Meet the Mom Behind Aunt Art
Who is Aunt Art? Where are you located?
Aunt Art is a children's boutique specializing in hip gear for kids. Located, right now, in Des Moines WA. We are moving cross country at the end of November to Maryland.
How did you come up with your business name?
I was an aunt before I was a mom and was called "Aunt Art". I always made a point to give the cool, unusual gifts to my nieces and nephews and when I started my company I thought it would be a perfect name for my company since moms aren't the only ones looking for great products for kids.
When and why did you decide to start your own business?
Aunt Art officially started after the birth of my first son. Before Logan was born I was making baby hats at street markets in NYC and the response was fantastic. Once I was a SAHM I realized that I could continue selling baby and kid items while taking care of my child.
How did you get started?
It started with burp cloths. My son had reflux and I spent 8 months with a tacky, white cloth diaper on my shoulder and the fashionista in me hated that diaper on my shoulder. So I made some fashionable burp cloths that were in bright, fun prints and everywhere I went people remarked and asked where they could buy them. So I started selling them on my website and as my children grow I continue to think of new items that would make my life easier as a mom. For example the Picasso Chalk Mat was born after another night eating out where my husband and I spent the entire meal entertaining our son and not ever having adult conversation, I thought this has got to change. So I made the Picasso Chalk Mat to fill the need of entertaining my son while we were out at dinner and he created art over and over again and my husband and I could actually talk! The chalk mat has come in handy not only at restaurants but also at my midwife appointments when I was pregnant with my second son. Logan would create art while I could talk to my midwife about the pregnancy. As my children discover new things and grow and learn I discover new ways to create items for them.
What motivates you to keep your business going?
Believing in what I create is my constant motivation. I "test run" all of my products on my own kids first and when I see them enjoy it I know that other kids will enjoy it also. Having items that are made by an actual mom in the thick of raising kids, I believe is what makes my products stand out from the rest.
Do you have a new product/design you are featuring on your website?
Picasso Chalk Mats. Placemat on one side, chalk board on the other. Roll it up, snap closed and throw in your bag to take anywhere. Makes a great gift for kids of all ages.
How do you juggle family and work at home?
Time management! In the beginning I did everything during naps and when the boys were in bed for the night. As the kids get older I'm able to get things done during the day while they are playing, painting or coloring. They have art desks in my studio so we can all work together. And once the kids are in bed for the night I am able to get a ton of things done in those mere 3 hours before I lay down for a good nights sleep. And on the weekends my husband takes the kids out for some quality "Daddy-time" so I can work.
What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
Follow your bliss! I am not going to lie and say that it isn't hard. There will be many roughs spots. But in the end it is worth it! The journey is very rewarding.
Visit Aunt Art at www.auntart.com
Online stores that carry Aunt Art products:
Hip and Little
www.Hipandlittle.com
Top Toggery
www.toptoggery.com
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