This week’s featured “Etsy Mama” is Kim, owner and designer of Prairie Mama.
Meet Kim
MF: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your shop.
K: I am a SAHM to 4 monkeys. My oldest passed away when she was 8 months old. I have since been blessed with a son and two daughters. I learned how to sew because of them. They needed clothing, so I started sewing it. I make pillowcase dresses and ring slings. Eventually I may add more to the shop, but for now, that is what I have time for.
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MF: What are the inspirations for your designs?
K:I love things that last a long time. I can’t stand when clothes wear out in the first season of use. So, I wanted something that could be used for many years by the same child. My pillowcase dresses do just that. First, they are worn as a dress, then a tunic, then a shirt. Moms really appreciate something that is quality and will last a long time, I get that!
As for the slings, I am a huge advocate of baby wearing. I received a Maya Wrap ring sling when my oldest baby was born. I wore her in it all the time. I did the same with the next two. The one thing that bothered me was the shoulder cap would come up and dig into my neck. I knew that there had to be a way to fix that. So, I started playing around and came up with my design. I love my slings, and so do many other parents. They can be worn on either the right or left shoulder, and are really so comfortable.
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MF: What items are your best sellers?
K: My shop is relatively new, so I don’t really have any “best sellers” yet. However, I have had fabulous feedback with both the dresses and slings. (Let’s help her change that!)
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MF: Do you welcome custom orders?
K: I adore custom orders! I can usually get everything done and in the mail to the customer within one week.
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MF: Do you have any advice for other moms interested in starting their own business?
K: Be patient. This is one of the hardest parts for me. I am not a patient person and I want everyone to know about me and buy from me YESTERDAY 😉 But, I know that if I am just persistent and continue making quality items, people will find out about me and I will have greater success.
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MF: Words to live by? (favorite quote, poem, lyrics, etc…anything you like!)
K: If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.
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MF: Besides etsy, do you have any other links you would like to share with our readers?
K: I also blog at PrairieMama and am a contributor for the Rocky Mountain Mom’s Blog.
Posted by Nicole Ibarrondo, former editor here at Mom Fuse
