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.
Copy essay without getting caught ualxn.
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Wuthering heights revenge thesis
Business analyst resume uml
Resume af boghandleren i kabul
Professional analysis essay ghostwriters service gb
Resume by job function
Best research paper ghostwriter for hire for phd
Professional blog post editing sites au
marmon silko essays xrnvm[/url] essay ghostwriters sites ca edlfw[/url] asharfi iari thesis dzyrw[/url] to write construction proposal bfvtv[/url] e52f63cBlueprint essay
Nsf grfp proposed research essay sample
Thesis titlepage
How to do a oral book report
Mba essay professional goals
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
essay without getting caught ualxn[/b] login[/url]http://www.nongdui.com/home/link.php?url=https://essaypro.me
Non dissertation phd
persuasive essay ghostwriter websites for college fhjux[/url] plan pro sample plans rapidshare pgaqu[/url] to email your resume with cover letter brcfh[/url] personality cover letter wkycc[/url] in black and white essay cfbbb[/url]Popular blog post writing sites usa
Write government dissertation
who i am editapaper.com
essay without getting caught ualxn[/b] to write story plots gabux[/url] bmat essay answers spfxb[/url] loan underwriter sample resume eedqy[/url] critical thinking proofreading services for college qqnxh[/url] pro[/url]https://weblib.lib.umt.edu/redirect/proxyselect.php?url=https://essaypro.co
https://www.google.si/url?q=https://edubirdie.company
https://amara.org/en/profiles/profile/I_ldbDIgmK1pokkpao0wSmWT7Ztw4qIiRD_okpISZUc/
Literature essay example
Professional annotated bibliography writing services us
Example of essay introductions
[url=http://tinkoffcredit.ru]тинькофф банк оставить заявку[/url]
[url=http://obsledovanie.www.by/stroitelnaya-ekspertiza]экспертиза строительства[/url]
https://google.com.mx/url?q=https://loansolo.co
http://www.menicka-online.cz/banner.php?link=https://studybay.ws
Cheap course work ghostwriting website ca
New food product development thesis
Professional home work editing services for college
https://virusy-i-lecheniye.com/covid-19-mask-stay-home/#comment-22909
http://pes5.pesmanager.net/showthread.php?t=284&p=5637&posted=1#post5637
https://www.scarsdalecommons.com/fusce-euismod-consequat-ante/?unapproved=46860&moderation-hash=75178ceffd690467b1b474ea9e797f85#comment-46860
Copy essay without getting caught ualxn
of book ztldr[/url] to write an article for affiliate marketing mtjqe[/url] dissertation writers website gb qplkl[/url] thesis on hr kcqnm[/url] essay without getting caught ualxn[/b] information technology officer resume ucvnh[/url] business plan ghostwriting websites au ctdoi[/url] business plan writers website usa lbzzh[/url] world global economy crisis ybsrg[/url]https://dartfordwobbler.com/blogs/news/new-website?comment=92315975836#comments
https://www.binsmeister.nl/2018/09/23/een-klap-van-de-molen/?unapproved=61319&moderation-hash=849149cc6a49f9005f4452f7ff28fed7#comment-61319
https://dartfordwobbler.com/blogs/news/new-website?comment=89665994908#comments
]
essay without getting caught ualxn[/b] phd analysis essay sample qkrbd[/url] academic writing 3 answer key ojyxn[/url] analysis writers for hire bjdwe[/url] letter ghostwriters for hire ca xojyd[/url] elementary students how to write a thesis statement psjlq[/url] letter for assistant business analyst tirnz[/url]Estate agents dissertation
Stanford resume
Personality traits essay
весь Ютуб засрал, пидор!
Hello! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you
knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my
comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one?
Thanks a lot!
Stop by my webpage vtc chauffeur prive
1
Глазеть [url=https://drochit.online/]порно онлайн школьницы[/url] и скачать новые порно ролики либо эротику в https://drochit.online/categories/%D0%9B%D1%8E%D0%B1%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B5/ hd качестве. Лучшая [url=https://drochit.online/categories/%D0%9B%D1%8E%D0%B1%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B5/]любительский секс порно видео[/url] порнуха в разных категориях. Один качественное секс видео без регистрации.
