Chalkydoodles Blog

Since most every mommy likes frilly stuff, today I want to introduce you to one of my favorite, brand new Etsy shops – Modern Frills. And, as a first in our “How It’s Done” series, we’re focusing on an Etsy start-up shop as well as a sister-to-sister business team!

Modern Frills was created by two of my fellow mommy friends, Jennifer and Kristina – who are also sisters! Our kids go to the same elementary school, and we’ve gotten to know one another by hanging out in the school yard each day when we pick up our kids from school.

Modern Frills offers truly unique designs created with appliques from some of the most popular designer fabrics on girls, boys and womens shirts, tank tops, onesies and tote bags. They also offer darling “couture” bows made with the designer fabrics that you can custom order to match your shirt!
Modern Frills has had a great debut on Etsy, with steady sales, and is already receiving trade show and wholesale inquiries. Plus, Jennifer and Kristina already have a small cult following here in Dallas! You should see all of the little gals running around the neighborhood in their Modern Frills!

I love their take on children’s clothing, because they combine the most popular designer fabrics from Amy Butler, Michael Miller, Anna Maria Horner and Joel Dewberry, with interesting, modern layouts. The colors really pop against the solid tanks and tees, and the fabric combinations just shout sweet and sassy at the same time!

Like most sisters, Kristina and Jennifer are definitely a lot alike, but their differences are also what makes their business partnership the perfect match. Kristina is more on the creative side – she comes up with many of the designs and ideas for new products. Jennifer focuses more on the practical, business side of things – and also helps hold her sister back just enough so that she doesn’t go completely nuts on a creative streak!

Jennifer is also great at reminding Kristina that they want to grow slowly enough that they are still able to focus first on their kids and families.

Some of their newest designs are these adorable tote bags. The little girl silhouette style is my absolute favorite! I love the contrast of the black against the modern fabric, and it’s just so darn sweet.
What I consider to be one of their most genius ideas is their couture kids bows. They’re made using designer fabrics – the same fabrics that you probably already have in your child’s closet! You can custom-request a bow to be made in a fabric to match an outfit you already have, and to go with your new Modern Frills shirt! I love finding accessories that you can mix and match. So, we know that Jennifer and Kristina are definitely creative, and definitely make a great business team. But, how have they been able to launch a new clothing line while juggling 2 households and 5 kids between the two of them?

I asked Jennifer and Kristina to tell me more about their new business, their relationship and how they are keeping things running smoothly at home while nurturing their growing business. So, let’s find out “How It’s Done.”

~~~~~~~
Kristina:

~When people ask you what you “Do” how do you respond? (i.e., work, business, blog, mom, etc.) I usually say that I stay at home with my kids. That is what I do. I may mention Modern Frills as a side note, but I don’t consider it my job. I try to limit my working to when the kids are in school, napping or sleeping. It is tricky sometimes.

~How old are your kids?
Ava Kate is almost 3 and Aidan is 6.

~What are your top goals for your business, career or blog?
Ideally, I would like our business to grow slowly over the next couple of years. Once both my kids are in elementary school, I would like to take up about 20 hours a week. If it becomes more than that, we will have to find help. My kids and my husband are and always will be my top priority.

~What are your top goals for your family and marriage? My top goal for my family and marriage is to always put them as a priority in my life. We are raising our kids in a Christian home with lots of love and happiness. We choose to live every day with lots of laughter together. We have a lot of fun together and I want it to stay that way.

~What are the top 1 or 2 things you do to keep your life in “balance” while you work toward these goals? Slowing down. It seems that we are always have things to do or places to be. We limit the amount of extra curricular activities for the kids so we have time as a family to “just hang out”. We also have date night with our kids individually.

~What is the greatest obstacle or challenge you face in reaching these goals? Not letting the crafty side of me interfere with my family time. When I get an idea, I obsess. I want to make it right away. My sister holds me back. I can be scattered because I want to do 10 things at once. Jennifer helps me stay focused.

~What resources do you use (books, blogs, websites, people) to help encourage and educate you? I get ideas from everything and everywhere. I love, love, love fabric, trim, paper and all things cute. I am just trying to incorporate them into clothes and accessories.

~What do you feel is your most important characteristic in helping you live your life well and keeping things in balance? Attitude. I try to live life with a positive attitude no matter what the circumstances. Sometimes life stinks, but there is always tomorrow.

~What advice would you give to another working/blogging mom if they asked you for it? Don’t let it take you away from your family time. Your family should always be the most important thing in your life. Oh, and also….love what you do and have fun doing it.

