The Shopping Mama: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Lisa: My name is Lisa Waineo, artist and owner of Vibrant Trains. I live with my husband and young daughter along the shore of beautiful Lake St. Clair, Michigan. I am an alumnus of the Center for Creative Studies – College of Art and Design, Detroit. My major was Graphic Communication and Art Direction. I enjoy painting, gardening, boating and traveling with my family and friends.

TSM: When did you start Vibrant Trains and why?

Lisa: Vibrant Trains was established a few years ago when I noticed that my hobby and passion for painting custom alphabet name trains had become more than a hobby. I had begun to receive regular and repeat orders from people who had caught a glimpse of one of my trains at a baby shower, birthday party, or family gathering. When I noticed that I was keeping very busy with orders, I felt that it was time to turn my hobby into a business and launch my website, www.vibranttains.com, with a shop at Etsy, to follow a year later.

TSM: I’m so glad I found your shop on Etsy. And any mom would be lucky to get a Vibrant Trains train at a baby shower – what a great gift! What is your favorite item to make or sell?

Lisa: Creating custom alphabet name trains for my clients is truly a joy and a great pleasure. I feel that I am very privileged and truly blessed to be able to provide my clients with something unique and creative while doing something that I feel very passionate about. Painting is my passion!

TSM: Your passion shows in your awesome attention to detail. Do you have any plans for new, additional products or business expansion?

Lisa: If the planets became aligned just so, causing money to become absolutely “no object”, I would carry through with Vibrant Trains future plans and expand my business to include a wide variety of custom hand painted keepsakes for home and garden. Once my business plan was established I would hire several gifted artists and an assistant to support me with this endeavor. A storefront along the lakeshore would then follow, offering an array of custom hand painted keepsakes.

TSM: What are some of your favorite online boutiques or Etsy shops?

Lisa: Here are just a few of my favorite shops found at Etsy: Fairyfolk, assja, woomanwoodworker, breezybrenda, pocokeco, notablenotions, stonestreetstudios, colinscreatures, julieblanchette, terrastratum, cherrylippedroses, whitneylassini, mamaa4earth, surfaceflik, happysquashtoys, atlassigns, littlebugjewelry, tracychong, eclecticpelican, bragaboutit, miketoys, paperjoy, catherinereece, to name just a few!

TSM: Wow, that is an AWESOME list of great shops to check out. If you’re new to Etsy, here’s how to find Lisa’s favorite shops – http://www.etsy.com/shop/{shopname}. Have fun browsing.

Lisa: Thank you so much for you interest in Vibrant Trains. It is truly a pleasure to work with each of my clients to create a one of a kind keepsake for their loved ones!

Connect! Vibrant Train is new to Facebook. Become a fan to see the latest designs and updates.

Shop! Vibrant Trains custom hand painted name trains are very affordable at $25 for a 5-segment train. Each additional segment is $5. To thank The Shopping Mama readers for such a successful giveaway, Lisa is offering a 10% discount when you mention The Shopping Mama on Etsy!

The Shopping Mama: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Kim: Hello! My name is Kim and I am the owner/creator of The TomKat Studio. I live in Chandler, Arizona.

TSM: When did you start The TomKat Studio and why?
Kim: Up until about a year ago, my career was in residential real estate. With the downturn in the market, and realizing that my little ones were growing up so fast, I decided to stay home with them. At that time, I had discovered a few blogs and started reading others’ blogs regularly. I decided to start my own to share creative projects and random thoughts & ideas I was having. I called it “The TomKat Studio” after my children, Tommy & Kate. When I decided to stay home, we even designated a spare room in our home “The TomKat Studio” where I set up all my crafty supplies.
TSM: I can’t believe you’ve only been doing this a year! That’s amazing.

Kim: One of the first blogs that I followed was Project Nursery. I have a passion for all things pretty, including parties, paper & home decorating. After a couple of months of posting on my own blog, I was honored to become a contributor for Project Nursery. Being an entrepreneur, I thought with all of the extra exposure, maybe I should open a shop to sell some of my crafty wares. Why not try to make a little side money since I was spending more and more time blogging?
TSM: I think it’s really cool that you had a blog first and that your Etsy evolved out of that.

