Our August Boutique of the Month is Pumpkin Pants which is owned by longtime Create Kids Couture fan Jenoa McNamara. Go like her Facebook Page and and her Etsy Shop and show her some love!
Thank you so much for choosing my shop, what an honor! Well, I’ve been around sewing my whole life. My mother was always quilting when I was growing up, and I remember my sister and I being dragged to many a fabric store. Although back then, I did not find it the least bit interesting or fun. I’d say times have changed a bit ; ) I didn’t really start sewing though until about four years ago. One of my good friends got me back into it, and we started by making cloth diaper covers for our babies. I’m pretty sure it was a ruse to get together and drink wine while playing with fabric. About a year after that I got the urge to try making some of the beautiful and original boutique dresses I had been admiring.
Originally, I opened my Etsy shop with the goal of making enough sales to cover my growing fabric addiction. I wanted to offer unique clothing that was beautiful, affordable, and actually wearable! I loved seeing my daughters in gorgeous outfits, but they love to play and be comfortable. Everything I made and make now is something that I would put on my daughters, and that they enjoy wearing.
2. How have you learned to balance being a mom with owning a business?
My girls inspire me. I love making them things, and I love the way my four year olds face lights up when she tries on a new twirly dress or anything with ruffles. My business motto is “Stylish, Fun, and Functional.” I believe that children’s clothing should not only be cute, but something they do want to wear, something they feel comfortable in, and something that will hold up well.
When I decide on a style of outfit, I start by picking the main fabric out. Then I usually just sit back and stare at my fabric wall looking for inspiration. I love mixing collections, patterns, and designers. I want to create an outfit that you won’t see in a dozen other boutiques.
4. What is your favorite piece that you have ever created for your boutique?
Oh, that’s a tough one! I am a sentimental Mama, so it would either be the Ava Tiered Twirly Dress, since I made it for my oldest daughter’s fourth birthday, or the Love Memento Capri Romper, since it was one of the first outfits that I made for my baby.
5. If you could go back to when you started Pumpkin Pants and tell yourself about the most important thing you’ve learned as a business owner thus far, what would it be?
That making and keeping some sort of business hours is vital. Of course I still don’t follow that as much as I should, but it is easy to feel burned out when you don’t allow yourself time off and away from work. Also, taking decent photos makes a huge difference! I’m obviously not a professional photographer now, but I look back at some of my original Etsy listing photos and cringe. It’s a learning process and I am getting better a day at a time.
