I really enjoyed creating this logo and website! Deborah was great to work with and her modern design taste was fun to design for. She wanted a clean design that had plenty of white space. We used CKGold for her cart and website management system.

Project Details:

• Premium Logo Design
• Ecommerce website design powered by CKGold
• Integrated WordPress Blog
• Website maintained by client
• Print Design: Business Card, Postcard, and Letterhead

Learn more about Deborah and Bumbini Cloth Diaper Company — read her interview below!

Who is Bumbini?
Bumbini is an online store for parents who are interested in cloth diapering their family in fun, modern, easy to use, environmentally conscious products.

What do you sell?
We sell a wonderful selection of cloth diapers and covers, plus all the accessories to go with them.   We are really concerned to offer a range of products that meet all parents’ needs.  We are especially motivated to provide organic and natural fiber options.

Why did you decide to start a business?
I used cloth diapers with my son and was so impressed by how easy and economical they were.  So few of my friends and family were cloth diapering, and most just hadn’t thought about it.  I felt that if I was to offer great products at good prices, have a user-friendly website, and offer workshops and education on cloth diapering that I could encourage parents to take that step.

How did you get started?
To start with I went to some small business seminars that explained the basics, such as how to register a business, whether or not to incorporate, and some basic accounting.  As a total novice, with no business background, these were invaluable.  From there it was a case of getting registered, finding the right person to build the website (and Cicily was definitely that person!), and teaming up with great suppliers.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?
I wish I had invested in some accounting software (e.g. Quickbooks) right from day one! As mundane as the accounting is to deal with, staying on top of the bookkeeping will save you many headaches down the road.  I created a maze of Excel spreadsheets that were really difficult to maintain and ate up so much time.  When I told an accountant that was the system I was using he asked if I could imagine a million dollar company operating off spreadsheets, and of course the answer is no.  So no matter how small your business I would advise to think like the big enterprises right from the start and keep your books professional and up to date.

What advice would you offer to someone just getting started?
Don’t be put off by having a small budget to start with.  I really believe that it is those businesses that grow organically and take time to expand that will stand the test of time.  When you are starting a company it is tempting to throw endless amounts of money at it to get it just right before opening day, but starting off with a large debt load will add so much more stress onto your already hectic life.  Do a great job with what you have and grow it from there.

Tonya from Kotori Photo Jewelry came to me needing a custom website that would have a wholesale login area and a photo upload feature. We used Shoppe Pro for the website management/cart system and custom coded a nifty file upload feature. The file upload feature allows her wholesale clients to easily upload photos within the product ordering page. I really enjoyed working with Tonya and am very pleased with how her website turned out!

Project Details:

• Client provided logo
• Ecommerce website design powered by Shoppe Pro
• Matching self-hosted WordPress blog
• Custom wholesale form
• File upload modification
• Website maintained by client

Learn more about Tonya and Kotori Photo Jewelry — read her interview below!

Who is Kotori?
Kotori is a family run company that creates custom photo jewelry pieces for professional photographers.

What do you sell?
We take photographers’ images and set them in sterling silver. We then cover them with a clear, waterproof, UV-resistant coating. All of our jewelry is completely hand made and customized to client preference, from the chains to the hand stamped charms. Each piece is considered an heirloom, to be passed down to the next generation.

Why did you decide to start a business?
I’ve always loved creating things – even as a girl I was always making something. If you can name a craft or art, I’ve probably done it, from making stain glass to throwing pottery to, well, just about anything. The transition to actually selling my work came pretty naturally.

How did you get started?
When I started making jewelry I found that it was a way for me to do something outside of my normal mommying. I wanted a way to have images of my kids with me wherever I went. I didn’t like the idea of traditional lockets because then the image is hidden. I loved the challenge of figuring out exactly how to make the pieces work.

I started wearing my jewelry, and before I knew it other people were asking me to make them pieces. Suddenly the business began.

I started selling retail, but after being endorsed by a few photographers, the word quickly spread through their community about my pieces. I found that many professional photographers were searching for a unique add-on to offer their clients.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?
While I spent a lot of time researching and experimenting with the jewelry, I would have spent a little more time figuring out some of the other aspects of the business, like how to photograph your products or how to set up a dynamic Facebook page. Wow, there is so much on the fly research you end up doing AFTER you think you are ready to launch!