I started my Etsy shop with my signature frames, and quickly couldn’t keep up with the demand. After posting my daughter’s lollipop birthday party on The TomKat Studio, it was picked up on tons of fabulous blogs including Hostess with the Mostess (my fave!). The additional exposure created an overwhelming response for the paper items I created for her party (invitations, favor tags, cupcake toppers, etc). I decided to add party designs to my shop.

After several months of very, very long nights, I decided it was time to regroup. I was getting burnt out and overwhelmed. My family was getting neglected. It’s always hard to find a balance, but you have to keep coming up with new ideas to make it work, especially when you are doing what you love. I decided to go digital and offer my party designs as printables. The printables have been such a success! Much less work for me and more affordable for the customers. Not to mention, who doesn’t love saying “I made it!” I have such a passion for what I am doing now, it feels absolutely amazing.

TSM: What is your favorite item to make or sell?
Kim: I love designing new party collections. I love creating the designs, printing and assembling the sample items and then staging and photographing them. I could do this all day and all night long. It’s not work for me at all, it’s fun.

TSM: What is your inspiration?
Kim: This is such a cliche, but I find it everywhere. It’s actually annoying. I can’t look at a magazine without ripping out pages that inspire a new design. I watch cartoons with my kids and see a cute balloon or flower and want to create a party around it. I just wish I had more time to explore all of the ideas floating in my mind, as well all of the custom ideas my customers request.

TSM: Do you have any plans for new, additional products or business expansion?
Kim: I do! Right now, I only have my Lollipop Collection in the shop, because it is all I can handle by myself. I recently made the decision to hire an assistant to help fulfill my orders! This way, I can focus on getting all my designs into the shop and work on new designs and products. I hope to start offering the fully printed/assembled items, as well again.
TSM: If you’re interested in working with Kim, check out this post on The TomKat blog about hiring a Virtual Assistant.

TSM: If money were no object what is one thing you would buy right now?
Kim: A warehouse, commercial printers & a team of fabulous people to help me bring all of my ideas to fruition!

TSM: What are some of your favorite online boutiques or Etsy shops?
Kim: Oh boy…there are many! Here are a few of my favorites. Not only great shops, but great girls: Pink Taffy Designs, True Love Found (Crowns), Friller Up Couture (Tutus), Le Papier Studio (Silhouettes) ~ here’s my kids silhouette, Dolce Vita Mia
(Headbands/Clips).
TSM: I die over those silhouettes! They are adorable and surprisingly affordable. Your kids’ silhouette is just darling.

Connect! Keep up with Kim on the awesome TomKat Studio blog. It’s absolute eye candy full of beautiful parties and DIY inspiration. Not to mention, every month she provides a super cute printable calendar. You can also follow The TomKat Studio on Twitter and Fan The TomKat Studio on Facebook.

Shop! Visit The TomKat Studio on Etsy – it’s the best place for printable party projects. Because you print and assemble on your own, everything is ridiculously affordable – but still custom made for you. Make sure you check out the Valentine printables collection!

Win! Check out The TomKat Studio giveaway on The Shopping Mama.

The Shopping Mama: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Angela: I currently live in South Texas. My Husband is a F-18 pilot in the Navy. Right now he is on a shore tour and is a jet flight instructor. I grew up in Los Angeles, CA. and went to college in AR. After school, I fell into Human Resources and worked as a corporate recruiter for several years before meeting my husband in Jamaica, while on girls getaway. I have a passion for figure skating (and there are no ice skating rinks in this city!!). I’m addicted to the internet. I have two beautiful daughters, Emma (6) and Olivia (2). I live to shop. Silly fact – I adore cocktail dresses. I have an entire closet full and have maybe worn 1% of them!