Скачать 23 ВЕЩИ, КОТОРЫЕ ВЫ ЗАХОТИТЕ КУПИТЬ ПРЯМО СЕЙЧАС
Мастерская Настроения > https://goo.su/5Ihh
Даже бабушки уже добрались до симпл-димплов, а ты всё ещё держишься…
Скачать Музыкалити – Лайма Вайкуле и Айза
Каждый слушает музыку по-своему. А как слушаешь только ты?
Узнай в Spotify: https://clck.ru/VDVzB
Звезда эстрады Лайма…
Скачать ЦЕНА ОШИБКИ – 1.750.000р! ПЕРВАЯ МАШИНА | KIA Sorento Prime
Цены на Kia Sorento Prime на Авто.ру – http://bit.ly/35Y7ieg
Проверка и подбор автомобилей – http://bit.ly/2N9UclH
Мой Инстаграм – https://www.i…
Скачать Я купил Porsche 911 992
Курс “Профессия Геймдизайнер с нуля до PRO” от Skillbox — https://clc.am/8UF1hg
Скидка на курс 40%
_____________________________________________…
Скачать Железная логика (07.06.2021). Полный выпуск @Вести FM
НА РАДИО СМОТРИМ ПРЯМО СЕЙЧАС ?? https://smotrim.ru/radio/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=all&utm_campaign=all_0
Подпишись на канал: https://www.youtube.c…
Скачать PES | eFootball.Pro IQONIQ 2020-21 | KNOCKOUT STAGE
eFootball.Pro IQONIQ 2020-2021 Knockout Stage
Date: Saturday, 5th June 2021
QUARTERFINAL 1 (41:35)
FC Barcelona vs FC Schalke 04
QUARTERFINAL 2 (1:38:16)
AS Monaco vs Arsenal FC
SEMIFINAL…
Скачать MICHAEL BECAME A MOVIE PRODUCER | GTA V GAMEPLAY #130
MICHAEL BECAME A MOVIE PRODUCER | GTA V GAMEPLAY #130
Subscribe to our Second YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/UjjwalGamer
Share, Support, Subscribe!!!
Subscribe: http://bit.ly/technog…
Скачать JADUGAR IN MY GAME – YE KYA THA – #JONTYGAMING – GARENA FREEFIRE BATLLEGROUND
#Globalplayer #JONTYGAMING
HELLO GUYS JONTY GAMING HERE…
WINZO APP LINK -
https://winzo.app.link/sMdETG7lxgb
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/ab_jonty/?hl=en
TALK WITH ME – https://disco…
Скачать H?DRA | Alpha! – CR ELITES DAY #1|| HYDRA ELITES on LOCO!?? || PUBG MOBILE!
Latest AMD Components : https://bit.ly/3cZuoYg
Alpha Vlogs : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9P3rpbj3_18rzyM8NJIupA
Merchandise : https://hydraclan.in/alphaclasher
Loco : https://bit.ly/AlphaC…
Скачать Grenade King & Blue Criminal Pro Lobby Vs Tonde Gamer – Who Will Win Garena Free Fire
?? Blue Criminal & Grenade Hacker Vs Tonde Gamer Best Rank Battle – Garena Free Fire
?? BOOYAH LIVE FREE DIAMONDS: https://booyah.onelink.me/QhNz/TondeGamer
?? Talk To Me OnDiscord:…
Скачать Biskut (Biskoth) 2021 Official Trailer Hindi Dubbed|Santhanam, Tara Alisha, Sowcar Janaki, Anandaraj
Checkout Official Hindi Dubbed Trailer of our upcoming movie “Biskut” dubbed from Tamil film “Biskoth” Directed by R. Kannan. The film stars V Santhanam, Tara Alisha, Swathi Muppala, Sowcar…
Скачать SILLUNU ORU KADHAL 2 Official Trailer | Surya | Jyothika | Bomika | A R Rahman | Krishna
#Sillunuorukadhal2 #surya #Jokerguys
? Instagram ID : https://www.instagram.com/joker_guys403/
? Twitter ID : https://twitter.com/JOKERGUYS405?s=09
? Anycopyright issuse contact : jokerguys…
Скачать THE BOSS BABY 2: FAMILY BUSINESS ‘The Boss Is Back’ Official NEW Trailer (2021) Animation Adventure
Watch the official new trailer for THE BOSS BABY 2: FAMILY BUSINESS, an dreamworks animation adventure movie starring Amy Sedaris, James Marsden & Alec Baldwin. In theaters July 2, 2021.
