Moms on Mondays - Sarah from Big Feather Little Arrow

This week I have the pleasure of featuring Sarah from Big Feather Little Arrow.  I do not know this mama well, but a lot of mamas that I've featured so far have mentioned her when I asked them what other handmade shops they support or like, besides their own.  I found her because of her reversible shorts, in a lemony giveaway, and knew I had to highlight her shop here, they were just too cute!

 

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

 

My shop is Big feather Little Arrow and you can also find us on Instagram (you will have to add us, we are private).  

 

 (All photos, other than the one above, are courtesy of instagram.com/bigfeatherlittlearrow)

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

Accessories and clothing for little rad people. 

How/why did you start making these products and open this shop? 

My whole inspiration started, of course, with my first born, my daughter, Dawson who is my big feather. I just knew if I had a girl I would immediately become broke, or I would find time to utilize my craftiness and enjoy sewing. I never really had time to do this type of thing, I was always busy with school and work. It wasn't until I became a stay at home mom that all my ideas literally came crashing into our home like a bad roommate - ha! I use the dining room table, the couches, the craft room (yeah I had a craft room and would still find a horizontal flat surface and use it).  Husband still won't let me live this one down!  We have been in business since August 2010.

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

Dental Hygiene is where I ended up, but decided that I wanted something a little different and went to work as a surgical assistant in Oral Surgery to decide if I wanted to become an RN. After all the waiting and loving it, I wanted to become a Nurse Anesthetist but we got pregnant and instead I got the raddest of all degrees - SAHM (or Domestic Engineer).

Tell us a little bit about your family. 

My husband and I met here in San Diego and were married for 2 and a half years before we had kids. I am originally from Texas and now have two children, we are extremely blessed!!!

How does this company help your family?  Or you? 

It of course helps our family with my outrageous need to dress my, now 2, kiddos in stylish gear and allows me to really support other handmade shops. It helps me because it is my "HAPPY" place; anytime I can create something or do anything crafty, it puts a smile on my face. (And, you know when it looks like a fabric store threw up in your house - who wouldn't be happy with that?!) 

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

It has always been a dream of mine to own my own boutique, but doing what I love and helping others is just something that brings me joy - period. I knew I would eventually be doing something of this sort but I just didn't think I was going to be doing this much so soon. I do love every bit of it!

Does anyone help you with your shop? 

It's me all me, so far.  I plan on hiring a pattern maker, and possibly have my nieces help when they are visiting to cut and pin (the non-fun stuff!).
 
How do you find time to run your shop and create products?  

Right now I am still getting used to having 2 kids so I am slowly getting back in the swing of things. My new wardrobe is my kid on my hip, spit up on my shirt and a top knot (and maybe some makeup)!  This two kids business is serious!
 

What do you love about this businesses? 

I love that I can set my own schedule around running the household and enjoying my littles - life is too short and they grow up too fast.  The whole point of becoming a SAHM was to be more involved; I am here with them and that's what matters most.  I also love creating and the challenges of coming up with new stuff.

 

What is the most challenging part of this business?  

I would say the most challenging part is trying to stay motivated when you see something has been copied, and unfortunately it happens all the time. Or, if I see something posted that is similar to something I had as an idea, it's frustrating. I just get paranoid thinking about it because it does happen and then they will think I copied their idea, so most of the time I just leave it be and move on. But really, how much different can a simple bow get!?! I always tell myself that at the end of the day if I still love doing what I'm doing, then it's all worth it.
 
Where do you see your shop in the future?  

I hope to see some growth in my shop, but I also want it to stay where it's comfortablefor me.  I don't want to lose the feeling of loving what I do, and start to feeling trapped with all that comes with owning a small business.

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

I can create bows non-stop, but I love creating unique bows such as animals and Disney inspired ones. My favorite clothing piece has been the reversible tulip shorts, they were a hit this spring/summer - I could seriously put my daughter in them everyday.  [I loved those!]

 

Do you have any advice for future mom-entrepreneurs? 
  
My advice would be just enjoy the littles first and keep creating when you have time.  Just go with what their heart wants and stay true to yourself as a mother. I love shopping other small, handmade businesses and would love to continue - there is so much talent out there! Let's help each other keep our handmade community positive and strong.

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

This is a hard question, I love so many!  I like Ben and Gellie and Raine and Skye moccasins (for my little guy) and I love anything unique - clothing-wise for both my kiddos.  I do love supporting other bow shops  like Mina Loves Bows, Crowned Carousel and Shop Mini Chuck too, anything cute that I can find for my gal!

Thanks Sarah for being a part of this series, I hope being a new mom of two is treating you well!