Monogrammed Onesie

TSM: I must say a cocktail dress addiction sounds very glamorous and fun. Surely you can wear one when you are working or taking care of the kids?
So, when did you start The Preppy Poppy and why?
A: I started The Preppy Poppy a year ago, and instantly found myself very busy. I am so grateful for the positive response. I have an obsession with personalized items, monogrammed items in particular. Being a military wife, I needed to have a career that could move with me. With the frequent moves, obviously a conventional career was out of the question. Plus, I wanted to raise my children and be home for them. With that said, I live to work, and quickly found that I’m no June Cleaver. I love staying at home with my children, but I needed more. So I created The Preppy Poppy and now I have the best of both worlds. I can still care for my children and contribute to the household financially. Actually, I think my supplemental income goes to feed my shopping addiction (I have to be honest). ha!

Boutique Burp Cloth

TSM: Oh, I am right there with you. The (very little) money that I make from the blog is my Etsy fund. What is your favorite item to make or sell?
A: I love creating all of my products, but I get a real thrill out of custom orders. I love when a customer says “Surprise Me.” The tutu outfits are always a joy to make (not to mention all of my customers send me photos of their children wearing them) and I love my unique boutique burp cloths. The entire burp cloth is lined in grosgrain ribbon and I use designer fabric.

Some customer favorites are: The Tutu Outfits, Eco-friendly Lunch Sacks (alternative to the brown paper bag), the Grosgrain Bow Lunch Totes (they make great teacher gifts), the Affordable Personalized Infant Outfits, and the Personalized Travel Mugs. Military folks love the personalized coffee travel mugs.

TSM: Note to self, “Remember The Preppy Poppy coffee travel mug for Father’s Day.”
What is your inspiration?
A: My inspiration (without sounding like a cliche) are my children. I often ask my oldest daughter to test a product. I value her opinion. She is a kid, and knows what other kids would like. I would love nothing more than to pass The Preppy Poppy onto them one day (should they want it).

TSM: Do you have any plans for new, additional products or business expansion?
A: I have a “bucket list” for The Preppy Poppy. Currently, I am focusing on the quickly approaching Valentines Day. I have beautiful personalized tutu outfits, onesies and shirts that I will be putting on the site this week. In addition, I will be placing new personalized Easter/Spring/Summer items by the end of the month. Ideally, I would like to start a Preppy Poppy line of children’s clothing. The wheels are in motion and I hope to make this a possibility in the near future! In addition, once we are settled and my husband is retired from the Navy, I would like to open a children’s boutique.

Personalized Tutu Set

TSM: If money were no object what is one thing you would buy right now?
A: If money were no object – well you may have stumped me. To be honest, I am pretty content. We are blessed to have a beautiful home, healthy children, my husband and I both love our careers and overall life is good! BUT, If I had to choose something, I have always dreamed of having two family vacation properties. One home some place tropical (ocean front) and the other in the mountains (with excellent skiing). I love the idea of annual trips and creating family traditions. The idea of passing these vacation homes down through generations is something that I hope to make a reality one day.

TSM: What are some of your favorite online boutiques or Etsy shops?
A: I have so many favorites! As for Etsy, I adore these stores: Quiltish by Allisa Jacobs (she makes beautifully sewn products from costmetic bags to baby bibs/burp cloths and pillows), Lookout Studios by Patricia Baker (we have several of her vibrant paintings in our home), Little Pea Boutique has adorable and affordable handmade barrettes and hair accessories, Bloomz also had adorable felt barrettes, Studio K by Kailey Hawthorn has damask painted letters that are to die for (perfect for a home office), Rowan’s Room (hand crafted chalk boards and mirrors made of recycled antique material with a very vintage feel – I love it!)

Connect! Keep up to date on all the latest personalized products when you follow The Preppy Poppy on Twitter and Facebook.

Shop! Browse and shop for great gifts at The Preppy Poppy. The Boutique Burp Clothes are $16 and Personalized Tutu Sets are $35 to $42 for shirt, tutu and bow.

