Featured Vendor - Hot Mama Gowns

Today's featured vendor is very near and dear to my heart since I truly believe her maternity gowns are amazing!! When I had Emily in August, I had a rough labor and she was in the NICU. Every time I wanted to see her, I would have to have someone wheel me down from the 4th floor to the 2nd floor, so this gown was great! The day after I had Emily, I showered and put my Hot Mama Gown on that my mother-in-law bought for me and I felt like a new woman!

*not the best pic of me :)

The gown was so comfortable, stylish and fully closed. One of my good friends had a baby a month after me and she borrowed mine and also told me how amazing it was! I highly recommend everyone to check out her website. These gowns make a great shower gift as well!

The gowns come in multiple colors and sizes!

Why did you decide to start your own business? I started Hot Mama Gowns out of necessity and to fill a void that I discovered while delivering my first child in 2006. Women deserve to feel beautiful, be comfortable and stylish on the 2nd most photographed day of her life aside from her wedding! We are not ill hospital patients; we are beautiful women bringing a new life into the world and what we are wearing should reflect that joy!

What exactly does Hot Mama Gowns entail? Hot Mama Gowns are 100% Organic Cotton Hospital Maternity Gowns which are DESIGNED for breastfeeding. Our gowns are sized to fit Mom before, during, AND after birth so Mom can wear her gown as cute nursing pajamas for months to come! We have 6 available sizes so just about EVERY Mama can be a Hot Mama; sizes XS(2-4) to XXL(22-24). Our gowns are much more than hospital garments; they are thoughtfully designed so Mom can wear them during labor, delivery, and then have that important skin-to-skin contact as soon as the baby is born. She can also begin the nursing relationship immediately; all while Mom is covered and confident.

What advice to you give other denial entrepreneurs? Remain true to yourself and your values. When you own a company, that company is an extension of you and your identity, so if you try to be or do something you're not, your customers will know and you'll come across as inauthentic. Do you!

What are three things people don't know about you? I don't wear shorts; ever. I'm a horrible singer *really horrible*. I don't drink coffee.

Here are all my social media items in case you wanted/needed them:

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/HotMamaGowns

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/HotMamaGowns

The Hot List (our newsletter): https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:1406674/acctId:1403182

Website: http://www.HotMamaGowns.com

Thanks Diedrea!

Featured Vendor: Monkey Toes

Monkey Toes is such an amazing vendor that sells the cutest shoes for children that are fun and unique. I met Jenny of Monkey Toes on twitter and have been in love with her exciting personality and great products ever since then. I already have the ladybug ones for baby L.

Here are some of my fav products currently at Monkey Toes:





Q&A with Jenny:

Why did you decide to start your own business?

I always knew I wanted to run my own business – I just didn’t know what it would be. Monkey Toes came to me after taking painting classes with friends (before having children). I saw an idea for painting on shoes and decided to develop my own designs and voila – Monkey Toes was born.

What exactly does Monkey Toes entail?

Monkey Toes are children’s shoes created to look like characters, bugs, and animals. Our shoes have been caught in magazines on many celebrity children and have gained a lot of notoriety when they were seen on the Oprah show when she was touring Tom Cruise’s Telluride home.

I’ve been working on a licensing agreement with a manufacturer and distributor over the past year and a half, which just launched our new look and line. We’ll be branching into more than just footwear for 2012 – which I am completely excited about!

What advice do you give to other female entrepreneurs?

Persistence is key. If you truly love what you’re doing your business won’t feel like work. And trust me – entrepreneurship is a long term thing – not instant gratification. I still have days where I question everything I’m doing, but when that negativity wears off I still believe in myself and my product.

What are 3 things people don't know about you?

1) I’m starting to think I am a serial entrepreneur. I absolutely love starting businesses and I just launched a new one (with a partner this time) called Sugar Loco (www.sugarloco.com)
2) I’m a former Hooter’s Girl
3) I don’t like things in the same place all the time. I am constantly moving things around in my house – even candy in a dish – I will move candy to a new dish or tray or move it to a different room – several times a week. My husband totally believes I am crazy.