What advice would you offer to someone just getting started?
Marketing, marketing, marketing! I am lucky enough to be married to my husband, who owns his own marketing consulting company. His input has been invaluable! I think too many people think they can do their own advertising work but it’s not just how your ads look it’s also about hitting a certain demographic, understanding your competition and staying consistent with your brand message. A good marketing company helps guide you through all of that. It makes your business really look polished and professional.

Who is Designer Cloth Diapers?

Designer Cloth Diapers is a cloth diaper store where you find fun, affordable and stylish options for modern cloth diapering. Customers are encouraged to ask questions. We want our customers to be successful.

What do you sell?

We sell many of the top cloth diaper brands and accessories in designer prints. We are always looking for products that make cloth diapering convenient and fun while still being affordable.

Why did you decide to start a business?

Designer Cloth Diapers started with a desire to have a cloth diaper store that was different from the rest. We wanted cloth diapering families to find all the great prints all in one place. Babies grow up so fast, why not enjoy it with fun diapering and accessory choices!

How did you get started?

We started with our own brand “Komfy Kidz” and added some of our favorites. After cloth diapering 3 kids and soon to be 4, we have found things that we think make it a convenient system. We hope to share these products with our customers.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?

There may be things I would do differently, but mostly it has been a learning experience and I wouldn’t have learned so much without experiencing it.

What advice would you offer to someone just getting started?

Research your products, and your competition.. Be confident in your product or store and let others know about it. Get the word out locally as well as online. Make a plan, work hard and be patient. Find a great web designer like Cicily and you will be many steps closer to a successful business!

Post courtesy of Tonya Taylor, Owner of Designer Cloth Diapers

Who is Baby Eco Trends?

Baby Eco Trends is a natural parenting, natural lifestyle store with a focus on organic and fair trade products.

What do you sell?

We sell items that are safe and pure, things that parents can feel good about using. We have selected toys, cloth diapers, clothing, furniture, skin care and much more that meet our safety requirements and are earth friendly. We believe it is important to minimize our carbon footprint while supporting our economy. Therefore, we feature many USA made products. We sell only what we are willing to use in our own household.

Why did you decide to start a business?

Baby Eco Trends started because we were frustrated with the difficulty in finding not just cloth diapers, but ones made of 100% natural fibers. We also hoped to find diapers that were organic and fair trade. We found a fitted diaper here and a wool cover there and wondered why we couldn’t buy all we needed in one place. So we set out to do just that.

How did you get started?

We started by talking to friends and family, other parents that were interested in natural parenting and developing a profile of our target customer. We did lots of research and asked a lot of questions. Most importantly, we started by focusing on our own values and basing our business on our beliefs.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?

If I could turn back time, I would hold off on stocking too much inventory, I would negotiate with my suppliers to reduce order minimums and in general, I would budget more conservatively.

What advice would you offer to someone just getting started?

Do your homework, shop your competition, develop a network, establish relationships with reliable and reputable suppliers. Make sure you work with a web designer that has a strong work ethic and understands your vision. Cicily has been a lifesaver in this respect! Lastly, follow your passion and do what you love and believe in.

Post courtesy of Nasrin, Owner of Baby Eco Trends

Who is A Woman’s Place on Main Street?

A Woman’s Place on Main Street was built to serve the breast care needs of women in the Laurel, Maryland community. We are supported by the Main Street Pharmacy and offer custom bra fitting for all women, specializing in those that are large busted. In addition, we provide certified fitting of mastectomy prostheses and bras. Breastfeeding classes and support are offered by our certified lactation counselor.

What do you sell?

Since the business is really in three parts, I have three sets of products that I offer. In the breastfeeding realm, I offer Medela breast pumps for sale as well as weekly rentals of the Medela Symphony hospital-grade pump. Also, Bravado nursing bras, Bebe Au Lait Nursing Covers, Maya Wraps, Ergo Baby Carriers, as well as the Burt’s Bee Baby line and Earth Mama Angel Baby products. For women who have had a mastectomy or breast surgery, I offer Amoena and Jodee products. Finally, I offer Goddess, Freya, Fantasie and Wacoal bras for every woman.

