Little Gypsy Finery SS15 Brand Shoot

Little Gypsy Finery SS15 Brand Shoot by Qiana K. Photography.

Opposite of Far and The Wishing Elephant Collab

These photos are for Opposite of Far and The Wishing Elephant, all photos taken by Qiana K. Photography.

Mmmm! Episode 9: Gluten Free Cake Pops

This week Lemon and Stella made gluten free cake pops while Mark and Ian helped.  There's a fall in there and some snuggles after, so sad but so cute.  Head over to our YouTube channel and subscribe, and watch with your whole family.  Enjoy!

     

Moms on Mondays - Marci from The Trendy Turtle

Today on Moms on Mondays I am excited to feature Marci from The Trendy Turtle.  She is a super sweet mama that makes the cutest items - from crochet purses to hair clips!  You'd never guess she's the mama of two boys, her items are just so cute for the little ladies in our lives!  Read her post below and then go shop!

She sent Lemon a cactus purse (so fitting for this AZ family) and a sparkly lemon clip - she rocked them, they were just darling!

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

My shop is The Trendy Turtle. You can find my shop via Instagram and Facebook.

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

The Trendy Turtle has many different items, from bows and headbands, to crochet purses and photo props to wreaths! Although my main focus is hair accessories, I try to make each item fun and hope both kids and moms will love them. 

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

I am a stay at home mom to my two boys Gavin (4 1/2 ) and Nathan (who will be 2 next month).  When I first started my shop , it all started with wreaths. They are yarn wrapped and have hand cut felt flowers. I would create new wreaths for different holidays and seasons. I have always loved anything craft related. It’s a form of relaxation for me. So, one day, I wanted a cute wreath for my door and went to the craft store and bought a bunch of supplies and my first wreath was born. Then,  that year everyone got a wreath for their birthday, Christmas, Mother’s Day - you get the idea! 

I decided to open an Etsy shop and figured why not make some extra money for my family, since I was a stay at home mom to my son. As I made the felt flowers for the wreath, I thought how cute they would be as hair accessories. I tried a few out and they evolved and changed throughout the year from felt, to fabric, to chiffon, etc. I found that the fabric bows were selling the best so then I had to perfect them. I love making bows with different materials and textures from lace, to glitter, to leather, you name it I've tried it!

By this time I was pregnant with my second child and was still a stay at home mom who wanted to help bring some extra income to our home. The Trendy Turtle really started to evolve and become more serious when my boyfriend/baby daddy came to me and said he wanted to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant . . . while I was pregnant with our second child! Needless to say I was apprehensive and nervous to take such a big leap financially, but I knew I had to support him and his dream, like he always supported me. So, then I really started utilizing social media to try to get my name out there. 

What is your background?

Prior to opening my shop I worked in the HR department at a logistics company while completing my Bachelor's Degree in Human Services Management. Once I became pregnant with my first son, we decided I would be a stay at home mom and finish school. My goal was to finish my Bachelor's , then get my Master's and become an elementary school teacher. I received my Bachelor's (which was a huge accomplishment for me!) and was on a quick break before I was going to start the Master's program, but then I became pregnant again and school got put on hold. I will be going back soon to finish though!

Tell us a bit about your family. 

I was born and raised in Southern California. I have one older sister who I am very close to and my mom and dad live less than a mile away and are very active in our lives. I met my boyfriend through mutual friends, and our relationship evolved very quickly. He is 10 years older than me, so he was ready to settle down; less than one year into our relationship I found out I was pregnant. We were both ecstatic (and a little nervous!). We now have two sons and we still live in Southern California, and own a restaurant.  {What restaurant?!}

How does this company help your family?

At first it was more of a hobby, rather than a business. Now, it helps us pay for things we may not get to do like soccer, preschool, etc. 

Did you ever think you’d be doing this? 

I never thought I would have a business, and now we actually have two! I have always loved to craft and create things, even from a young age, but never really gave it too much thought as far as selling things. I always knew I would have a family, and thought I would be an elementary school teacher (which I still hope to do).

Does anyone help with your shop?