Thank you so much Jenny!!

www.monkey-toes.com
http://twitter.com/Jenny_LovesThis
http://twitter.com/monkeytoesshoes

Featured Vendor: Sweet Knee

Sweet Knee is another amazing vendor that I met on twitter. I saw her amazing deal on The Giving Blanket and the great cause behind every blanket sold. For every one blanket they sell, they give one to a child who is awaiting their new family or one who is healing from illness. As soon as I saw this, I instantly knew I had to feature Sweet Knee on my blog.



Sweet Knee also produces skin care and diaper care products!!!! Here are a few of my favorites:

Oatmeal Cookie Bath

Bun Glaze

Q&A with Kristy:

What inspired you to start your business?

Hi, Iʼm Kristy, president and mama of Sweet Knee. My company came about like many do, as a result of a real life experience that left me asking why I couldnʼt find a solution to a very real problem. The morning after giving birth to my son in 2005 he developed a severe skin rash that would not respond to natural or traditional diaper ointments. Even after determining that the cause was the "gel" used in disposable diapers, and removing those toxins from his environment, he continued to have difficulty healing, even after receiving steroid cream from his doctor.

I decided to go back to my roots and turn to nature. I had grown up watching my mother turn to herbs and botanicals for healing and so that is what I set out to do. I had also had the experience of apprenticing under my mother when she formulated her own line of skin care and cosmetics for her spa when I was a young girl. With this all coming back to me now, I studied every book and consulted every herbalist and naturopathic healer that I knew and went into my home kitchen to combine this knowledge, quite literally in a pot on the stove. I came up with the solution to help my sonʼs rash completely heal very quickly. I didnʼt know it at the time, but I had developed the first Sweet Knee product, Bun Glaze.

At first, my family took notice of the quick healing and they all were so amazed that they started using it on their own rashes or cuts, eczema, fire ant bites and sunburn. Every day my husband came home and told me he needed another batch of my "good stuff" to give to a friend or family member. One day he came home and said that this was too good not to share on a bigger scale, and that we needed to create a business.

During the next year I developed more products and started forming what is now known as Sweet Knee. The name "Sweet Knee" is a nickname that we gave our son when he began crawling like a crab on one knee with the other leg extended straight to the side. That poor knee had a bruise one day from a very busy day of crawling. So we kissed it and called it his Sweet Knee. (Thatʼs why it is a singular Knee in the name.) Had we waited until the toddler stage, we probably would have named the company Sweet Knees and Elbows and Toes, because the boo boos happen all over now!

Our little Sweet Knee was the inspiration for the brand and my husband Brent was the cheering section and the scaffolding for this venture. We now have a lab here in SC and we are truly a mom and pop company, with lots of fun adventures and interjections from Sweet Knee himself! We do not source out our manufacturing, that is all done in house, and we like it that way better. I think youʼll notice the difference in the way we serve you too.

Iʼm thankful for all of the great customers that I meet and for all of the opportunities to give back to our community and to causes near and dear to my heart.

What exactly does Sweet Knee Skin care entail?

Sweet Knee is a little bitty comp any with great big amazing skin care and diaper care products for baby and child. Our products are manufactured by us in our own lab in South Carolina. We sell mostly through our online store, www.sweetknee.com, with the growing number of stores in the US and Canada carrying our line.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

You will need a very strong passion for your work, it should be your bliss. There will be many long and lonely late nights and early mornings, especially if you are a mom of young children. Don't let anyone discourage you, and follow your intuition. Plus, take care of yourself and know when and whom to ask for help.

Thank you so much Kristy!