~~~~~~~

Jennifer:

~ I am a stay at home mom of 3 kids – was an elementary school teacher for 8 years before our 1st child was born.

~Madeleine is 8, Jacob is 6, and Dylan is 3.

~For our business, I would like for it to grow slowly. Once our youngest child is in kindergarten, I will have more time to devote to the growth of our business so that one day a buyer from Nordstrom or Neimans will see our stuff and want it for their store!

~When thinking about our family, we are doing our best to raise caring, confident children in a loving and supportive home. We enjoy spending time together as a family and supporting the kids at whatever it is they are doing…a sport, piano, and school projects.

~To keep a balance, we do not over-schedule our lives. Each of our children typically picks one extra-curricular activity and that allows us time after school and on weekends to relax, go to the park, or go for a walk together. Also, my sister and I belong to a moms group at our church and I really enjoy this time with fellow moms!

~I think the greatest obstacle right now is time. I want ou business to grow, but not to the point that it interferes with being there for my family- so it is a fine line and I have to keep it in check.

~Kristina really is the creative one and she comes up with so many of our ideas. I think for me, an idea can come from so many places…the other day, I got an idea from a pair of shoes that I love.

~Not worrying is a big thing for me. That doesn’t mean that I never worry about something, but I really try to let things go, say a prayer, and focus on what I can change or influence instead of all those things that I can do nothing about.

~Make sure you keep a balance in your life with work and family and enjoy what you are doing!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks, Kristina and Jennifer! We love your Modern Frills and can’t wait to see your success grow (slowly, but surely!)

Thanks for joining us for Part 2 of our interview with Cecilia Leibovitz. Cecilia is President of the Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA) and owner of the popular online children’s boutique, Craftsbury Kids, which offers a vast variety of handmade items for kids, home decor, gifts and even adults!

Today, our interview focuses in more detail on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), the Save Handmade effort, and more about how the HTA continues to work toward amending the CPSIA.

~Can you give us a quick overview of the Save Handmade movement, your role in the Handmade Toy Alliance, how it all started and where it is today? (Including a brief overview of the CPSIA issue).

In November of 2008, I joined the HTA after receiving an email invitation from Dan Marshall, co-owner of a children’s store called Peapods. He had started this small group for the purpose of discussing the new CPSIA and how to deal with it as a small business owner specializing in small batch products for children.

The CPSIA had been written in reaction to the 2007 lead toy recalls. After millions of mass-produced toys were recalled due to the presence of lead in paint, it had become painfully clear that the United States needed to take a closer look at the way toy safety was being handled. Alarmingly, the CPSIA was written in such a way that it lumps together all makers of products produced for children, including not just toys, but clothing, art, bicycles, books, CDs-literally everything under the sun made for kids.

 

Each and

every producer of children’s products –from the mom at home sewing dresses for toddlers, to the retired senior citizen carving wood toys from his garage, to the multi-million dollar multinational corporations pumping out millions of toys in huge factories — is treated exactly the same by the CPSIA, as currently written.The law was not written in a manner that is friendly to micro businesses and handcrafters. Rather, it was designed to work for extremely large companies, manufacturing in huge factories. A producer of children’s products must have the wherewithal to invest many thousands of dollars for testing, technology, and equipment, in order to comply with this law.

The newly formed HTA group was painfully aware that CPSIA–only weeks from being enacted– was poised to destroy thousands of small businesses, without helping children to be safer. It was evident that changes to the CPSIA were needed if we were all to remain in business.