I am a one woman show, I create the products, photograph, market, inventory, assemble, ship, you name it, I do it!

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

Nap time, bed time and any minute in between that I can. I am a mom, first and foremost, but I try to find time for my shop when I can. As far as creating products, my brain is always thinking of the newest item, I find inspiration everywhere I go and when the kids are in bed, I design!

What do you love about this business?

I absolutely love seeing all the customer photos of their little ones in my products. It makes my day! I also love that this business allows me to be creative as well as stay home with my kids.

What is the most challenging part of this business?

I would say finding time is challenging. Between shuttling my son to school, soccer practice and games, homework, dinner, diapers, laundry, cleaning, payroll for our other business, etc. it can be challenging to say the least. 

Where do you see your shop in the future?

I see my shop hopefully growing and helping us save for our children’s college education, or helping us purchase a home someday. Anything is possible if you work hard enough!

Tell us your favorite product or your most favorite think you’ve created?

Honestly, I don’t know if I have one particular favorite, however I love our Fiona Fox crochet purse as well as our Cactus purse. I also really enjoy making holiday themed headbands/bows. Right now I have a red, white and blue glitter star headband and I love it. I am very patriotic, so I'm sure that has something to do with it!

Do you have advice for future mom-entrepreneurs? 

Time management has got to be a big priority as well as customer service. I thrive to give my customers the best service that I can. Communication is key - in fact, I probably over communicate because I want my customers to be 100% happy with their order.

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

One of my favorite shops has to be Daily Delilah (featured last week on Moms on Mondays here). Her little girl clothing is seriously adorable and so unique. The way she comes up with her designs and adding special touches such as pom poms, pockets, trim, etc., is so cute! Her shop is on the rise and I see her doing great things in the future! 

Another favorite of mine is Run Wild Kids, she makes leather bows that are super cute yet simple at the same time. Geez, I hope I have a girl someday so I can get amazing products from these shops! 

I also recently bought a romper for my almost two year old from Little Shadows and the quality is amazing! They are totally unique, well made and look so cute on! 

And finally, Harper and Paisley, she makes moccs, and mocc sandals, I just got a pair for myself and they are amazing!  {I love moccs for moms, I will have to check these out!}

Thank you Marci, it was a pleasure having you!  :)

Mmmm! Episode 8: Gluten Free Cookie Press Cookies

Ian and Lemon were at it again a couple of weeks ago, this time making gluten free cookie press cookies!  There were some complications with this episode, it was pixelated when we transferred (and accidentally deleted!) it from the camera, so they spend last week re-shooting it.  (A couple of times, in the same clothes.  Ha.)  I'm sad because the parts with my dad, that were SUPER funny, were edited out (too pixely), but the episode ended up being cute anyway (and they made a huge mess, as always).  Check it out on our YouTube channel and don't forget to subscribe, share and watch with your family!

Ian also made a Cooking with Lemon Instagram and Facebook Page this week too, he is obsessed.  It's so cute how much he loves doing this with Lemon, so I can't complain!  Enjoy!

Moms on Mondays - Dana from Daily Delilah

This week I am so happy to feature the sweetest mama, with the cutest little girl, Dana from Daily Delilah!  I've been following this mama for awhile and have watched her shop grow and now she is making the cutest clothes - crop tops and bloomers (along with belts, dresses and skirts) that are perfect for summer.  She sent Lemon one of her Basic Crop Tops and Lace Boho Belt, and I just died when I put them on her!

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

My shop is Daily Delilah and I am also on Facebook and Instagram.

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

I am inspired by my nearly 3 year old daughter, Delilah. I make pretty much anything I want to see on her. I specialize in bloomer shorts, but also make cute little crop top sets and dresses, and kimonos.

(All product photos from:  https://instagram.com/daily_delilah/)

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

I started sewing back in September, after taking sewing lessons from a local sewing instructor with the intentions to just learn basic sewing skills and make clothes for me and Delilah. I posted a few items on my Instagram page and received some response. It was then that I decided, “Hey maybe I could actually sell my stuff.  It really all snowballed from there. 