Featured Vendor - StormSister

I am so excited to have another featured vendor this week! StormSister is a online beauty boutique that sells skin and body care lotions. There are so many awesome products, so definitely check out StormSister!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Rose A Saigo

Fleur's Voile De Sultane Mineral Iridescent Powder


Erbaviva Childrens Sunscreen

Q&A with Becky:

What motivated you to start StormSister?

After spending 20+ years in the salon and spa industry doing hair, skin and nails, and having a passion for retail, I wanted to focus on the online retail aspect of the beauty industry.

What exactly does StormSister entail?
It is an online beauty shopping experience. I carry high quality brands that are not found in every salon/spa in the industry. Having spent many years in the business, I am well versed on what beauty products really work and which are just hype and packaging.

What advice do you give to other entrepreneurs?

If you eat, sleep and breathe it, you can be successful at it.

What are 3 things people don't know about you?

I MUST have a pedicure every 5 weeks.
I have to give a compliment to one person each day, preferably a stranger.
I love to put potato chips on ANY sandwich, even pb&j.

Thank you so much Becky!

http://www.stormsister.biz

Featured Vendor - The Lucky Elephant

I stumbled upon The Lucky Elephant on twitter and instantly fell in love with their products. They sell handcrafted GOOD LUCK ELEPHANT bracelets! I plan to purchase one soon to maybe bring me some extra lucky having Baby L. Each design is unique and colorful!

Here are some of my favorites:

Q&A with Jutta of The Lucky Elephant:

What motivated you to start The Lucky Elephant?

The launch of the lucky elephant was one of those things that, in hindsight, feels like it was meant to be. I had just started making jewelry again, was playing around with wrap bracelets and accidentally stumbled upon a cute elephant button one day. I bought the little silver friend, brought him home with me and "the lucky elephant" was born the very next day...


What exactly does The Lucky Elephant entail?

An elephant with it’s trunk being raised up is considered to bring good luck and an excellent fortune and to have the magical power to take away troubles.
THE LUCKY ELEPHANT creates Good Luck Elephant leather wrap bracelets with antique silver elephant button, fine silver or vermeil gold elephant charm - trunk up, of course, for tons of good fortune - will make sure you stay on the lucky side of life while being stylishly accessorized. There’s an everyday collection and a Wedding line, which is completely customizable to match virtually any color palette.

For a few years, I have been involved with Urban Initiatives (www.urbaninitiatives.org), a Chicago based nonprofit organization that runs a health and education soccer program in public schools in Chicago’s most underserved neighborhoods. Very early on I decided that I wanted to continue to support their tremendous work with my business too. 10% of all my proceeds go to Urban Initiatives.


What advice do you give to other female entrepreneurs?

Mmmm, still looking for advice myself constantly, especially in terms of how to balance it all, but let’s see...

1. Make sure your office has a door that you can close
a) when you’re in it - to keep everyone out and
b) when you leave - so you don’t constantly have to be reminded of the work that needs to be finished... and
c) to hide the creative chaos you produce without having to clean up all the time...


2. Get huge jars of anti-wrinkle cream & concealer. Chances are you will need both sooner or later - between filling orders, creating, twittering, blogging, facebooking, emailing, etc. there’s not much time left for sleep, which brings us back to the search for balance... ;)

3. Let your family hide your electronic devices once in a while (especially when on vacation), so you’re not tempted to “quickly check”...

4. Enjoy the ride and be proud of yourself!


What are 3 things people don't know about you?

Mmm that’s a tough one. Can only think of 2 right now:

1. I love licorice and gummy bears.
2. I read the book “The School of Essential Ingredients” 3 times.

Thanks so much!! Definitely check out The Lucky Elephant :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/theluckyelephant

Featured Vendor - D and J Auto

In honor of Father's Day, I thought my featured vendor this week will be my dad's auto service business D and J Auto! My dad is probably one of the HARDEST working people I know. I credit him to the excellent work ethic I have adapted over the years.