When I first did a “CPSIA” search back in November, Google yielded little more than two or three results linking to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website and documents associated with the CPSIA. The number of people who knew that the CPSIA even existed was next to zero. A search today, just five months later will bring up 1,280,000 results.

This is largely due to the work of the HTA and its supporters. This tiny group of people rallied thousands of overnight activists, devastated by the cold reality that CPSIA could soon ruin the handmade and small batch children’s industry. We needed to convince Congress to recognize the so called “unintended consequences” of the law.

When I became a member of HTA there were just 3 or 4 members. Today there are over 300 members. The HTA recently incorporated as a non-profit organization, and I currently hold the title of President.

Our members are multi-talented, and have made huge progress in communications with Congress, and the public. We have introduced a proposed bill to amend the CPSIA in such a way that child safety is preserved, and small businesses are allowed to remain in business.  The HTA mission is “Supporting small batch children’s apparel, toy, and accessory makers.” An unexpected and happy side affect of CPSIA has been the banding together of many, many like-minded businesses. Up until now a trade organization for the smallest among small businesses who serve the children’s industry has not existed. It is our goal to continue to help small batch producers succeed in the children’s marketplace as we work toward improving the CPSIA, and move beyond this hurdle.

We welcome new members to join, and benefit from our collective experience, and perks such as a profile page on the HTA website, future cooperative advertising opportunities, and guidance from fellow members. Anyone who is interested in joining can email me at ceci@craftsburykids.com to request complete membership details.

~How have you balanced your role in the Save Handmade effort with your roles as Craftsbury Kids owner and mom?

Who do you have helping you with keeping everything running smoothly? To be honest, it’s been tricky! There are just two of us running the business. During the 2008 holiday season (always our busiest time of year) my husband and partner Michael, took care of virtually all Craftsbury Kids business while I focused on CPSIA related work. He did this as well during a trip I took to DC for a CPSIA rally and Congressional briefing this April. We have our 2 1/2 year old with us all day, and we tend to trade off childcare and work duties throughout the day. Michael does a good deal of driving the kids to and from school, as well as helping with meals, and managing our customer service. I would not be able to get half the work done if it wasn’t for Michael’s help, and I’m very grateful for it.

~What are your goals for both the Save Handmade effort and with Craftsbury Kids now that the CPSIA is in effect? What changes are you hoping will occur and how will they be reflected at Craftsbury Kids? I’m hoping for commonsense implementation, if not amendment to the law, so that Craftsbury Kids and other businesses focusing on small batch production are able to affordably remain in business, and continue to offer the amazing range of safe beautiful handmade items currently available to children in the USA.

Many people aren’t aware of the beautiful and impeccably made toys, clothing, and other items that are still out there for children today. You can literally feel the love that went into the making of these things. The emails and letters we receive from pleasantly surprised customers are the biggest reward my work brings.

 

 

~Can you provide some of the most important links for folks wanting to learn more about or get involved with the Save Handmade effort?

http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/
http://www.cpsia-central.ning.com/

http://www.amendthecpsia.com/

http://www.coolmompicks.com/savehandmade

And that’s “How It’s Done.” Thanks again, Cecilia! (All of the photos of handmade and small batch toys in today’s post are courtesy of Craftsbury Kids and are available at www.craftsburykids.com)

~Can you tell us a bit about your vision for and how you started Craftsbury Kids? What has been the most rewarding thing that has come outof your work with Craftsbury Kids? I started Craftsbury Kids out of a desire to celebrate the amazing talent of artists and crafters who carry on the quality of old world craftsmanship in our modern age.

