Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Patouche. In their words:
"Patouche is a collection of heirloom children's wear designed and made in Canada. Our goal is to create clothing that children enjoy wearing and parents will want to pass on or treasure as keepsakes."
SouleMama: How long have you been in business?
Kessa: I
launched the business in Fall of 2008. I was at home with 2 kidlets and
in need of a creative outlet. I was struggling with the fact that
though my days were busier than ever, I had little to show for myself at
the end of the day. I'm very product oriented was disheartened by the
fact that so much I did in a day was "undone" over and over. I started
sewing clothes for my kids during naps and after bedtime. Once I got
started, I couldn't stop.
Kessa: Unless I am out of town for tradeshows, I work during school hours. In a typical week, I spend three days a week at the studio. That's where I process orders, work on new products and manage with the administrative side of the business etc. The other two days are spent running errands: shopping at suppliers, shipping out goods and fitting in yoga or exercise classes.
SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?
Kessa: My son, like most kids, has an active imagination and was convinced he was a pirate when he was 3. Despite my best efforts to keep toy weapons out of the house, he managed to turn everyday objects into cutlasses, swords and spears-not to mention the collection of sticks he amassed on nature walks. He would want to wear his "swords" constantly and I finally caved and created him his first pair of "pirate pants" complete with sword holder and treasure pocket. He wore them for 3 days straight.
SouleMama: What advice do you have to a new artist/crafter/maker looking to make a business out of their passion?
Kessa: Align yourself with other start-ups. There is power in numbers and the wider your group of fellow entrepreneurs the easier time you will have of it. It is essential to have a community around you as your build a business-be each others sounding boards, cheerleaders and champions. Starting your own venture can be a daunting task and having others to call on for support and advice in invaluable.
For today's giveaway, Patouche is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:
~ a little red riding hood cape OR a pirate pant/hat/sword set
(ages 2-6T)
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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winner is....
lovely! thanks for turning me on to another great canadian small business!
Posted by: faro
