We are excited to announce that our CKC Boutique of the Month for April is Madalyn Grace Originals, owned by Dana Foster! Dana opened her boutique in 2012 and does beautiful work, as you will soon see. She has also agreed to share some of her business insights with us on the blog today. Sit back and enjoy!
How did you get into
sewing and what got you to open your own boutique?
My grandmother taught me to sew at a very young age, making doll clothes and simple costumes. She made my church dresses every season and when I found out I was pregnant with a girl I decided I would do this for her as well. I received so many compliments on her outfits I decided to start a business selling them, which meant I get to do what I love.
Being a mom and a
boutique owner is hard. How do you find the time to fulfill orders, create new
pieces, and just run a business in general?
I generally spend mornings with my munchkin while Daddy is at work. Nap time is work time for Mommy. If there is more that needs to get done than I can complete during her naps my husband helps out when he gets home from work. It really takes a team effort to keep everything going.
Run us through your
typical work at home day.
I wake up at 7 am, follow up on any orders or questions that came in overnight. 8:30 the baby usually wakes up so we do breakfast and play time till noon. If I need supplies we get these in the morning. She loves going to the local craft stores. At noon we have lunch and she goes down for a nap between 12:30-1:00. This is my "work" time. I cut, sew, ship, create, etc until Daddy gets home around 3:00. If I need more time, during show season or when I have a large order he helps out by watching her and keeping her entertained while I keep working. I make dinner around 5:00, bath time at 7:30, bed time at 8:00 and then I can work some more.
How many items do you
have currently listed in your shop that you used a Create Kids Couture pattern
to create?
I currently have eight and I'm adding more soon.
Where do you find
inspiration?
I love walking through a fabric store and seeing a new fabric. It really gets my mind going on combinations I can make with it.
What is your favorite
piece that you have ever created for your boutique?
My absolute favorite piece was my first Noel's Patchwork Peasant Dress. It is done in shades of lime, turquoise, and purple and looks stunning!
If you could go back to
when you first started your business and tell yourself about the most important
thing you've learned as a business owner thus far, what would it be?
You must dedicated a set time every day to growing your business. I did not do this at first, only working on it when I felt the urge. I now set aside time every day, whether it be sewing, marketing, building my webpage, or just creative thinking. You have to put forth major effort to succeed.
Thank you, Dana! We can certainly see that you have put forth that effort.
If you enjoyed our Boutique of the Month spotlight today, please go show Dana some love on her Madalyn Grace Originals page! I thoroughly enjoyed browsing her albums - you're in for a treat.
Let's Create! ~ Kristen
