Today on Moms on Mondays I am featuring Mary from Little Rascals Shop. This mama makes the cutest clothes for your "little rascals," read her post below and then go shop!
What is the name of your shop and how can we find you?
The name of my shop is Little Rascals Shop and I'm also on Instagram.
Tell us about what you make/sell in your shop.
I create stamps and hand stamped apparel for children.
How/why did you start making these products and open this shop?
After having my third son I had no choice but to be a stay at home mom to 3 boys. I always loved kid clothing and dressing my boys up cute. One day I saw this tee that I loved but it cost $60! I couldn’t spend that much on a toddler tee so I created my own, then the ideas kept coming.
How long have you been in business?
About 3 years on and off. I started making felt tees, and after feeling overwhelmed I took a break from it.
What is your background (college/career/etc.)?
I attended California State University, Fullerton and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Human Services. I then moved to Texas with my family and landed a government job. Texas wasn’t for us so we returned to California, and I worked with an early Head Start program in Torrance.
How does this company help your family? Or you?
This company has seriously been a blessing. It started as something fun, just a way to make money to buy the cute kid clothes. Now, it helps with bills and expenses around the house, as well as money to have fun.
Did you ever think you'd be doing this? What did you think you'd be doing instead?
Never. The plan was for me to become a teacher, but I ended up pregnant with my oldest when I was a junior in college. Since then the plan changed to whatever pays the bills! But, me dressing tiny humans who I have never met . . . never crossed my mind, but I LOVE it!
Does anyone help you with your shop?
Yes! Every member in my family has a job. I do the designing, stamping, packaging, emails, social media and more. My husband prints and cuts my labels. My youngest two, Ian and Tristan, model my clothes. And my oldest, Damien, drops the packages off for me at the post office. This is seriously a family business.
How do you find time to run your shop and create products?
I don’t even know. It was pretty hard in the beginning, when I had a toddler and a preschooler at home with me most of the time. I would “work” when the kids were asleep and do my packaging during the day. It has gotten easier now that I just have one kid with me at home. I work on my tees in the morning while my oldest are in school, and sometimes at night when they go to sleep. The weekends are usually when I think about what my next design will be.
What do you love about this businesses?
The tags on Instagram and emails of little ones in my clothes are the best. I just love to see pictures of little ones wearing my hand stamped clothes, LOVE! And of course, the fact that I stay at home with my boys while I make money is an added bonus!
What is the most challenging part of this business?
Finding balance. I’m a mother and with that comes so many job descriptions; but I am also a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend and a business owner. So it’s hard to do it all. Some days are just too busy so it is hard to catch a breath. I hope to find it soon! Balance that is.
Where do you see your shop in the future?
I don't know. When I started I didn't even think it would last more than a year, I thought it was a phase. And, here I am with business cards and all!
Tell us your favorite product or your most favorite thing you've created?
I have a few, but my most favorite is my Wild Thing Hoodie! I love how it is so simple in the front and says Wild Thing on the back. It best describes my boys - my wild things.
Do you have any advice for future mom-entrepreneurs?
Do NOT give up! If you feel that this is for you, it is. Work hard, you will fall but guess what? You will get back up. I cried so many times at first, when I’d “mess” tees up. I still mess up today but that’s ok. Also, network! It is so important to network and get your shop’s name out there. I’m pretty shy and if I am able to do it, so can you!
What are some of YOUR favorite shops/products, besides your own?
I have a lot of favorite shops. The talent out there is real. For headwear I go to NoXX and Young Buck Beanies. For tees, Kid and Kind, although I just purchased a pair of pants from her, so excited for those! I also like Mini and Maximus, Tiny Whales and Pre Fresh. And for bottoms, O Darling Handmade, Fawn Kids Clothing and Hipster Bear Wear. And I've got to mention Hello Charlie who is the sweetest - Emily is a photographer and stylist, and she created my logo! These are just a few of my favorite shops!
Thanks Mary, loved having you today! :)
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