The Shopping Mama: Tell us a little about yourself.
Laura: I live in Philadelphia with my husband, our dog, and three cats. I consider myself a “lawyer in recovery,” as I just made the career change from practicing attorney to educational fundraiser.

TSM: Is there a “lawyer in recovery” support group? If so, how do I sign up and will you be my sponsor? When did you start making and selling your necklaces? Is this your full time work or do you have a “day job”?
L: My main hobby has been knitting, ever since my group of college friends started the tradition of knitting each other wedding blankets, about five years ago. I didn’t even start making jewelry until July, when I was unemployed and going stir-crazy. It was too hot to knit, and jewelry was quick and easy. I made a few pieces and a friend said I should sell them at a neighborhood craft fair, and Kensington Supply Co. was born! Over the months, my pieces have become more involved and this new hobby has become a side-business that I love! My full-time position as a fundraiser at Penn Law school takes up alot of my time, but making jewelry and managing my Etsy shop feels less like a chore and more like something fun and rewarding that I’m doing just for me.

TSM: What is your favorite item to make or sell?
L: I love every necklace that I make, but these days, my favorite is definitely the “Ariba Senorita!“. It embodies all of the things I love about the jewelry that I like to wear. It’s simple, but colorful, and has a vintage feel.

TSM: What is your inspiration?
L: My main inspiration is my memories of my mother and grandmother. They were both very stylish, but had very different ideas about fashion. My grandmother liked to pick bold colors and large pieces, while my mother’s jewelry was more subdued. But both of them embodied a very classic style that I’ve tried to follow in my own fashion adventures. They taught me to make a statement, while keeping it classy. I model all of my pieces on this theory and then add a touch of fun and modernity, so that each piece has a bit of each of us in it.

TSM: Exactly! I think you strike that balance very well. (And, for the record, I wrote the intro to this interview before reading this response.) Do you have any plans for new, additional products or business expansion?
L: I would like to add some knits to my business, but it’s hard to design and make them all myself. So I’m working on that! My current plan for expansion is to get my stuff in some stores outside of Philly. (I am currently on the shelves at All by Hand in Philly and Hello Bluebird in West Reading.) I’d really like to see my stuff for sale at some boutiques in Brooklyn. I lived there for five years and credit it as the place where I found my “fashion voice.”

TSM: If money were no object what is one thing you would buy right now?
L: A brownstone in Brooklyn, with original woodwork and details that I could both restore and modernize. Think original-style chandeliers next to tangerine walls!

TSM: What’s your favorite Kensington Supply Co. for gift giving this season?
L: Not to harp on the “Ariba Senorita!” but I’d have to say that’s my number one because I can make it in so many colors. But I also love “On the Heath” because it’s made almost entirely out of vintage pieces and I make every plaid bead by hand, so you know it was made with love!

TSM: What are some of your favorite Etsy shops or online boutiques?
L: I have so many! I usually troll Etsy for jewelry-making supplies, but if I’m shopping for myself, I love the printed dresses at Betterthanjam, the cool miniature look-alikes of Philly buildings at Daymaker, the awesome book-related stuff at leahmackindotcom, and the beautifully simple jewelry that my college friend Pam makes at tartanbean.

Connect! Be the first to learn about new products and crafty news out of Philly, follow Kensington Supply Co on Twitter and Fan Kensington on Facebook.

Shop! Check out all of Laura’s designs at Kensington Supply Co. “Ariba Senorita” is  $42 and “On the Heath” is $64. And my favorite, “First Friday Night Special Fuschia” (you know, just in case anyone’s taking notes) is $48.

Oh, how I wish I’d known about Whimsy Couture when I was on my sewing kick! Denise of Whimsy Couture creates sewing tutorials so you can design and make your own darling little duds. The patterns are sent via email and contain picture tutorials, sizing chart for cutting fabric, and come in Word and PDF form. With over 1700 sales on Etsy, it’s obvious she’s very successful and knows her business, so let’s get to know more about Denise.
The Shopping Mama: Tell us a little bit more about yourself.
I call Waldorf, MD my home right now but I am originally from Germany. I have two funny kids that keep me very busy.