When I was growing up, my dad worked for other businesses and used to work until all hours of the night. He would work his day job then worked out of the garage. He did everything in his power to give my siblings and I the best life possible. Now and then my mom had to sneak clothes in the house for us, but that was just because my dad was always worried about saving money.


One day he realized he had built such a clientele out of the house, that he should open his own business. This was a big step for someone who had 3 kids in school. He worked hard to build up his business. My brother started working for him, so it truly was a family run business and continues to be this day! I give my dad and brother a TON of credit for all their hard work. All those 95 degree days they are sweating it out at the shop or the 15 degree days they are shoveling snow.

My dad has always been a true inspiration in my life, which is why his business is so successful and his clients truly believe in him as their mechanic. Love you dad!!!


By the way, the "D" stands for Don and the "J" stands for his wonderful wife and my amazing mom Janet!!

If you live in the Wilmington, DE area, definitely check out D and J Auto!

www.dandjautoservice.com

~Adrienne xoxo

Featured Vendor - Twirlie Whirlies

Another AMAZING vendor to feature this week! Twirlie Whirlies is a handmade paper party accessories business but extends to much more than that!!

Here are some of my favorites:

Bridal Party Set


Everyday Fun Pinwheels


Playful Pink Cupcake Wraps


12 Days of Christmas Gift Tags

Interview with Shannon of Twirlie Whirles:

What motivated you to start Twirlie Whirlies?

Twirlie Whirlies” started by accident when my son was just one and we were preparing to convert his nursery into a “big boy” room. I had difficulty finding fabrics in the colours I wanted to use but ended up finding them in a collection Martha Stewart scrapbook papers instead. So, everything I had intended on making from fabric was created from paper, including buntings and pinwheels. Hence, the start of my obsession!

What exactly does Twirlie Whirlies entail?

Twirlie Whirlies is home to handmade paper party accessories including, but not limited to, pinwheel cupcake toppers and handheld favours, bunting, flags, tags, party hats, and candy cones. Most of our business does tend to be custom work. My customers come up with some amazing (yet sometimes challenging) colour combinations so we have recently started offering a custom printed paper option using digital paper designs. I usually source and support other Etsy shops for these designs.

I also quietly launched a sister shop,“Twirlie Whirlies, too”, last year. This shop is devoted to the 3 R's - reduce, reuse, and recycle, and is intended to be a solution to my growing mountain of paper leftovers from pinwheels past. Unfortunately, Twirlie Whirlies has kept me so busy this year, I haven’t had time to transform those scraps (and the mountain continues to grow….)

I’ve also been playing around with invitations and play date cards recently for friends and family so maybe someday they will appear in the shop as well.

What advice do you give to other female entrepreneurs?

Lol – I’m still waiting for someone to give ME that great piece of advice that will magically make everything balance and work. My husband is also self-employed and maintains a home office so between the two of us, and a 3 ½ year old that doesn’t yet go to school full time, our home/work environment is chaotic! It has its challenges but also has helped me learn to “expect the unexpected” and be more flexible. No day is ever the same (and never boring).

What are 3 things people don't know about you?

Hmmm – this is a tough one. I am pretty much an open book.

But, here are a few tidbits I normally just keep to myself:

1. I am a horror film junkie. The scarier the better. The word “torso” makes me run for the hills!

2. I’m afraid of flying. Maybe the reason I hardly ever take a holiday.

3. I have a degree in Architectural Technology.

http://twirliewhirlies.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/twirliewhirlies

Thank you so much Shannon!!!!! xoxo

Featured Vendor - Tantrums and Tiaras

Another amazing vendor to feature today - Tantrums and Tiaras! Kelly, designer and director, is self-taught and brings a unique vintage style to her jewelry and other accessories. Whether you are a bride or just looking for some new accessories, definitely check out Tantrums and Tiaras!

