Scavenger Hunt Participant - MamaBaby Threads

What is the name of your business and what products do you make (or services do you provide)?

MamaBaby Threads
Handcrafted for mom and baby...by a mom and her baby!

***************************************************

* Knit & Woven Wrap Baby Carriers

* Knit Rebozos: For Late Pregnancy & Labor Use

* Before & After Labor Skirts

* Aromatherapy Neck Rolls & Square Packs

* Swaddle Blankets: Light & Warm Weights

* Baby Burpies & Bibs

* 'BandanaBand' Hair Bands

* Anything Leashes

* Infinity & Open-End Scarves

* Uh-Oh Packs

* Mama Cloth

* Various Custom Made Items

Tell us about the history of your business/company…how did it start?

We started out sewing a few things here and there as new grand-kiddos joined our family. Soon friends began to ask my daughter, "Where did you get that?", immediately followed by, "Can I get one too?". And that's when MamaBaby Threads was born. We are now joined by a daughter-in-law as well.

I grew up in a fairly large family (the first of eleven children) and learned about sustainability and resourceful living long before it was a part of popular conversation!  At MamaBaby Threads, we continue many of the practices I learned years ago.

Priority #1 is to not be wasteful. We cut so as to make full use of our fabrics, that is, with as little as possible getting sent to the "scrap pile".  Since we preshrink almost all fabric, there will be no surprises for the customer; but it does mean that sometimes we are!  In most cases, we are able to make the fabric work...it may be a little narrower or shorter, but the main purpose will not be affected.

What makes your products or services stand out – what makes them special?

We are very particular about workmanship.  After preshrinking, we straighten the grain of all fabrics before cutting to eliminate twisted or lopsided items.  We also hand-tie and triple-knot all thread ends.  These steps require extra time on our end, but help ensure our customers have products that will last.

 

If you are a small business or Work at Home Mom, tell us how you make it all work with your family, kiddos, activities, and other life obligations

We all have very busy lives, so scheduling *work days* requires that we be flexible.  We really enjoy what we do and are especially committed to helping moms (and dads) safely and comfortably wear their babies.

How can someone find out more about your products/services? What is your website?

We are on facebook at www.facebook.com/mamababythreads   Call us at 507-347-3229 and let us know if we can answer any questions.  We love sewing something special for moms and babies!

Scavenger Hunt Participant - Master Creative Designs

What is the name of your business and what products do you make (or services do you provide)?

Master Creative Designs

I make full color personalized labels for chocolate bars and other fun products for your holidays, events and occasions to make your celebrations even more fun.  Chocolate and celebrations make a perfect pair!

What makes your products or services stand out – what makes them special?

We have three sizes of chocolate bars, mintbooks (think a matchbook with a wrapped mint inside) water bottles, and candy arrangements made from personalized products, so we have something for every celebration.  We have literally hundreds of predesigned labels to choose from, and many that I’ve personally designed on my own.  And because I know how important it is that every detail is perfect for your celebrations, I take my time and make sure that you are completely satisfied with the design we’ve chosen or created before we print anything.  I’ve also been known to whip up an order very last minute and love to help accommodate my customer’s needs whenever I can.

Tell us about the history of your business/company…how did it start?

Four years ago, I knew that I wanted to do something fun, and I was pretty sure that I wanted to own my own business, but knew that being a mom first and foremost was very important.  I was presented with an opportunity to purchase some software, and rights to purchase predesigned labels from a supplier company so we started with that.  In the last four years it has grown leaps and bounds beyond being tied to predesigned labels and only using their software.  My favorite thing to do is create something to see my clients smile.  Whether it’s to announce a new baby, wedding favors, just because, or a thousand other reasons, everything that I make comes with a piece of my heart in it. 

If you are a small business or Work at Home Mom, tell us how you make it all work with your family, kiddos, activities, and other life obligations

As a WAHM, and the mom of five, it can get hairy at times when trying to juggle all of our obligations and activities.  But my husband and I made the decision when we started this business, that I was a wife, a mom, and then a small business owner, so that helps to keep our priorities in check.  Sometimes around the holiday’s it can get a little crazy, but I have the best built in helpers a mom could ask for.  My children love to help me count, sort and glue, so it’s a fun family activity. 

How can someone find out more about your products/services? What is your website?

My website is www.MasterCreativeDesigns.com  I also have a facebook page (www.facebook.com/mastercreativedesigns) where I enjoy putting pictures of the products that I’ve created for people to see.  You can find out more information from either place, or you may call or text me at 605-940-0019, or email me at info@mastercreativedesigns.com

Scavenger Hunt Participant - Nana Pants by Betsy

What is the name of your business and what products do you make (or services do you provide)?
Nana Pants by Betsy offers many products through etsy, our web page, and Elegant Mommy.  Currently at Elegant Mommy, we offer wetbags, changing pads, pail liners, key chains, pee pee tee pees, doll diapers, solid, print and embroidered diapers.  

