Each month we like to feature one of our favorite boutiques and this month we have chosen Sibling Rivalry Designs as our Boutique of the Month for August! Ashley Herrmann started up her business a year and a half ago and you will soon see that she offers absolutely adorable accessories and clothing for children. We will let her tell you more about it as we ask Ashley a few questions! Here she is!
How did you get into sewing and what got you to open your own boutique?
I have always been a crafty person, however, the sewing machine intimidated me! After I had my son, I made little things for him here and there, I used my silhouette machine to cut and iron on! People would say "Oh you should sell that," but I felt like they were being nice- like the contestants on American Idol, who's family pumped them up even though they can't sing worth a lick! Anyways, when I found out I was having a girl I finally got my embroidery machine (that makes sense to ya'll right?) and opened my business doing custom birthday outfits! I was doing tutu's, embroidered shirts, and smash sets! I don't make any of that now! I started sewing and bought a serger last Christmas. It was a mess in the beginning, but I learned about CKC through my SIL and I have been rocking it out ever since!
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?
People ask me this all the time. When I started, it was just my son and he napped 3 hours everyday! I worked during his nap, and since I was pregnant I didn't have to find time to workout! Now, with two and my son no longer naps, I've found the only time I can work is 9 pm to 12am! I know my limits and I had to pull back my advertising this summer, as my son was home from school and I didn't have the day time hours! It is a give and take for sure! I gave up my workouts, because sewing takes up all my free time! I can knock out 2 items a day if I am really focused! Also, my husband is a huge support for me and helps out when he is home from work!
Run us through your typical work at home day.
My day follows a pretty strict schedule for my daughter's sake. Morning is breathing treatments, breakfast, play time. By noon, we eat lunch and nap by 1 pm (my son has "rest" time in his room). That is my first chance to work of the day! I usually spend time on the computer when they first go down, then I cut out what I will be working on that night. The post office near me closes at 4 pm, so I am generally running out the door at 3:45!! Around 4:30 I start on dinner, then breathing treatment, play, and bedtime! That is when my work day starts- I turn on some netflix and get going!
How many items do you have currently listed in your shop that you used a Create Kids Couture pattern to create?
In all honesty, my items are either CKC, CKC mashup or another designer's pattern that I compare to CKC for sizing!
Where do you find inspiration?
I try keep up with the fabric and style trends. Likewise, I like to keep up with the big name boutiques to see what all the mommas are buying! It a job all in itself to stay "current"!
What is your favorite piece that you have ever created for your boutique?
That is tough! I find a new favorite every time I make something! My favorite right now is probably the most recent item I tested, but that is a secret!
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?
HAHA! Oh man. I have changed and grown a ton during this first year. I don't even make the items I started my shop with. I LOVE what I do now and I have CKC to thank for that! I wouldn't tell myself to change anything, no regrets. I would remind myself how important time with family is, you can never get that back!
I'm sure it's easy to see why we were excited to feature Sibling Rivalry Designs this month! Ashley's kids are adorable, her work is so cute, and she's an inspiration all around. I hope you'll take some time to go visit and show her some love at Sibling Rivalry Designs!
Let's Create! ~ Kristen