Here are a few of my favorites:





Thanks Kelly!!

http://www.tantrumsandtiaras.org

Featured Vendor - Sweat Tea Dresses

This week's featured vendor is Sweet Tea Dresses, which sell handmade dresses for little girls. These dresses are unique and have the best patterns and colors. If I have a little girl, she will definitely be wearing these dresses!!! The creative mind behind Sweet Tea Dresses is Tammy. She is another amazing vendor I met on twitter.

Here are a few of my favor Sweet Tea Dresses (even though I love them ALL):







Q&A with Tammy:

Why did you decide to start your own business?
I have a full time job, but needed a hobby. My Mom has always been involved in sewing, but when I was younger, I just didn’t take an interest in it. After my son went to college, I decided it was time to learn! I’d always admired beautiful quilts, so enrolled in a beginner’s quilting class. After several years of quilting, my Mom and I started making little girls dresses! This is a fabulous hobby for both of us that has turned into a business!

What exactly does Sweet Tea Dresses entail?
We make pillowcase dresses, jumpers, reversible jumpers, travel and children’s pillowcases with embroidery, quilts, etc. All are hand made.

What advice do you give to other female entrepreneurs?
Do what you love! There are times when things are hectic and you feel overwhelmed, but it you truly love your craft, you’ll be fine!

What are 3 things people don't know about you?
That I’m a quilter! That I recently went on a Quilting Cruise to the Caribbean! And, that I talk to my dogs while I sew!





Thank you Tammy!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetTeaDresses
Twitter: @sweetteadresses
Facebook: Sweet Tea Dresses

Featured Vendor - Eisley Rae

I am so proud to introduce another amazing vendor - Eisley Rae Clothing. I met Alyson on Twitter and decided to check out her Etsy shop!!!! I instantly fell in love. The different fabrics and styles make each of her pieces so original and fun.

Here are a few of my favorites:







Q&A with Alyson:

Why did you decide to start your own business?
Ever since my daughter was born, 7.5 yrs ago I've had a definite shopping obsession.. for little girls clothes. It started with Gap and Gymboree and then I discovered some of the cutest boutique brands like Baby Lulu and Baby Nay. And then… I found Etsy! There were SO many adorable custom dresses, ruffle pants, skirts, etc that I loved. I'd have had to win the lottery to buy everything that I "hearted" on Etsy. I did lots of looking and not a whole lot of buying.

I knew that I could sew. So when I found out I was pregnant with my son, I started making burp cloths, blankets and wash cloths for him. And from there, I decided that I KNEW I could make cute things for my daughter too. So many friends and family complimented and a few people asked me to make their kids things.. and so I decided to start my Etsy shop! Of course now, my daughter refuses to wear half of the stuff that I make because she's "too old".. but I still love making things for little ones!


What exactly does Eisley Rae Clothing entail?
Eisley Rae Clothing is all (adorable) kids clothes! You'll usually see girls dresses, skirts, tank tops, peasant tops and ruffle pants. Our only boys item so far has been the "Mr.Man" shirt. This summer though, we'll be bringing out some adorable little boys shorts that will match the Mr.Man shirts and other applique shirts for boys! Just last week we debuted the new "Lily Pants", they're adorable and perfect for spring & summer!

What advice do you give to other female entrepreneurs?
You HAVE to love what you do! I cannot imagine taking this time away from my kids and hubby if I didn't absolutely LOVE sewing! And, learn to balance your time wisely. I've had many days where I've missed things with my kids or haven't gotten enough done around the house and ended up really disappointed in myself. So, even though I'm home all day with my kids I try to stick to a pretty tight "work" schedule, while making sure that I spend lots of time with my family!

What are 3 things people don't know about you?
1. I always imagined I'd finish college with a business degree, move to NYC, live & work in the city and not get married and have kids for a while.
2. I grew up in a small mountain/ski resort town in Southern California. YES, it DOES snow in Southern California!
3. I do NOT like spoons. The only time I'll use one is when I absolutely HAVE to. They just kinda gross me out.

