Today we are excited to announce our Boutique of the Month for July. Congratulations to Missy Chess, creator of Missy's Munchkins on Etsy! Missy has had her shop open for three years now and she offers handmade and embroidered boutique clothing from baby sizes on up to women's plus! I always love to see what cheerful outfits Missy comes up with, and today I get to share some of her creations with you. She has also agreed to answer some questions for us related to the success of her boutique. Let's get started!
Welcome Missy! Please tell us -- How did you get into
sewing and what got you to open your own boutique?
My husband and I found out we were pregnant with our second child when our first was only 6 months old. I was spending way too much money on hand-made baby items and decided I would give it a shot on my own! As it turns out, I am pretty good at it!
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?
Balancing everything is definitely a challenge!! I work during nap times and after bedtime. Recently my husband gave up his man cave and we turned it into my craft room! Awesome, I know! The room has toys and a TV to keep the babies occupied for at least a little while so mommy can work.
Run us through your
typical work at home day.
Every day is different! I try to spend either the babies nap times or the night time working on orders and then a little extra time if I want to make something for my own munchkins.
How many items do you
have currently listed in your shop that you used a CKC pattern
to create?
All but three! So I have thirty-five items that are CKC, I believe. And I am adding three more today!
Where do you find
inspiration?
Lots of times I find it on the internet. Seeing others' creations and loving parts of them is a huge inspiration! I also have a fabric addiction so the beautiful colors and patterns also inspire me.
What is your favorite
piece that you have ever created for your boutique?
Just because of the joy my daughter had when she saw it, I'm going to say my Sheriff Callie inspired outifit!
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?
Just keep swimming! It is not always easy, but if you love it, it will all be worth it!
Thank you, Missy!
Those definitely seem to be words that Missy lives by. I have always been inspired by her cheerful outlook and today it has been a joy to share her work with you. If you'd like to see more of Missy's creations, be sure to visit her at Missy's Munchkins on Etsy and her Facebook fan page to show her some love! We are proud to have her as our Boutique of the Month for July.
Let's Create! ~ Kristen