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 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.
Cheap article writing for hire for school nbfcx.
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Custom case study editing site for masters
Popular term paper ghostwriting sites uk
Interclean research paper
Portable cd player with resume
Curriculum development for inclusive practice essay
Sample resume for ground stewardess
Cover letter for internship position with no experience
university biography example qbckd[/url] personal statement proofreading for hire ca spoxp[/url] path analysis essay grsob[/url] modeling resume aovfa[/url] d35c790Popular critical essay ghostwriters website us
Article review editor service uk
Esl book review ghostwriters website uk
Dissertation definition of terms section
Resume with summary section
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
article writing for hire for school nbfcx[/b]http://www.searchpoint.net/redir.asp?reg_id=pTypes&sname=/search.asp&lid=1&sponsor=RES&url=https://essaypro.me
]
format case study template pqthb[/url] broadcasting research paper zkmdw[/url] to write accounting literature review rrryh[/url] the ideal parent child relationship essay onskz[/url] sample purchasing agent resume hgnwh[/url]How to write letter to mpp
Write wes moore dialect journal
Best dissertation abstract ghostwriter website usa
y you editapaper.com
article writing for hire for school nbfcx[/b] template resume ltqgb[/url] essay examples ltlww[/url] objective customer service supervisor zvklp[/url] me essay jqvrh[/url]]
http://google.co.zw/url?q=https://essaypro.co
https://www.google.ie/url?q=https://studybay.ws
https://images.google.ae/url?q=https://studybays.com
Esl home work writing sites for college
Cfa level iii 2006 essay
Examples of persuasive essays about school uniforms
[url=https://twitter.com/aviasalesru]авиасейлс купить билеты[/url]
[url=http://author24.ru.com]автор24 официальный сайт[/url]
http://fogathajtas.lovasszovetseg.hu/archivum/redir.php?link=https://essaypro.me
http://wiki.hoeft-online.de/Benutzer:Annajohnsonus
Hotel receptionist cover letter examples
Turabian/chicago essay format
Theory of knowledge free sample essay
https://hardbodynutritional.com/blogs/news/full-body-detox?comment=94778916952#comments
https://maasjet.com/index.php/forum/ideal-forum/290690-term-paper-outlint-jkaib#480531
https://alliancecapital.io/dutch-finance-minister-calls-for-ico-regulations/#comment-6871
Cheap article writing for hire for school nbfcx
thesis proposal undergraduate njpsl[/url] restaurant resume amlwy[/url] and classification essay on music uzyhn[/url] analyst summary resume odqpd[/url] article writing for hire for school nbfcx[/b] resume post evcpj[/url] resume ghostwriting websites online axdaz[/url] content writing site uk kjrir[/url] study written essay sample[/url] login[/url]https://108.179.211.7/showthread.php?p=1057318&posted=1#post1057318
http://www.kf5u.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=4271&pid=940846&page=929&extra=page%3D1#pid940846
http://ciphertalks.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=200761&p=352588#p352588
Popular letter editor services us
article writing for hire for school nbfcx[/b] info saving the environment buhhh[/url] rubric for grading essays kdyvu[/url] homework editing website sifbm[/url] science research paper afgbk[/url] writing biology bibliography tywdi[/url] creative writing editing websites prdyg[/url]Ranch labor cover letter
Master thesis mp3
Hello to every , since I am actually eager of reading this webpage’s post to be updated regularly.
It consists of good data.
Also visit my web blog … 바카라사이트
Jolene felt a burning sensation directly above her left nipple.It was a quick heat followed by a dull throb.It moved across her chest and ended just above her right nipple.She knew better than to cry out, or make any noise more than a low moan.
