Moms on Mondays - Katie from S.A.K. Threads

 

This week I am proud to feature Katie from S.A.K. Threads!  We received some headwraps from Katie awhile ago and I just loved them!  We are into easy and comfortable, over here, and they are just that.  Since then, she has expanded her shop to feature even more products and I couldn't be happier for her.  (And, have you seen her beautiful girls?!)  Please support Katie's handmade business and go shop!

What is the name of your shop and how can we find you?  

My shop is S.A.K. Threads and I am on Instagram and Facebook too!

Tell us about what you make/sell in your shop.  

In my shop I sell skirts, leggings, headwraps and hair bows.  These items fit children from 0-6 years of age.

 

How long have you been in business?

I opened my shop in December of 2013 making shabby flower headbands.  I then added felt bows {headbands and clips}, sparkle bows, shabby flower clips, and head wraps.  When I started making the head wraps I found that I really loved sewing.  Because of this, I decided to start making skirts and leggings, which I added to my shop in August.

What is your background (college/career/etc.)?

I graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Special Education.  I got a job teaching for Lima City Schools, which is about 30 minutes from my hometown.  I had always wanted to teach closer to home, and about a month ago I was hired to teach in the small country school that I grew up in.  The best part about it is that I will be part time, so I will be able to be home more with my girls ~ something I wouldn’t have been able to do without the help of my little shop :) [So jelly of your part time teaching job!!]

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My husband and I were both born and raised in Ohio.  We went to high school together and graduated in the same year {2003}.  We dated for about a month during our senior year.  I broke it off {he still gives me a hard time about this…lol}, and we went our separate ways.  The summer after my freshman year of college I went to watch my brother's band play, and Stephen {my husband} was there with his band, playing the bass guitar.  We talked after the show, and we have been together ever since.  We were married in June of 2008, and had our twin girls {Ava & Sophia} in November of 2009.  We added another little girl {Kyra} to our family last August.

How does this company help your family?  

This little shop has helped my family by allowing me to spend more time with my girls, while only working part time.  It has given me a way to contribute to my family, while being able to be home more.  It has also helped me by giving me a creative outlet that I love.

Did you ever think you'd be doing this?  What did you think you'd be doing instead?

No, it wasn’t until I had my twins that I had a desire to create hair accessories.  I started by making things just for them, but after having Kyra I decided to open a shop.  I am so glad I did :) I always knew I would be a mom, and a teacher . . . I just never knew I would be a small business owner as well.  But I absolutely love it!

Does anyone help you with your shop?

Nope! I design and create everything myself.  However, my twins are always giving me their input and ideas! I just love their creative little minds!

How do you find time to run your shop and create products? 

Like most other moms I know that run their own shops, I rely on naps and bedtime.  My most productive work time is late at night once all of the girls are asleep.  I try to do very little while they are awake, because my main focus is them.  Being a mom always comes first. 

What do you love about this businesses?

I love that I am able to contribute a little more to my family, while also spending more time home with them.  Also, I love the fact that I have met so many great people…from customers, to fellow shop owners, and bloggers.  Each and every person that has supported my new journey holds a special place in my heart.  [Awwww!]

Where do you see your shop in the future?

I hope to keep adding more and more quality items to my shop! I have so many great ideas, I just want to be able to make them all come to life. 

Tell us your favorite product or your most favorite thing you've created?

So far, my favorite product that I sell would have to be my skirts.  I love to browse all of the fabric options!  Plus, sewing is one of my new passions!

Do you have any advice for future mom-entrepreneurs?

My advice would be to find something that you are passionate about and truly enjoy.  That was very important to me.  I like the fact that my shop is more like a hobby, and another way to socialize with moms.  :)  Also, it’s important to remember why you are doing it.  For me, it was to help my family . . . so they always come first.  You need to find a way to balance everything, without getting too stressed ~ or it won’t be any fun.  Sometimes I have to take a step back, regroup and remember what is the most important…and remind myself that other things {like cleaning} will have to wait until tomorrow. :)

What are some of YOUR favorite shops/products, besides your own?

This is a hard one! There are so many great shops out there run by some great moms, many of which I found through Instagram.  Some of my favorites would have to be Olive and Birdie, Belbambinos, Ryan and Rose, Tribe is Alive, Sloan and Co., and Snap Bibs.  I own items from all of these shops, and they are run by some amazing people!  :) 

Thanks Katie, loved this post from a fellow teacher!  :)