Ruffle Diaper

What makes your products or services stand out - what makes them special?
My specialty item would be the well-made embroidered and ruffled diapers.

Tell us about the history of your business/company...how did it start?
Our journey into modern cloth diapering began months ago when our son and his wife told us of their desire to use cloth diapers on their expected son. During the next several months, with the help of my daughter and her then 2-month old, we have tested and re-tested materials and designs to come up with what really works. We also offer the unique opportunity to have the diapers embroidered to make them personal and fun!

If you are a small business or Work at Home Mom, tell us how you make it all work with your family, kiddos, activities, and other life obligations
The picture above is my inspiration for starting Nana Pants by Betsy...three of my grandsons.  We now have 5 grandsons and a granddaughter due to arrive any day! When beginning Nana Pants, I was also a full-time preschool teacher.  I have now retired from teaching and doing Nana Pants by Betsy full-time.  My daugher, Erin, now helps with sewing, cutting and all-around helping.  My daughter-in-law Amanda, helps with the etsy shop, keeping it up-to-date.

How can someone find out more about your products/services? What is your website?
www.nanapantsbybetsy.com
facebook: Nana Pants by Betsy
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/nanapantsbybetsy

Thanksgiving & Christmas Dipes

More Scavenger Hunt Giveaways!!

So, you all know about our scavenger hunt going on right now (you can find official rules and a link to the submission form HERE), right?

All entries must be received by Saturday at NOON to be eligible to win the amazing Grand Prize/Prize Pack (Seen over there >>>>). Cool looking stuff, huh?

Ok, well....we wanted to give you even more ways to win, so how about even more ways to enter??

All you have to do is "like" all of our participating business' facebook pages (directly from the entry form below - so it's SUPER easy), and you will be entered to win one of FIVE $5.00 gift certificates to Elegant Mommy. How sweet is that??

Just enter below before the end of the day on Saturday (Sept 29) for your chance to win! Winners will be emailed on Monday.

Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Scavenger Hunt Participant - Glam My Baby

What is the name of your business and what products do you make (or services do you provide)?

Glam My Baby, I make blankets, legwarmers, reversible bandana dresses, winter hats, and am currently looking into adding a couple more items this fall.

What makes your products or services stand out - what makes them special?

I believe what makes most of my items special are that they are handmade and aren't mass marketed, so each product has its own unique twist.

Tell us about the history of your business/company...how did it start?

I was on maternity leave in 2010 with my oldest daughter Annika and I was inspired to make the blanket that started it all.   She continues to inspire me to keep the glam going.

If you are a small business or Work at Home Mom, tell us how you make it all work with your family, kiddos, activities, and other life obligations

It’s all about schedules to keep it all going!  I work full time as a Systems Administrator and have four kids.  I keep all kids activities in a calendar and thank god for technology (blackberry) to keep me remembering all that I need to do for kids, work, and me.  Also it doesn’t hurt to have a great husband to help out!

How can someone find out more about your products/services? What is your website?

I have a facebook site www.facebook.com/pages/Glam-My-Baby/301387085863 and www.GlamMyBaby.com.  I also sell at Elegant Mommy in Sioux Falls and looking to sell in Brookings later this fall - stay tuned!

Scavenger Hunt Participant - IttyBitty Lydi

What is the name of your business and what products do you make (or services do you provide)? IttyBitty Lydi

I have expanded recently to make a variety of products, from Tutu's, Headbands, Women's hats, Princess/Birthday Lace Crowns, Chunky Toddler necklaces, OH and dont forget about Barefoot Sandals!

What makes your products or services stand out – what makes them special?

I strive for quality and uniqueness. I guess you can say I have crafting ADD....I cant make the same thing over and over, I am always looking for the next big thing, and working to make my products stand out with attention to detail

 

Tell us about the history of your business/company…how did it start?

It started around Octo 2008. I started with a small group of moms on Hyena Cart called Growing up Green.

If you are a small business or Work at Home Mom, tell us how you make it all work with your family, kiddos, activities, and other life obligations

Some months are better than others. When my husband is working a lot of overtime during the summer months, or at his 2 week guard camp, it's pretty hard to get much done with 2 kiddos running around (1 and 4 years). It's a lot of juggling and getting products finished up during nap time, and after bedtime. Not only is my business MAKING things, it's also a LOT about social media, and getting great product photos too ...and research

How can someone find out more about your products/services? What is your website?