Now that President Obama has named a new Chairperson to the CPSC, I’m expecting we’ll see more rapid forward movement with implementation and any changes to CPSIA, though there is still much work

to be done. I’m hopeful that the “Risk Based Reform Bill” being introduced by HTA will be carefully considered by both Congress and the CPSC.

every producer of children’s products –from the mom at home sewing dresses for toddlers, to the retired senior citizen carving wood toys from his garage, to the multi-million dollar multinational corporations pumping out millions of toys in huge factories — is treated exactly the same by the CPSIA, as currently written.The law was not written in a manner that is friendly to micro businesses and handcrafters. Rather, it was designed to work for extremely large companies, manufacturing in huge factories. A producer of children’s products must have the wherewithal to invest many thousands of dollars for testing, technology, and equipment, in order to comply with this law.

When I became a member of HTA there were just 3 or 4 members. Today there are over 300 members. The HTA recently incorporated as a non-profit organization, and I currently hold the title of President.

We welcome new members to join, and benefit from our collective experience, and perks such as a profile page on the HTA website, future cooperative advertising opportunities, and guidance from fellow members. Anyone who is interested in joining can email me at ceci@craftsburykids.com to request complete membership details.

~How have you balanced your role in the Save Handmade effort with your roles as Craftsbury Kids owner and mom?

Who do you have helping you with keeping everything running smoothly? To be honest, it’s been tricky! There are just two of us running the business. During the 2008 holiday season (always our busiest time of year) my husband and partner Michael, took care of virtually all Craftsbury Kids business while I focused on CPSIA related work. He did this as well during a trip I took to DC for a CPSIA rally and Congressional briefing this April. We have our 2 1/2 year old with us all day, and we tend to trade off childcare and work duties throughout the day. Michael does a good deal of driving the kids to and from school, as well as helping with meals, and managing our customer service. I would not be able to get half the work done if it wasn’t for Michael’s help, and I’m very grateful for it.

~What are your goals for both the Save Handmade effort and with Craftsbury Kids now that the CPSIA is in effect? What changes are you hoping will occur and how will they be reflected at Craftsbury Kids? I’m hoping for commonsense implementation, if not amendment to the law, so that Craftsbury Kids and other businesses focusing on small batch production are able to affordably remain in business, and continue to offer the amazing range of safe beautiful handmade items currently available to children in the USA.

Many people aren’t aware of the beautiful and impeccably made toys, clothing, and other items that are still out there for children today. You can literally feel the love that went into the making of these things. The emails and letters we receive from pleasantly surprised customers are the biggest reward my work brings.

 

 

~Can you provide some of the most important links for folks wanting to learn more about or get involved with the Save Handmade effort?

http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/
http://www.cpsia-central.ning.com/

http://www.amendthecpsia.com/

http://www.coolmompicks.com/savehandmade

And that’s “How It’s Done.” Thanks again, Cecilia! (All of the photos of handmade and small batch toys in today’s post are courtesy of Craftsbury Kids and are available at www.craftsburykids.com)

~Can you tell us a bit about your vision for and how you started Craftsbury Kids? What has been the most rewarding thing that has come outof your work with Craftsbury Kids? I started Craftsbury Kids out of a desire to celebrate the amazing talent of artists and crafters who carry on the quality of old world craftsmanship in our modern age.

Now that President Obama has named a new Chairperson to the CPSC, I’m expecting we’ll see more rapid forward movement with implementation and any changes to CPSIA, though there is still much work

This Mother’s Day weekend, we have the amazing privilege of spending time with Cecilia Leibovitz, owner of Craftsbury Kids and President of the Handmade Toy Alliance.

Many of you probably recognize Cecilia’s name from her work addressing the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) issue in her role as President of the Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA). Cecilia played, and is still playing, a huge part in bringing the Save Handmade movement and the problems with the CPSIA to the public’s attention.  

Cecilia is an excellent example of how you can accomplish huge business and personal goals while at the same time, thriving in a relationship and raising a house full of children!

Plus, she’s honestly a really nice person who is also driven, well-spoken and just plain smart. Basically, she’s the woman you’re raising your daughters up to be! She’s not afraid to stand up for a cause, and when she does stand up, she isn’t likely to sit down anytime soon.

