am hoping to change that with this blog.  I have done loads of research and made many mistakes finding my way when it comes to fabric suppliers, finding manufactures, pricing, keeping price down while mfg in the US, line sheets, participating in handmade craft fairs, starting a manufactured line, finding a showroom, the list can go on.  I love this industry and learning my way but I would love it more with a community of people willing to share and learn together. 

So I will leave it at that today...if you are interested in:

- Being the best mom you can be
- Managing a home business with children underfoot
- Running a handmade area of your business
- Starting a manufactured line
- Learning and sharing more about the fashion industry

This blog is for you.  Please follow it for regular posts on these topics, interviews with industry professionals, product spotlights, giveaways, and more!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Second Japan Retailer Picks Up Kangacoo Brand



Kangacoo ponchos are gaining popularity in Japan thanks to a second retailer picking up the Kangacoo Brand.
R&B, Japan is an upscale children's boutique in Japan. It carries only the most stylish and high quality clothing available from designer's around the world and Kangacoo is proud to be among them!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Online Retailers Pick Up Kangacoo Brand!

kangacoo baby designs is now available at the following USA online retailers:

Posh A Bye Baby Boutique www.poshabyebaby.com view the new arrivals section.

and

A Lady and Her Baby www.aladyandherbaby.com look under "girls" "ponchos"

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Kangacoo Teams with Image 32 Photography

I met Jennifer Ramos, local photographer and owner of Image 32 Photography, through a mom's group I participate in. I heard nothing but fabulous reviews about her so I was very excited to work with her on kangacoo's first professional photo shoot. Jennifer was accommodating to shoot at a location of my choice and recommended the best time of day to catch the best lighting. The true magic came when she got behind the lens to work with the two very distracted toddlers I put in front of her. She created a natural, relaxed environment and captured some truly great photos. It was a no brainer to book her for a second shoot and she performed just as fabulous when I presented her with five toddlers.

While Jennifer is great at product shoots her niche is photographing children and families. She does everything from portraits, to parties, to play dates. I have already booked her for my daughter's first birthday party.

On her website Jennifer says, "Photography brings a whimsical joy to my life, and being able to share this with others is what it’s all about." She has certainly shared that joy with me! I am a big fan!

To book Jennifer you can contact her through her website www.image32photography.com or email her jen@image32photography.com

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Introducing Kangacoo's Outerwear Collection 2009


This season it is all about bright bold colors and prints to brighten up those dreary skies! Kangacoo delivers on the trend with an outerwear collection that includes beautiful pink and turquoise floral prints, zebra paired with hot pink and purple, and leopard paired with teal. Each piece is reversible so you get more bang for your buck with two looks in one!

Your little one’s Kangacoo poncho or jacket will not only be the most stylish and functional thing in their closet this winter but the softest too. The outerwear collection is made of faux fur and soft minky that scream touch me!

Make sure to visit
http://www.kangacoo.etsy.com/ to see the full outerwear collection later today.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Kangacoo Goes International! Japan


It's official, Kangacoo is now available in Japan!

http://www.baby-cute.net/ is Kangacoo's first international retailer. Baby Cute is an upscale baby and children's boutique carrying such brands as le top, rabbit moon, mudpie, Rock Your Baby, Bearington, and more!

Click on the link above and Kangacoo has a highlight on the front page. Click the link to view the custom designs created for Baby Cute.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Kangacoo Featured on Swankymoms.com


Kangacoo's Bright Fairy Costume was featured on SwankyMoms this week!


SwankyMoms.com is where hip moms hang out and they have the best tips on where to find quality, unique baby and children's products from clothes to toys! Make sure to check out their blog and subscribe at http://swankymoms.blogspot.com/
Follow the same link to see Kangacoo's review posted Thursday, October 8, 2009.


Thanks SwankyMoms for the great review!!!