TSM: When did you start making and selling your patterns? Is this your full time work or do you have a “day job”? Actually I started sewing Barbie clothes years ago and selling them on ebay. After that I went into pet beds of all kinds which was very successful and kept me working full time from home. Then once my kids were born I fell in love with making kids clothing and not to long ago I started writing patterns. Selling on Etsy IS my day job!
I never knew you could sew a pet bed, but how comfy does this Marshmallow Pet Cuddle Bed look? I’d sleep there, for sure.

TSM: What is your inspiration?
Life itself! Besides that my kids, all the wonderful fabric designers, the outdoors give me endless inspiration.
I just love shopping for fabric. There are so many beautiful, beautiful prints and colors – you can’t help but want to sew!
TSM: Do you have any plans for new, additional products or business expansion?
I still want to cover a lot of patterns for girls and I am planning to include some boys clothing as well. As far as my business plans….we’ll see where it takes me.
Oh, boys! Forget what I said about boy’s homemade clothes not being cute. I’ll reserve judgment until I see your patterns.

TSM: If money were no object what is one thing you would buy right now?
A cure for cancer and for all those other deadly diseases.

TSM: What are some of your favorite stores or Etsy shops online?
Fabric shops, custom girls clothing (I love to browse those) and all handmade goodies

You can find Denise at the Whimsy Couture Etsy shop and blogging about her creations, giveaways and tutorials at the Whimsy Couture blog.

If you own a blog, Etsy shop or handmade boutique and you’d like to be featured on the Sunday Spotlight, email me!

]]> http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/10/whimsy-couture-sunday-spotlight/feed/ 2 http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/10/pink-nothings-sunday-blogger-spotlight/ http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/10/pink-nothings-sunday-blogger-spotlight/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0000 Kate http://theshoppingmama.com/?p=473 Pink Nothings is a completely charming blog that offers a lot for readers because it has 3 talented contributors. The original blogger took a few minutes to answer some questions so we can get to know her and Pink Nothings.

TSM: Tell us a little about yourself and your blog.
I am a first time mother to a very active Little Man. Pink Nothings came about because I had nothing pink for my baby. My blog started as a way to give my advice and share my outlook on mommyhood. I am the main writer of the blog however I do have some help.. My single sister Shoe Gypsy gives her fabulous fashion advice because every mom deserves to look stunning. My newest contributor is my sister-in-law Down With Pink. She is a mommy to two little girls with Down Syndrome and will give a us a glimpse to raising children with special needs.

TSM: What’s the best part about writing a blog?
I would say being able to write about anything and everything. Also knowing that the moms who read my blog can relate to what I say and I am not the only mother with a child who is out of control sometimes.

TSM: If money were no object, what’s one thing you’d buy right now?
Oooo that’s easy. New sheets for my bed. If money really were no object I would get the most expensive sheets one could find. Just imagine sleeping on a little piece of heaven every night!
TSM: Sssshhh, now. You’re making me tired.

TSM: What are some of your favorite places to shop online?
Children’s Place and Old Navy. I love that I can buy clothes for my son online because he doesn’t have to try everything on like I do.

TSM: List some links to your favorite posts or current giveaways.
Here is a link to each of the contributors.
Pink Nothings (That’s Me!) – Fresh Beat Band
TSM: Hysterical! I don’t know that show, but now I’m dying to see it because I think I would crack up after reading your post.

Shoe Gypsy: Quick and Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Down With Pink: Eww Gucky!
TSM: Both those posts have great looking recipes. Something for mama and something for baby!

Check out these Pink Nothings Giveaways:
Sisters Suburban Hats and Funky Monkey Fruit.

If you write a blog or an Etsy shop or handmade boutique and you’d like to be featured on the Sunday Spotlight, email me!