Thank you so much Alyson!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/EisleyRae

http://twitter.com/EisleyRae

Featured Vendor - Monkey Toes

This week's featured vendor is Jenny from Monkey Toes. She is an amazing entrepreneur and a true inspiration to all women. Monkey Toes is a unique and playful line of animal and insect themed footwear and socks. The products are fun and colorful, which children LOVE!! If you have children or are looking for any gifts for children, definitely check out Monkey Toes :)

Here are a few of my favorites:









Q&A with Jenny:

Why did you decide to start your own business?

I always knew I wanted to run my own business – I just didn’t know what it would be. Monkey Toes came to me after taking painting classes with friends (before having children). I saw an idea for painting on shoes and decided to develop my own designs and voila – Monkey Toes was born.

What exactly does Monkey Toes entail?

Monkey Toes are children’s shoes created to look like characters, bugs, and animals. Our shoes have been caught in magazines on many celebrity children and have gained a lot of notoriety when they were seen on the Oprah show when she was touring Tom Cruise’s Telluride home.

I’ve been working on a licensing agreement with a manufacturer and distributor over the past year and a half, which just launched our new look and line. We’ll be branching into more than just footwear for 2012 – which I am completely excited about!

What advice do you give to other female entrepreneurs?

Persistence is key. If you truly love what you’re doing your business won’t feel like work. And trust me – entrepreneurship is a long term thing – not instant gratification. I still have days where I question everything I’m doing, but when that negativity wears off I still believe in myself and my product.

What are 3 things people don't know about you?

1) I’m starting to think I am a serial entrepreneur. I absolutely love starting businesses and I just launched a new one (with a partner this time) called Sugar Loco (www.sugarloco.com)
2) I’m a former Hooter’s Girl
3) I don’t like things in the same place all the time. I am constantly moving things around in my house – even candy in a dish – I will move candy to a new dish or tray or move it to a different room – several times a week. My husband totally believes I am crazy.

Thank you so much Jenny!!

www.monkey-toes.com
http://twitter.com/Jenny_LovesThis
http://twitter.com/monkeytoesshoes

Featured Vendor - Chic Mama

It was my honor to work with Adriana, from Chic Mama, this week as my Featured Vendor. I have been admiring her website and products for months now. Chic Mama features diaper cakes, diaper bags, accessories, clothes and other baby gear. My personal favorite are the AMAZING diaper cakes. If you have not already, definitely check out Chic Mama.

Here are some of my Chic Mama favorites:












Q&A with Adriana:

Why did you decide to start your own business?
My true inspiration for my business is my children. I had been working in the corporate world for so long and found myself missing important moments in my children’s lives, or just being too stressed and busy to pay attention. I came to the realization that I needed to take a step back and find a way to be able to focus more on my children while still being able to continue my career. That is when the idea for Chic Mama Diaper Cakes was born.

What exactly does Chic Mama entail?
Here at Chic Mama we recognize what a special event the birth of a child is. Many people are looking for a unique way to welcome a baby into the world. Our mission is to create beautiful, stylish and sophisticated diaper cakes for the modern mom who appreciates all things “chic”. This gift provides new parents with their first set of usable diapers, making the cake not only special but extremely practical. All of our products have been chosen with quality in mind which is why we use only brand name baby items. We also hope to continuously grow by adding charming and sophisticated items for baby and mommy. We strive to provide our customers with products that are not only unique and stylish but also functional and practical. We strongly believe that even though your priorities may change when becoming a mom, your sense of style should not!


What advice do you give to other female entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself! I can honestly say that I would have never thought I would own my own business. If it wasn’t for the complete support of my husband I would not have been able to do it. He encourages me each day and believes in me. I now believe in myself too!


What are 3 things people don't know about you?
1. I was made in Uruguay, South America but born in New Jersey.
2. I am fluent in Spanish.
3. In my next lifetime I hope to be a ballroom dancer.

