The focus of the Starting Small series is to introduce you to some amazing individuals who have built their own businesses from scratch. They are full of passion, life, and love. Once a month, we feature a new business owner, and pick their brain regarding how they started their business, advice for those who have/wish to have a business themselves, how they making time for themselves, and most importantly, which they love most about being a small business owner. I hope these individuals will inspire you, motivate you, and fill your heart with as much love as they've filled mine!
Billy Bibs screams fun and functional! What was the process like for deciding on this name for your business? // It was actually when we were petting goats at the zoo! I thought it was so cute that the billy goats are called kids when they are babies. It sounded so adorable and playful so I went with Billy Bibs! Sometimes people think my name is Billy haha!
We cannot get enough of our littles in your beautiful bibs!! When did you first decide you wanted to start designing bibs? Tell us the story! // Thank you so much! I got the idea after my daughter Esme was born. I hated covering up her outfits with big bulky bibs. I decided to make her a few that would look like they are a part of her dresses and rompers. I thought "Why isn't anyone making something like this?!" I knew they would be a big hit since there was nothing like it out there. I had (have) a huge stash of pom poms, fringe, ribbons, and trim since I love to sew and craft. So I made a lot of different styles, opened up my business, and set up my websites. When I was ready to show the world my designs, I opened my business Instagram account and it took off from there!
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What are three pieces of advice you would give to a mama who is interested in starting her own business? // First, figure out if you want to run it as a business or hobby. For me, I am all in. I want to be successful and grow my business so that my family can have financial freedom as soon as possible. So if you want your business to grow, stop having doubt and believe that you will succeed. Second, set big goals for yourself! You want to make $5,000.00 a month? You make it happen! Figure out what you have to do each day to make it happen. I had a goal to sell 10 bibs a day. So I would send out free products to my ideal customers, post more on social media, and reached out to wholesalers until I averaged 10 bibs a day. I took my goal seriously, even if it meant sitting in bed in the middle of the night, interacting with new moms on Instagram that I thought could be potential customers. Lastly, you have to either have a unique product or the best possible quality so that you can stand out from your competition. Find your own style. Be original. Be creative.
Where do you look to for inspiration for new bib/head wear designs? // A lot of it happens at 3:00am--especially when I have lots to do and my studio is a mess! My creativity kicks in and I can pull an all-nighter to come up with new designs. Sometimes it's a dress that I find that inspires me and sometimes it's a wall hanging! For bows, I like to keep them small, simple, and well made. I think,"Would this look cute 20 years down the road?" Same with the peter pan collars! I love that they are timeless and little girls have so much fun adding them to their outfits!
What has been the most difficult part of creating and managing a small business? What has been the most enjoyable part? // Balancing family and a business is the hardest part for me. I feel like I need to spend more time with my children even though they are playing at my feet all day long. The most enjoyable part is creating and styling! I absolutely love creating flat lays for my social media accounts.
You're a mama and a business owner, which means you're quite the busy lady! How do you incorporate your family + business + personal time into your day? // I don't have the answer to this! Its a big jumble right now. There are a lot of nights that I am working until 3:00am and sadly I look like it too! I am looking forward to the day where we can have a studio away from home so that I can keep business and family separated a little more
Favorite quote // I have so many! A current favorite is "No amount of reading or memorizing will make you successful in life. It is the understanding and application of wise thought that counts." by Bob Proctor.
Tea or Coffee? // Tea and coffee! Always iced with no sweetener. // Early Bird or Night Owl? // I am a night owl! My husband takes care of the kids and lets me sleep in in the mornings. We are a great match haha! // Heels or flats? // I want to say heels but its flats for me! I can't carry a car seat in heels. // Sunshine or Snow? // Both! I love all seasons and I am grateful that we live in an area that has all four! As soon as you get tired of one, the next one comes along!
Want more pics of adorable babies in beautiful bibs? Follow Kristina and Billy Bibs on Instagram!
Xx,