]]> http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/10/pink-nothings-sunday-blogger-spotlight/feed/ 1 http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/10/the-thrifty-divas-sunday-blogger-spotlight/ http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/10/the-thrifty-divas-sunday-blogger-spotlight/#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0000 Kate http://theshoppingmama.com/?p=461 You can’t go wrong following The Thrifty Divas. The blog works to saves moms time and money by sharing great deals and coupons. Elizabeth took some time so we can get to know her and her blog.

I would take my family on vacation to Disney World for 2 weeks and then I would send the kids to their grandparents for 2 weeks while my hubby and I went on a relaxing vacation of our own! We would go on a trip to Europe! Can you tell that our family is in desperate need of a vacation?!

TSM: We just spent a week at Disney World and I definitely think you need a vacation from your “vacation” to Disney. It’s completely fun but totally exhausting.

* Ebay – when I need great stuff for cheap prices! I buy kids clothing quite a bit. I also love selling on Ebay.
* Amazon.com – when I need the hottest or new items. I always take advantage of cheap shipping.
* The Children’s Place – when they have great sales and I am shopping ahead for next year.
* Ulta – when I need my beauty supplies and don’t have time to run to the store 25 miles away.
TSM: I love me some Ulta! I could spend all day and all kind of money in there.

Product Reviewing: What Is It and What To Expect?

Product Reviewing: The Big List of Places to Sign Up

Product Reviewing: How To Get Chosen and What Products Are Available To Review?

Product Reviewing: How To Conduct A Campaign

TSM: What a great resource! Thanks for sharing all that information.

If you write a blog and you’d like to be featured on the Sunday Blogger Spotlight, email me!

This week, let’s get to know Shannon of The Mommy-Files. I just love the theme of the blog: Solving mommy mysteries one day at a time.

The Shopping Mama: Tell us a little about yourself and your blog, The Mommy-Files.
- I am a stay-at-home of 3 boys (ages 5, 3, and 1). I was raised the oldest of 4 girls, so raising boys is very different, but I love it! I have been married for almost 10 years (come this November) and live in Washington. I keep busy with my blog, MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers), and I also recently started a MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club where I live, because I wasn’t busy enough, right? My oldest just started Kindergarten and we are trying to potty train my 3 year old (oh the joys – NOT)!!

TSM: What’s the best part about writing a blog?
I love blogging because I can write about “real” things and share my thoughts and feelings. Granted, there are some crazy makers out there that like to get everyone all riled up, but for the most part, I’ve found that there are many others who share the same feelings and face some of the same challenges. I’ve made many “blogging friends” through my blog and had the opportunity to meet many great reps for different companies. I also do reviews and giveaways on my blog. I started Tasty Tuesday, Thankful Thursday, Featured Blogger Friday, and Secret Saturday.

TSM: If money were no object, what’s one thing you’d buy right now?
I would buy my airfare tickets and reserve my hotel room for BlogHer ’10.
TSM: Oh, that’s a good one! I hope to see you there!

TSM: What are some of your favorite places to shop online?
Amazon.com for sure. I also love to shop on Old Navy’s site and Bath & Body Works.
TSM: Is it bad that I so prefer shopping Old Navy online to in the store?

TSM: Do you have any giveaways we should check out?
Here are some of my current giveaways:
* Macy’s $25 Gift Card – 2 winners
* The Original Scrap Box – great giveaway for scrapbookers!
* Halloween Costume from Halloween Express

Feel free to take a look around The Mommy-Files!

If you write a blog and you’d like to be featured on the Sunday Blogger Spotlight, email me!

]]> http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/10/sunday-blogger-spotlight-the-mommy-files/feed/ 4 http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/09/sunday-spotlight-fisher-house/ http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/09/sunday-spotlight-fisher-house/#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:30:00 +0000 Kate http://theshoppingmama.com/?p=396 Typically, the Sunday Spotlight post features a must-visit Etsy shop or mama-owned business. I’m changing things up a bit and want to share some information about my (current) favorite charity: Fisher House of the Emerald Coast.

