Today I have the pleasure of featuring Lhen from Belles and Knight! Check out her post below and then, go shop!
What is the name of
your shop and how can we find you?
My website is Belles and Knight and I am also on Instagram.
Tell us about what you
make/sell in your shop.
Belles and Knight makes handmade vintage sunsuits. More designs
will be coming throughout this year, not
just sunsuits but it will involve cute shorts, crop tops and boys clothing too.
How/why did you start
making these products and open this shop?
I was inspired by my kids, I wanted to make some outfits for them and
decided to share them with other mamas who also love dressing up their kids. I have been in business a little over 2 months.
What is your
background (college/career/etc.)?
I was actually majoring in nursing, finished all my
pre-requisites but I think it’s just not for me.
Tell us a little bit
about your family.
I grew up in poverty
where sometimes we did not have food to eat, as far as I can remember. I did
not have any toys to play with (not even a single one). My dad passed away when
I was 10 months old from a hit and run accident. I do remember a story about him - he
really wanted to have a baby girl, as soon as I came out, he started working
really hard until the accident happened. He was confined in a hospital from august
1985 through February 1986, due to a brain hemorrhage and some other
complications. My aunt told me that my dad tried to sneak out
of the hospital on my baptism day
because he wanted to see me. (Oh my gosh, I’m getting teary eyes while typing
this!) To make the story short, my mom had to work hard for me and my older
brother. She had to leave us with her sister who was very abusive. I do remember that my mom spoiled my brother a lot, while I didn’t have
anything. I could write a novel about my life experience!
How does this company
help your family?
This small business helps me to work harder so
I can give my kids whatever they need. I want them to have the life that I didn’t
have.
Did you ever think
you'd be doing this? What did you
think you'd be doing instead?
I have a full time job in a property management so this small business is like a hobby that I love to do.
Does anyone help you
with your shop?
My husband, he
actually chooses the fabric for me to make. When it comes to choosing colors, I’m
very plain, I like black and white. He has a good eye.
How do you find time
to run your shop and create products?
I cut my fabric at work during my break and sew
after work while my oldest babsits the youngest.
What do you love about
this businesses?
I really do love it
when mamas tag me in a photo of their little one wearing my creations. It’s very humbling.
What is the most
challenging part of this business?
Time. It’s hard to find time with 4 kids.
Where do you see your
shop in the future?
I want it to be
successful so I do not have to work full time, and can just work from home so I
can spend more time with my kids.
Tell us your favorite
product or your most favorite thing you've created?
I
love the Aztec sunsuits, the fabric that my husband chose. They were my first release sunsuits.
Do you have any advice
for future mom-entrepreneurs?
WORK
YOUR HARDEST. Don’t give up! I didn’t, so why should you? If you give 1000% to something you love, you will have it back 2000%.
What are some of YOUR
favorite shops/products, besides your own?
Thanks Lhen, I enjoyed having you!
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