How long have you been in business? 

I opened my etsy shop in December, so not that long. I’m still learning everyday how to make this business successful. 

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

I have been a hairstylist for almost 12 years. I use to work full-time in the salon before Delilah, but after her entrance into our family my days were cut to only 3. I recently gave my notice and have stepped away from the salon, due to the growth of my business  Truly, my dream is to be at home with Delilah. 

Tell us a little bit about your family. 

My husband and I have been together for almost 8 years, married for 4-1/2. We found out we were pregnant on our first anniversary.  While I was 17 weeks pregnant, his father passed away and that marked one of the most difficult times in our lives. Delilah's middle name is after her sweet angel grandfather - Delilah Robin-Rae. We live in sunny Southern California and my husband sells commercial greenhouses all over the country.  Delilah will be an only child, and I’m so grateful I have her to be my buddy for a lifetime.

How does this company help your family? Or you? 

Daily Delilah helps us in many ways - it supports my heavy shopping addiction for myself and Delilah. I love supporting other handmade shops. It also has allowed me to become a “Stay at Home” mom. May 23rd will be my official first day as a SAHM after 12 years of being a hairstylist, and the last 3 years, as a working mom. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that this little business has allowed me to really do what I have always wanted - stay at home with my daughter. Sewing does not feel like work to me, it is my zen!

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

I always knew I would be a creator of things…babies, hair, crafting, decorating my house. I just never knew I would be sewing. It’s amazing where your life takes you. 

Does anyone help you with your shop? 

I’m pretty much a one woman show, and most times it's scary how stuff even comes together. I've had ADD since I was little, and struggle with focusing on a single task; but, making lists really helps. I do have a wonderful lady that helps me with orders once a week, she has kept me afloat as my business continues to grow. I hope to expand and have help with the shipping and packaging soon. 

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

Some days I have no clue!!! I sew pretty much every single day. Most of my inspiration comes from watching Delilah. I have a great little space in our home that allows me to sew and still keep an eye on her. I take lots of breaks to play with her and get out of the house. My main sewing hours are when my supportive husband is home in the evening. Then, I’m able to focus 100% and he really is amazing. He cooks dinner and does so much after his crazy, long day at work.

What do you love about this businesses? 

I love the design aspect the most. I love having an idea in my head and making it come to life. The best is when I get pictures of these beautiful little girls, all over the country, in my creations. When I’m sewing, I imagine who the outfit will be on.

What is the most challenging part of this business? 

I struggle with feeling insecure in this world of handmade shops. I try very hard not to scroll through Instagram and see what other shops are doing, and not being perceived as a copycat. I search hard to find new patterns, and choose fabric selections no one else is using. Some days, I literally do not go on the main feed. It’s not because I don’t want to see cute kids, or even the friends I have made, it’s a detox in a way. I have met some incredible people, and also some not so nice girls.  {I couldn't have said this better myself!} 

Where do you see your shop in the future? 

I hope to grow and expand in a way I have only dreamed of. I would love to do wholesale orders and be in boutiques. My next goal is to have my own website this summer. 

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

My favorite thing is my Daydreamer Crop set. It was one of the first I ever made, and has sold out twice. I love the fabric so much.

Do you have any advice for future mom-entrepreneurs? 

Be yourself, be original, be true!! Don’t compare yourself to others. Keep your eyes on YOUR goal and don’t look to the side!!!

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

Hi, my name is Dana and I’m a shopaholic!!! I love The Trendy Turtle for her bows and her crochet purses are AMAZING! Harper and Paisley has these new mommy and me moccs that are so cute!   Likely Baby Story is a favorite because Jordi is so talented and smoking hot! The Leotard Shop has the best leotards in the best fabrics, plus she’s the nicest lady on IG. And, Little Ladies Boutique is beyond original, and I just love her creativity, and originality (she was featured on Moms on Mondays here). 

Thank you Dana, your clothes are seriously the cutest - I want them all!

Jolly Good Apparel SS15 Brand Shoot

All photos are for Jolly Good Apparel and were taken by Qiana K. Photography.