Why did you decide to start a business? How did you get started?

A Woman’s Place on Main Street started very organically. I had wanted to get into the lactation field for years but as a stay at home mom and someone who wasn’t a nurse, it was a bit of a daunting task. I began on the journey by working on a certification in Lactation Education. One day, I stopped in at my local, independent pharmacy and asked if I might hang a flier about some upcoming breastfeeding classes I would be teaching. The pharmacist looked at me and said, “Have I been looking for you?” She took my upstairs from the pharmacy to a beautiful space that she wanted to be used to serve the women of the community. She offered me the use of the space for my classes and asked, “Are you interested in a part-time job? I do fittings for mastectomy prosthetics and bras for large-busted women and I need to find someone to take that on part-time.” Boy, was I interested! She said that we could build the space into one that served many of a woman’s breast care needs and that she would fund my additional lactation training. I jumped at the chance! We now offer breastfeeding classes and lactation support, mastectomy prostheses and bras and a full range of bras that are custom fit to the customer.

What advice would you offer to someone just getting started?

Follow your dream. You never know when the perfect opportunity will fall into your lap.

Who is Polka Dot Designs?

Polka Dot Designs is a monogramming and embroidery business that specializes in personalized baby and children?s gifts.

What do you sell?

We sell high quality, affordable, personalized baby and children items such as bibs, burp cloths, blankets, hooded towels, aprons, clothing, backpacks, napmats, and hats. We offer products from manufacturers such as Stephen Joseph, Infantissima, Swaddle Designs, and more.

Why did you decide to start a business?

I decided to start this business because I absolutely love personalized gifts. I was always searching for just the right gifts to have embroidered for friends and family and for my own daughter as well! My husband gave me a monogramming machine as a birthday gift so that I could begin creating the gifts myself and I just loved it. After a while, I realized that I could provide others with personalized gifts at a reasonable price, as well. And so, that?s when we decided to transition into an actual business.

How did you get started?

I started by researching everything and then I formed a business plan. I began embroidering items for friends and family while my website was being developed and, once it launched, everything took off from there.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?

I don?t know that I would have changed anything. It was all so new and challenging for me to go from being a stay-at-home-mom of a three year old, to owning my own business. It took many late nights and lots of researching but I?ve definitely learned so much and now I can appreciate it all a little more!

What advice would you offer to someone just getting started?

I would just say that if you have something you truly enjoy pursuing and would like to turn into a business, then you should definitely give it a try. Make sure and do all your research and then go for it. It can be a lot of work but it is all worth it in the end as long as you?re happy with what you?re doing.

Who is Taylor’s Baby?

The story behind Taylor’s Baby is quite neat.  Taylor actually was the last name of the mother of the original owner of Taylor’s Baby.  She inspired her daughter to share her artistic talent by selling her art which happened to be art catered to baby and children’s items.  That is how Taylor’s Baby Boutique originated.

What do you sell?

We sell high quality, unique, trendy gifts and decor for babies and children.  We specialize in custom apparel, artwork, bedding, furniture, playhouses and specialty gifts!  You can also find designer diaper bags and totes perfect for moms with style!

Why did you decide to start a business?

I was actually fortunate enough to purchase Taylor’s Baby boutique fully established from a women that did an amazing job building it up.  I am the the mom of a two year old little girl that absolutely loves dress up and just feeling pretty and special.   I knew I wanted to be able to spend more time with her so I wanted to find a career that I could manage my own schedule and time with family.   With my business sense and passion for success I knew starting or purchasing a business was right for me and I knew this business was right up my ally!

How did you get started?

After lots of research and lots of prayers I decided purchasing Taylor’s Baby was right for me and my family.  I began training and learning the business right away.  I was fortunate in the fact that the former owner loved and cared for this business so much she was willing to stand by me and my team of help through all of it!

What would you have done differently in the beginning?

