I found Jennifer's shop on IG and instantly fell in love. She makes the cutest clothes for little boys and girls, including pants, tees, sleepers, blankets, accessories and more! I am not sure how this working mama has time to run her shop, but she is doing an awesome job! She sent Lemon, Ian and our baby boy some shirts and we are just in LOVE. 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 Faces Apparel. We can also be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Tell us about what you make/sell in your shop.
My goal is to create a high standard for unique, handmade clothing and accessories for kids. Just because they're kids doesn't mean they can't be stylish! Our clothing is designed to be comfortable and stylish while kids are out in the world doing what they do best -- being kids.
How/why did you start making these products and open this shop? How long have you been in business?
So technically my creative side came about in July 2013. I started making tutu costumes that were extremely popular around Halloween. However, once that passed, things slowed so I wanted to find something to keep my creative hands busy. In the beginning of 2014, Little Faces Apparel was born. It was at that point that I completely stopped making the costumes and went full blown into children's apparel.
What is your background (college/career/etc.)?
I have a BA in Business Administration, which I have found to be somewhat helpful with my shop; however, I also feel like a lot of running a business is trial and error. I'm thankful for my degree, but I really believe the main knowledge of my business has been learned by being "in" the trenches, per say, and not learned from a book.
Tell us a little bit about your family. How does this company help your family?
I'm happily married to a guy I've known since grade school. We have three very active children, ages 16, 8 and 3.They definitely keep me busy with their own activities, so often I am finding that sewing is my zen. In addition to my shop, I also work at a full-time job, but my passion is my shop so I really look forward to creating and coming up with new items.
Did you ever think you'd be doing this? What did you think you'd be doing instead?
Honestly, while I was always considered crafty, I never thought I'd own a business. However, after having my daughter, all I wanted to do was make her things. I didn't want her to wear the same thing all the other kids in our area were wearing. I wanted her to be unique, so I started making her clothes.
Does anyone help you with your shop?
Often this crazy train is run by me only. During busy times of the year, I may recruit help, but that's always a last resort for me since I love doing most if it myself (and I may have a little control problem). Ha!
How do you find time to run your shop and create products? What do you love about this businesses? What is the most challenging part of this business?
It's hard, really hard, but I love it nonetheless. There are times when I'm super busy and don't have time to create new things. But, then there always seems to be a slow spot right at the perfect moment and that's when I try making new things. Somehow, it just always works out, so I'm not going to question the madness. I do love having the time to fulfill orders, as well as come up with new products. The most challenging part is putting so much time and energy into something new, and then having the constant worry that no one will like what you've created. It happens, and when it does - you just phase it out and move onto the next thing, but it's always a bummer.
Where do you see your shop in the future?
I'd love to be able to leave my full-time job some day and also have employees. I'm sure it will be a long time before that will happen, if it even does, but I'd love to be able to create my own schedule and be able to be flexible to attend and help out with my kids' activities.
Tell us your favorite product or your most favorite thing you've created?
The most favorite item I've created is a romper that was available last summer. I loved the look of it, but it was so time consuming to make. I think it will definitely make a comeback this year, but with some revisions.
Do you have any advice for future mom-entrepreneurs?
Be patient. Be original. There are so many shops out there, and it's easy to get sucked into what someone else is doing. It's not going to be easy, but you just have to be patient and stick with it. Success will come as long as you believe in your product. However, that product should also be something that put a lot of time, effort, and thought into. It's easy to see something that's selling well for someone else and think "I can do that too," and piggy back off someone else's idea. It rarely works out. Like I mentioned before, if you fully believe, love, and back your product, customers pick up on that and they will too!
What are some of YOUR favorite shops/products, besides your own?
There so many shops that I love. Really . . . so many so it's hard to pick a few. My original shop crush was June and January! I also love the message and passion behind Swanky Shank, and Bannor Toys. Honestly, I would go on and on with shops that I love and support, but then we'd be here all day!
Thanks Jennifer!
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