Our Milk Money's March Spotlight member is Jill of Crafty Baby!

1.  Tell us about your business and the service you provide:

Crafty Baby hand crafts fun and functional creations for children.  My line includes napmats, clutch balls, bibs, changing pads, blankets and toddler pillowcases.  Everything is made in the USA and specifically designed for busy parents and active kids.  Bright, fun and durable fabrics are chosen with kids in mind.  Great customer service and a superior product are a huge part of our business model.

2.  How did you decide to get started?

Crafty Baby was founded in 1998 by a love of sewing and a need for practical and durable children and baby products.  I discovered during my pregnancy with my first child that there was a lack of unique, yet classic, fabric crafted items for young children in my local stores.  As a longtime seamstress and crafter, I decided to do something about this dilemna, and Crafty Baby was 'born'.  I credit my attention to detail and quality to my Nana K who first inspired me with a love of sewing at the early age of 4.  My designs are one-of-a-kind and crafted specifically to ensure durability against washing and active little ones.  Fabrics are carefully selected for the highest level of quality and comfort.  Crafty Baby has become a family affair with my children helping to pick out fabrics and field test products.  Crafty Baby is a true home-based family company.  I value our customers and am inspired by the children and families I meet and know.

3.  What kind of background or expertise do you have in your field?

Interestingly enough, I have a Masters in Social Work and no formal training in business or design.  But I have always loved sewing, color and design and have always had a drive to create.

4.  What trends do you see in your current industry?

I think people are becoming more and more tuned into buying American made products.  Consumers are returning to simpler products that they truly need and/or feel an emotional connection to.

5.  What things do you find to be most demanding about your job?

Well, for the past year I have been actively working with the Handmade Toy Alliance to make common sense changes to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).  This well meaning legislation, enacted as a reaction to recalled toys, had sweeping consequences on small batch producers like me.  It's not that we aren't compliant with the legislation, we just can't afford to prove it based on the letter of the law.  So I have been traveling to DC, talking to my members of Congress, the press and just about anyone who will listen, in an attempt to save my business and thousands of others like mine.  Never in a million years did I imagine I would become an activist.  And it is exhausting, and frustrating and incredibly demanding, but I know I am in the right and that my cause is good, so I keep going.

6.  What do you find to be the most rewarding about your job and your day to day routine?

When a child smiles at me and tells me they love their blanket, or ball, or whatever I made for them.

7.  What advice would you give someone else who is interested in starting a business like yours?

Be passionate, be persistent and accept help!

8.  What are you most proud of as a parent-preneur?

That my kids are proud of what I do and want to share it with their friends.

9.  How have you been able to manage your time between work and your family?

Hmm...that's a tough one.  Balancing work and family is always a challenge.  Some days I do it well, while others I feel like I am always playing catch up.

10.  Finally, what does your 'Milk Money' provide for you and your family?

My 'milk money' used to provide for the extras like gymnastics and piano classes, camp during the summer and dinners out.  Now it is providing for clothing and food and day to day living expenses.