Relaxed…I’m always second guessing myself.  Making the decision to completely take over a business was scary and overwhelming at times.  I knew there was a lot of work and responsibility in store for me.  Sometimes I need to just go with the flow of life and not let myself get too stressed out.  It always works out it the end!

What advice would you offer to someone just getting started?

Go for it!  Don’t let you fears take over.  If you never try you’ll never know what great things may of happened.  Running a business is very time consuming.  Know that in the beginning so it’s not a problem once you start.  Learning to manage time is also very important.  I wish you lots of luck!

Who is Baby Elephante?
Baby Elephante is an online boutique for infant & toddler boys. We specialize in boys because we believe there is a niche to fill on the baby boy clothing market. I work out of my house and take care of my baby boy Lucas.

What do you sell?
We sell high quality, affordable and comfortable boys clothing for both infants and toddler boys. Some of our designer boy clothing brands include: Kissy Kissy, Sweet Cottons, Tea Collection and Zutano.

In addition to stylish boy clothing, we also carry unique accessories and room décor, including an exclusive hand made baby room collection by Petit-Décor.

Why did you decide to start a business?
I always wanted to combine my entrepreneurial drive with my artistic creativity. During the first year as a mom of a baby boy I realized how difficult it is to shop for boys. I decided to assist all other busy parents by showcasing a wide variety of boys clothing and accessories all in one place.

How did you get started?
I first started by researching boy clothing lines. I also did a market study of baby boutiques in my area. I then wrote a business plan and the rest is history.

What advice would you offer to someone just getting started?
Don’t forget to write a business plan. It will help put all your ideas together and enable you to get financial backing. Finally, networking is key.

Who is Pure Baby Joy?
Pure Baby Joy is an online store that supports natural parenting. Behind Pure Baby Joy is me, Wendy. I work outside the home and out of my home and am the mother of three little girls. My girls are my inspiration. I have a very supportive (and patient) husband, Dan, and we live in Cleveland, Ohio.

What do you sell?
I sell cloth diapers, baby slings/carriers, nursing accessories, and all natural & organic bath and body products. Helping the novice cloth diaper user is my specialty.

Why did you decide to start a business?
Although the web market is overwhelmed by baby boutiques, there really is no one in my local area that offers these types of products. Although I do not have a storefront, I do meet with local customers for cloth diaper and baby wearing consultations and participate in local venues to showcase my products.

How did you get started?
I started looking into cloth diapers for my daughters and got hooked. Once I saw that there were no local resources supporting cloth diapering, I decided to start my business.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?
I would have done a little more research into the financial aspect. I did not obtain a loan, but used all my own personal funds. I did not realize how much money it would take to get going.

What advice would you offer to a WAHM just getting started?
If you are getting in a business with lots of competition, don’t forget your local customers. Customers like knowing that there is a real person behind a web store and once they meet you and know that you take the time to introduce yourself or are willing to present your products in person, they often form a loyalty to you.

Who is Kickshaw Confections?

Kickshaw Confections is me, Heather, my husband Karl and all my little taste testers. I’m a work at home mom and confectioner/chocolatier. Candy making is in our blood and we love being in the business of satisfying sweet tooths.

Why did you decide to start a business?

We started Kickshaw to help supplement my husband’s income so he can eventually work less hours and spend more time with his kids. I also needed a creative outlet. My mind is always running and it needs to stay busy. I guess 4 kids doesn’t keep it busy enough.  :0)

How did you get started?

We purchased a little lollipop e-store and then decided to take on the family tradition and expanded to a full line of confections. My inlaws have been confectioners for over 20 years.

What do you sell?

We sell a full line of handcrafted from scratch confections. We do not use dyes or preservatives. Our chocolate is very fine and we are so proud of that and our best selling gourmet almond roca.

What would you have done differently in the beginning?

Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have bought the little lollipop shop. I would have just went straight on with our other confections. I was nervous to have people try my treats, because even though my family and I loved them, I was so nervous what others would think. I would have put that fear behind me instead of hiding behind it for nearly 8 months.

What advice would you offer to a WAHM just getting started?

Don’t let fear stop you. Look at it straight in the face and tell it to move on over. Go straight to your dreams and when you face a hurdle, don’t stop, go over it, even if it takes a while.