Thank you Adriana!!

www.chicmamadiapercakes.com

Featured Vendor - Oatmeal Lace Design

McKay, from Oatmeal Lace Design, is another AMAZING vendor I met on twitter. She makes customized clutches that are to die for!!! I recently ordered a bridal clutch for my friend and just received last week. It was even more amazing in person! She even customizes the inside fabric. Oatmeal Lace Designs is definitely a vendor to follow :)

Here are a few of my favorites:








Q&A with McKay:

What inspired you to start your business?

I found my creative side really came into play in the year leading up to my wedding, as I'm sure a lot of brides discover when planning. I had a hard time deciding what to get for my bridesmaids as a gift that would:
a. be something they would use after the wedding,
b. be customized to fit their unique personalities and
c. fit in my dwindling budget.
I know my way around a sewing machine and I love bags, as did my bridesmaids, so decided to run with that. Long story short, I loved making the clutches and with some not so subtle pushes from family and friends to open a shop, I decided to go for it. Finding a creative outlet that allows me to still be involved in the wedding community, which I love, that also helps pay the bills has been a dream come true.

What exactly does Oatmeal Lace Design entail?

The primary goal of Oatmeal Lace Design is to provide quality custom bags for all occasions. The main focus has been on brides to be and their bridal parties, although I have expanded that with the collegiate line and everyday collection. I strive to maintain a close relationship with my customers and really love hearing all the stories from the brides to be. It's such an honor to be a part of this special time in their lives. My hope is that former brides revisit us in the future, either for a personal bag, a gift for a loved one or to mark the start of their new family with our baby line (debuting next month).
What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?
Oh wow, what a question. I feel like I'm still learning so much in the short time I've been in business, that I'm not really qualified to impart advice, but one thing I was told by a good friend and successful business owner that has stuck with me was 'Go ugly, early.' The opportunity to start Oatmeal Lace came quite unexpectedly, without giving me the proper time to plan, research and organize all the pros and cons of starting a business. Basically, if I waited until it was the perfect 'time' we would not be talking because I wouldn't have opened my shop. :) So, long story short- if you have a product/service that you are passionate about, get it out there! Work through the kinks as you go because it will constantly evolve as time passes. Also- get involved with the social media outlets of twitter/facebook/blogging. It can help open the doors on opportunities you may never have had otherwise.

What are 3 things people don't know about you?>

I was born with one kidney, but didn't know until I was 18.
I've never eaten a peanut butter & jelly sandwich.
I'm obsessed with the show Clean House.

Thanks McKay!

http://www.oatmeallacedesign.com/

http://twitter.com/oatmeallace

Featured Vendor - KT Steppers

I am always looking for unique, amazing handmade gifts for all my friends and family who have little children. I met Katie, from Kt Steppers, on twitter and was instantly drawn to her products. Their featured product is the "steppers" (or step stools). The steppers come in a variety of styles, including for playrooms, boys, girls, corporate gifts and writable/erasable.

Here are a few of my favorite steppers:



Q&A with Katie:

What inspired you to start your business? ?

I think I knew I would always start a business, so the urge was there.. I just needed to figure out what I wanted to do and do it. I was always creative and loved art and drawing, etc.. so when I received a step stool for my second son as a gift I had that ‘aha’ moment. A few months later the first “stepper” was conceived when a family member was looking for something unique and personal for her best friend’s son.

What exactly does Kt Steppers entail?

KT Steppers is the perfect resource for a truly custom gift that will stand the test of time. We are a unique mom-owned, child-inspired online gift boutique featuring custom designed, hand-painted, personalized “steppers” (step stools), KT Steppers are the perfect gift for babies, toddlers, moms and much more! www.ktsteppers.com

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs?

Use Social Media to your advantage. Sign up on twitter, facebook, and linkedin. If it wasn’t for these resources, I don’t think my company and probably other mom-owned businesses would be where they are today as quickly if these tools were not available.