What is Fisher House?
Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates “comfort homes,” built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time – during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

Fisher House of Emerald Coast will be located on Eglin Air Fordce Base and is in need of donations from individuals and corporations. The house will serve an area with multiple military installations and is projected to provide 12 bedroom suites to support active duty military, veterans and their families.

Fisher House Facts
* There is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center to assist families in need
* Every year, the Fisher House serves more than 10,000 families
* More than 2.5 millions nights of free accommodations have been provided since the program started in 1990

I was lucky enough to host a Johnson’s Cause Party last weekend (more on that shortly) to benefit the Fisher House. It was a big success and the best part of it for me was spreading the word about this organization and the amazing work they do for military families. (If you’ve been reading The Shopping Mama for a few months you may remember Fisher House as one of the participating charities in the Support Military Moms event.)

Connect! Join the Fisher House group on Facebook to learn of news and events.

Donate! Click here to Donate to Fisher House of the Emerald Coast.

]]> http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/09/sunday-spotlight-fisher-house/feed/ 0 http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/08/sunday-spotlight-the-diaper-bag-wrangler/ http://theshoppingmama.com/2009/08/sunday-spotlight-the-diaper-bag-wrangler/#comments Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:05:00 +0000 Kate http://theshoppingmama.com/?p=374 Today’s Sunday Spotlight and giveaway is why I love my blog. Seriously.

I featured Diaper Bag Wrangler a month ago in a Ten Dollar Tuesday post. I emailed the link to KC of Diaper Bag Wrangler to let her know I wrote about her shop. We’ve exchanged a few emails and in the process I’ve learned more about her. She’s an amazing, inspiring, talented woman and I’m so excited for you to learn more about her, too. The Diaper Bag Wrangler is now back for a Sunday Spotlight and a giveaway!

KC is the mama to a 3 year old daughter and an “incredibly fat pug Caeser.” Last year, KC’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 30 years old. She says, “It was totally surreal, and everything was happening incredibly fast, so I started blogging candidly about my experiences and treatment. On August 18th 2009, I became a one year survivor.”

TSM: What’s a random fun fact about you?
I got married at the Tropicana in Las Vegas and my wedding pictures are in front of slot machines. We were young, it was fun…and yes, it was planned in advance.

TSM: When did you start making and selling your goods? Is this your full time work or do you have a “day job”? I’m a stay-at-home Mom, and I started making Diaper Bag Wrangler products shortly after Lilly was born. I just wanted to keep all my diaper stuff together! There were some similar items available, but not exactly what I was looking for. I started out making things for myself and some friends who were having babies and it just grew!

TSM: What is your favorite item to make or sell?
My favorite item is definitely the Link Loop Diaper Bag. I just love the practicality and versatility of them. Plus, it was the item that started my business.

TSM: What is your inspiration?
I like things simple. When I see something complicated, I wonder, “how can I make that easier?” I love being inspired by my family and friends to create things. My background is in Design so I am always thinking/planning/creating.

TSM: Do you have any plans for new, additional products or business expansion?
I’ve recently expanded my line to include additional aprons – there was a lot of demand from my customers for matching “Mommy & Me” apron sets! It’s even grown from there to coordinating doll and maternity aprons.

We’ve also introduced headbands and caps for women undergoing chemotherapy. The headbands tie in the back so they are great to wear with wigs, but I have found that just about everyone loves them as well. The chemo caps are stylish, contemporary and comfortable. 10% from every cap and headband sold is donated to a cancer charity.

TSM: If money were no object what is one thing you would buy right now?
I would have to say a new studio for my business! Right now I have a great studio in my home but my dream is to have my own storefront studio where I could work, teach sewing workshops, and have a boutique set up.

TSM: What are some of your favorite stores or Etsy shops online?
On Etsy: Little Lesiw (I am seriously obsessed), Frank and Me, Ahpeele, JewlLi. Other Stores:
Anywhere I can buy fabric…I have a major fabric addiction.

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