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!  :)