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/view/pigeoncatcher2247273
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Shift supervisor starbucks resume .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Professional dissertation introduction ghostwriters sites uk
Cover letters necessary resume
Essay the smile by bradbury
Free gmat essay test
System analysis and design coursework
Popular personal essay writers service for phd
Top business plan editing websites for phd
analysis essay ghostwriting service[/url] i underline a book title in my essay vjjcu 2021[/url] dissertation methodology ghostwriting service usa glzlv[/url] thesis papers booqo[/url] 52f63c7Undergrad thesis topics psychology
Master thesis on watermarking
Popular college essay ghostwriting for hire ca
Essay about the relationship between parents and children
Business strategy essay question
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
supervisor starbucks resume [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=https://studybay-com.business.site]studybay[/url]
]
for education article review[/url] portfolio essay teaching philosophy eznjt 2021[/url] for shakespeare studies speech[/url] book report on the lost boy by dave pelzer kxbhk[/url] papers writing sites for masters bvlnk 2021[/url]Cheap college essay writer service for phd
Essay children cleanliness
Ms access resume database
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
supervisor starbucks resume [/b] university literature review help eeqod[/url] mind body problem essay full auth3 filmbay yo12i aj html wrcbq 2021[/url] resume addendum odhwj[/url] high school entrance essay wdqgq[/url] pro[/url]chapter 1 introduction dissertation
http://search.wi.gov/cpp/help/urlstatusgo.html?url=https://studybays.com
http://www.klnjudo.com/phpkln/htdocs/userinfo.php?uid=1973236
https://list.ly/hongmontgomery696395
Geologist india resume
Resume opening statements
Persuasive essay for fast food
[url=https://zaimoff.ru]онлайн займ без процентов[/url]
[url=https://zaimoff.kz]займы в казахстане без отказов[/url]
http://tillihouse.co.kr/board/387852
https://images.google.sc/url?q=https://edubirdie.review
Cheap report ghostwriter service online
Mortgage business plan broker
Abc book report
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/273735-how-to-write-a-gcse-english-stories.html#305955
https://www.lightfurnitures.com/blogs/light-furnitures-blog/colorful-modern-furniture-solution-for-nightclub-slonglight?comment=124042051670#comments
http://pogaduchyweselne.pl/temat-academic-autobiography-essay-example?pid=617812#pid617812
Shift supervisor starbucks resume
book review proofreading sites us jutem[/url] disorder essay tibqb[/url] writing prompts for 6th graders vxjvc[/url] to write an architect39s cv ivcqq[/url] supervisor starbucks resume [/b] world without computers essay[/url] occupational health services gtpsf[/url] papers writers services online – Esl admission paper ghostwriter sites for school nrcjz 2021[/url] to write backup strategy for company dnbxr[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://www.wildlifewilly.com/topic/essay-question-constitution/
https://flowerbe.co.uk/blogs/flowerbe-blog/flowerbe-botanical-box?comment=124286763193#comments
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/in-neque-arcu-vulputate-vitae/311037-nhs-scotland-business-plan.html#364144
The culture of the new capitalism thesis
supervisor starbucks resume [/b] with course work qnwnw[/url] store cashier resume cyyvx[/url] for a research essay nnjfj[/url] to write a biography for your website – Homework su hspjo 2021[/url] university cv doikc[/url] to write unicode characters gxwwr[/url]Pay to write life science term paper
Help writing religious studies curriculum vitae
Kênh Xem Thẳng Bóng Đá Những Lựa Chọn Giảixem trực tiếp htv7 hdXoilac TV cập nhật liên kết coi trực tiếp soccer cho fan hâm mộ vào và ngoài nước qua kết nối Internet. Xem bóng đá trực tuyến với lối truyền tốc độ cao, ko lag giật, có comment h Việt tất cả những trận đấu rộng lớn nhỏ bên trên toàn cầu.|VOV.VN -Lịch tranh tài và trực tiếp đá bóng thời điểm hôm nay 12/1, rạng sáng sủa 13/1, trên cup Nhà vua Tây Ban Nha, Real thực hiện quý khách hàng bên trên sân Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan của Sevilla. VOV.VN – Lịch tranh tài và trực tiếp bóng đá thời điểm hôm nay 8/1,
Essay on science and religion .
Order NOW!!! https://images.google.com.do/url?q=https://essaypro.co
UYhjhgTDkJHVy