In…
Скачать K?rm?z? Oda 39. Bolum Fragman?
K?rm?z? Oda 39. Bolum Fragman?
Nurcihan (It?r Esen), Doktor Han?m’? ziyaretinde Vahit (Ugur Yucel( ve Zafer’deki (Yigit Ozsener) olumlu degisimlerden hayretle soz ederken,…
Скачать ???? ???? 20 ??? 2 – ? ???? ???
?? , ?? ?? ?? ?? ???? ??, ?? ?? ?? ? ?? ? ? ??? ? ????. ???? ??…
Скачать Brown Shortie (Official Video) Sidhu Moose Wala | Sonam Bajwa | The Kidd | Sukh Sanghera | Moosetape
Sidhu Moose Wala Presents Official Video of “Brown Shortie” From Moosetape
Singer/Lyrics/Composer – Sidhu Moose Wala
Female Actress – Sonam Bajwa
Music – The Kidd
Mix Master – Dense
Video…
Скачать #VIDEO | ? ? ? ?? | #Khesari Lal Yadav, #Antra Singh Priyanka | Bhojpuri HIt Song 2021
Subscribe Now:- https://goo.gl/j2d2Th
If you like Bhojpuri song, Bhojpuri full film and bhojpuri movie songs, Subscribe Now:- https://goo.gl/j2d2Th
Visit our website to download our…
Скачать #VIDEO | ??? ?? | #Ritesh Pandey, #Antra Singh Priyanka | Purbi Bayriya | Bhojpuri Dhobi Geet
Subscribe Now :- https://goo.gl/cz3dFz
If you like Bhojpuri song, Bhojpuri Bhakti Songs and Bhojpuri Movie Songs, Subscribe Now :- https://goo.gl/cz3dFz
Visit our website to download…
Скачать ? ?? ? ?? ?? ?? ?? | ??? | ? ? | ??? | Maar Diya Jaye – HD New Lyrical
Song: Maar Diya Jaaye Ke Chhod Diya Jaaye
Movie : Mera Gaon Mera Desh
Actor(s): Asha Parekh, Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna, Laxmi Chhaya
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyricist:…
Скачать KI TUSI JANDE O ? (Official Video) DEEP CHAHAL X SINGGA | Latest Punjabi Song 2021
Singga Music Presents New Song “Ki Tusi Jande O?” Make Sure You Will Like It And Spread it As Much As You Can.
Title – Ki Tusi Jaande O ?
Singer – Deep Chahal Feat. Singga
Lyrics – Deep…
Скачать Вести в 20:00 от 11.03.2021
none
Скачать Рецепт БОМБА ЧЕСТНО ГОВОРЯ/Свиная вырезка в мягкой панировке/Pork tenderloin in soft breading
none
Скачать Прости
none
Скачать Третья игра летней серии. Что? Где? Когда? Выпуск от 06.06.2021
none
Скачать Маша и Медведь – Все серии подряд (27-32 серии)
none
Скачать Инь-Ян – Круто
none
Скачать Как понять – ТЕБЯ ЖДУТ или ТЕБЕ ПОДРАЖАЮТ? (из цикла «Так это на иврите / ? ?? ????»)
none
Скачать Erik son Ernest Gevorgyan Эрнест Геворгян "Какой я есть-другим уже не стану 2021
none
Скачать УмаТурман и Варвара Визбор “На другом берегу зимы”
none
Скачать Assol ne_volnulsa_papa – Ассоль Не волнуйся, папа
none