What are 3 things people don't know about you?
I played Division I sports in college (soccer & lacrosse)
I lived in Ireland for 5 months
I can play the piano by ear

Thank you Katie :)


Website: www.ktsteppers.com
Twitter: @ktsteppers
Blog: www.masterfmultitaskingmom.com twitter: @m_o_mblog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ktsteppers

Featured Vendor - Annie and Isabel

Today's featured vendor is the amazing Annie and Isabel! They sell designer hospital gowns that make patients feel more comfortable and stylish while they are in the hospital! What a BRILLANT idea! These gowns are great baby shower gifts!!

Why did you decide to start Annie and Isabel?

We talked about starting Annie and Isabel for over a year before we decided to go for it. We are sisters, registered nurses, and have 6 boys between us... so, it was a BIG decision to start a company. We have listened to our patients at work complain about hospital gowns for over a decade. We dreamed about providing people, who either have to spend time in hospital or recover at home, an alternative to the standard issued hospital gown. We've created a direct to consumer hospital gown that gives people back their dignity and also makes them feel more stylish during their hospital stay. When someone wears an Annie and Isabel hospital gown they know it is THEIR own gown and that they are the ONLY person that has worn it. More importantly, our hospital gowns cover your backside!

What exactly does Annie and Isabel entail?

Annie and Isabel is a company that sells designer hospital gowns for anyone having to spend time in the hospital. This includes people having babies, people in the hospital due to an illness or surgical procedure, cancer patients having to undergo radiation treatments (these treatments require patients to wear gowns, often done on a daily basis), hospice patients, etc. Our gowns are made of 100% high quality fabric and are made in the USA!!

Annie and Isabel hospital gowns make great baby shower gifts. I think our greatest satisfaction, however, has been selling them to people who have bought them for sick friends or loved ones in the hospital. We almost always get feedback from these customers about how it was so nice to be able to give something to their friend or loved one that actually brought a smile to their face during a difficult time. Who would have thought that a hospital gown could bring a smile to someone's face??

We have been so overwhelmed with the responses we have received about our hospital gowns. We receive tons of testimonials. Many are from new moms and many are very inspirational from cancer survivors and teenagers that have amazingly overcome cancer and cardiac arrest. If you need some inspiration in your life then read some of these stories here -> TESTIMONIALS.

All of our hospital gowns are named after people in our family who have inspired us and loved us. Each hospital gown comes with a story about the person the gown was named after and why they inspire us in hopes that they will also inspire the person who wears that gown. You can read these stories here ->NAMING OF THE GOWNS

What advice do you have to other female entrepreneurs?

If you have an idea or a dream... You can do it! There are so many inspiring entrepreneurs out there to help and support you. With the internet you can start small and grow your business as fast or slow as you would like! We have such busy lives with our families and jobs as nurses that we are taking a "grass roots" approach to our business and have been thrilled with our steady success...actually amazed! We both believe in our product and the joy it brings to others and that is what keeps us going. We think that is SO important because it is hard work to run a company. It takes a lot of energy and time but when you have a passion for what you are doing, as we do, it helps drive you to succeed!! So...if you have that passion then we encourage you to follow your dream. You might regret it otherwise.

What are 3 things people don't know about you?

1.We both have claims to fame when it comes to the sport of Basketball. Selena played for the only basketball team at her high school (St. Francis High School in Sacramento) that ever won a California State Championship. Anna also played basketball at St. Francis High School and then went on to play at Santa Clara University where she was a part of the only Santa Clara Women's Basketball team that won the NIT.

2. They have seen too many naked men and women to count ...at work that is :-)

3. While we have named all of our hospital gowns after women in our family who were influential to us....we have also named all of our six boys after influential men in our family that we have looked up to and have been inspired by.

Thank you Annie and Selena!

www.annieandisabel.com