Interview with: My House Boutique

Meet the Mom Behind "My House Boutique!"

Who says being a WAHM is no fun? This WAHM is having a blast creating and designing children's play food! Come see how she got started in this fun craft!


Who is My House Boutique? Where are you located?
My House Boutique is a mother-owned and operated specialty store that currently sells play food, sewing patterns and hand-dyed dolls (late June).

My House Boutique is located in a sunny little craft room in Austin, Texas!


How did you come up with your business name?
Does anyone remember the song, "Come On-a My House," sung by the maid in Alvin and the Chipmunks? Well, that song stuck to me as a kid, and I still find myself singing, "Come on-a my house, my house, I'm gonna feed you candy..." and I thought to my self that My House Boutique sounded pretty nice.


When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I started sewing seven years ago, but it wasn't until I stumbled upon the craft blogging world that I became inspired to make toys of my own to sell. My heart's desire is to eventually stay at home taking care of my daughter, sewing, and writing.


How did you get started?
I first started making pocket-sized baby dolls, then ventured into craft felt and am constantly inspired by everyday foods.


What motivates you to keep your business going?
You know, starting your own business from merely an idea can be a challenge as you are constantly convincing yourself that one day your work will become a profitable venture. I've been donating a lot of toys to charitable fund-raisers and the feedback is encouraging.

Which Play Food proves to be a best seller on your site?
The veggie salad is a best seller and I think it's because of the vibrant colors and true-to-life shapes and sizes.


How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective?
I sold on Etsy for a while and was able to network and promote My House Boutique, but one of the downfalls of selling on a community website is that the environment can be very competitive.


How do you juggle family and work at home?
I'm juggling right now (smile)! When I first started I would get up around five a.m. and sew, then take care of my daughter in the mornings, go to work, then sew after my daughter was asleep. I think I exhausted myself that way and am looking for a more effective way to grow My House Boutique's business. Now that my daughter is getting older, she is interested in "helping" with many tasks.


What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
My advice to moms seeking to become a WAHM is to consider what idea impresses you the most and do your research on the product/ service. Dream big, but start small. Fortify your business on a small scale (i.e. serve your local area and provide quality work) and advertise creatively. The more you work to impress yourself, the more people will notice.


Current promotions/specials at My House Boutique:
Right now, anyone that buys a My House Boutique plate will receive a free special treat from now until August 1st!


Anything else you'd like to add about My House Boutique?
Why don't you come on to My House Boutique, where life is handmade and heart-loved!


Visit My House Boutique at: www.myhouseboutique.com


(Note: All images courtesy of My House Boutique. Please respect their work and do not copy and/or alter their images. Thank you! )