Due in large part to Cecilia’s efforts, just about every Etsy shop proprietor or other small business owner that makes and/or sells children’s products is most likely aware of the CPSIA, how the changes it requires has already affected their business and the potential effects it could have in the future.

 

Cecilia’s efforts with the HTA have gained national attention, including numerous Internet, television and other media appearances, including a huge response to the Amend the CPSIA Rally held in Washington D.C. on April 1, 2009. Members of the HTA played an active role in the rally, along with groups from various other sectors affected by the CPSIA.

 

 

In fact, if it weren’t for my relationship with Cecilia through Etsy and Craftsbury Kids, I would not have even been aware of the incredible impact the CPSIA would have on handmade artisans, like myself.

 

Since Cecilia fills two enormous professional roles (in addition to wife and mother) I thought it would be best to divide our time with her into two parts. Today, let’s get to know Cecilia as an entrepreneur and owner of one of my favorite places to browse and shop for handmade children’s products – Craftsbury Kids.

Tomorrow, we’ll learn much more about her role in the Save Handmade movement and position as President of the HTA.

~When people ask you what you “Do” how do you respond? (i.e., work,business, blog, mom, etc.) I retail and promote the work of artists who create items for children.

~How old are your kids? My son Anton is 15, daughter Talia is 11, son Liam is 6, and my youngest son Jasper is 2.5. I have two step-children, Jessica who is 21, and Alexandra, 15.

~What are your top goals for your business & career? To continue to shape Craftsbury Kids based on my vision that children have the innate ability to play, to have fun, and to be amazing. Rather than offer products that result in their passivity, I want to encourage children to have an active role in their play and everyday decision making.

When we ask children to mold their personalities to limited ideas, activities, and products created in response to fads, or the latest blockbuster movie, we hinder their growth. When we show children that there is so much more out there, they can develop a confidence and a realization of their own ability to create and achieve incredible things, whether paintings or doctorates.

I would like for Craftsbury Kids to continue to develop as a source that offers parents and children choices that allow them to express themselves.

~What are your top goals for your family and marriage? To always try my best to keep the lines of communication open. To respect that we are each individuals with our own ideas.

~What are the top 1 or 2 things you do to keep your life in “balance” while you work toward these goals? Try to have a sit down family dinner as often as possible (the goal is every night but this doesn’t always happen).

~What is the greatest obstacle or challenge you face in reaching these goals? Balancing my time between self, family, and business. I can often get swept up with work, and have to remind myself that there’s always tomorrow.

~What resources do you use (books, blogs, websites, people) to help encourage and educate you? I read lots of blogs. There are so many great ones out there. These three business books that I read years ago have influenced and been helpful to me over the years: Soul of a Business, by Tom Chappell; The Ecology of Commerce, by Paul Hawken; Price Wars, by Thomas J. Winninger

~What do you feel is your most important characteristic in helping you live your life well and keeping things in balance? I’m pretty good at accepting change, and I’m willing to try a different approach if the direction I’m going in doesn’t work out. It’s not easy to let something go when you’ve invested so much time, effort, and energy, but I feel it’s an effective way to keep things balanced. Once I recognize the need for change, I’m able to move forward much more easily.

~What advice would you give to another working/blogging mom if they asked you for it? Don’t let anyone tell you that “you can’t.” If you enjoy and have passion for your work, then you’re doing the right thing, and you will succeed!

Now, to give you a taste of what to look forward to tomorrow, here’s one of my favorite quotes from Cecilia’s interview about the Save Handmade movement:

“When I first did a “CPSIA” search back in November, Google yielded little more than two or three results linking to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website and documents associated with the CPSIA. The number of people who knew that the CPSIA even existed was next to zero. A search today, just five months later will bring up 1,280,000 results. This is largely due to the work of the Handmade Toy Alliance and its supporters.”

Thank you so much to Cecilia. Please come back tomorrow for Part 2 of our time with Cecilia Leibovitz in our ongoing series, “How It’s Done.”