If you are local, stop in to Elegant Mommy. I have a HUGE amount of product there at any given time, otherwise:

http://www.ittybittylydi.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ittybittylydi?ref=seller_info new ETSY shoppe

and of course facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/IttyBitty-Lydi/283906340285

Scavenger Hunt Participant - Boba

The Boba Team

What is the name of your business and what products do you make (orservices do you provide)?  

We are called Boba and we make baby carriers such as the Boba Carrier 3G and the Boba Wrap. 
  
What makes your products or services stand out – what makes them special?
Our focus is on providing parents with a way to stay active while keeping
their children close.  Our Boba Wrap is the perfect choice for newborns and
mimics the womb. The wrap contains 5% spandex which gives it just enough
stretch so that you can tie it snug to your body and it will form around
your child nicely. Our Boba Carrier 3G is designed for newborns to 45lbs.
The body of the carrier is higher than other soft structured carriers and it
comes with footstraps to keep your child’s legs in a 90 degree angle as they
get bigger. 
  
Tell us about the history of your business/company…how did it start?
Robert and Elizabeth designed and sold the first Boba Wrap while travelling
the world with their children. Boba was founded on the idea that modern
parents could be on the move as well as close to their children: Robert and
Elizabeth’s full story can be found on our website:
http://www.bobafamily.com/company/how-

If you are a small business or Work at Home Mom, tell us how you make it
all work with your family, kiddos, activities, and other life obligation
With only 7 employees, Boba is still quite small. We make it work by working
together as a team and helping each other wherever needed.  Our office may
be small but, our assorted skills complement one another nicely!  

How can someone find out more about your products/services? What is your website? 
You can find out more on our website: http://www.bobafamily.com/

Volunteer Sioux Falls is Coming to Educated Mommy!

We have some exciting news!

Educated Mommy has been chosen by Volunteer Sioux Falls to get some work done at our location by volunteers from Meta Payment Systems! Yay! The volunteers will be here on Wednesday, September 26th from 1-5 p.m.

We have decided to have them do some work outside of our entrance (in the back of our building). We have a vision for some landscaping and things to spruce up our entrance back there so it looks more inviting for you, our wonderful patrons!

Since we have made the decision for what we will be having them do, we now have some requests. If you or anyone you know have any of the following items that you would like to donate, please contact us right away! The more donations we receive, the less money we will need to spend on it, and the more money we will be able to spend on bringing you the best and up to date evidence based information through classes, rentals, etc.

We are looking for:

• Weed Block
• Pavers
• Rock
• Plants/shrubs/tall grasses
• Planters
• Shed for storing chairs and tables

Please comment here, send us a facebook message on our Educated Mommy or Elegant Mommy page, or email at shelly[at]elegantmommy[dot]com if you or anyone you know has any of things.

Thank you in advance for helping us make Educated Mommy a comfortable and wonderful place to come!

Childbirth Professional Day - Meet Carrie Caskey

1.      What is your Childbirth Profession?

I’m a long-time childbirth educator and doula, and also provide birth and newborn photography and have supported 20+ doula clients utilizing hypno-techniques during birth.  I’m also part of a WAHM business providing handcrafted items for moms and babies called MamaBaby Threads.

2.       Describe your profession and why someone would want to choose your profession for support in pregnancy and/or childbirth.
I provide information and support for pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum in group classes and in private one-to-one settings.

3.       Why did you get started in your profession?
My husband, Mike and I experienced a very unexpected outcome with one of our pregnancies and afterwards I didn’t have anyone familiar to talk with about it, only strangers.  I knew that I wanted to be a familiar face for others facing pregnancy/birth complications, so within a year I was a certified childbirth educator and later a certified doula.  Over the years I’ve taught hundreds of moms and dads and have attended hundreds of births.  Each person and each birth is unique and special.  And sometimes, when there is an unexpected situation and a familiar face is needed, I’ve been so grateful that I’ve been able to be there to offer comfort and support.

  

4.       In detail, what is your personal childbirth philosophy?

I believe pregnancy, birth and early parenting are normal, natural, healthy and safe life events. I also believe that parents can best prepare for their baby’s arrival by obtaining early and regular prenatal care and attending an interactive class that includes current, evidence-based research that will help them navigate the many decisions ahead of them.  As an experienced educator and provider of labor support, my goal is to help parents have the best birth possible, no matter what the specific circumstances. I am comfortable supporting a very wide variety of birth options depending on each individual's informed choices for their own situation.  Helping new parents build a strong foundation for their own family, starting with the birth of a new baby, is a task I never get tired of!  I enjoy every aspect of my work with expectant moms and dads and eagerly look forward to meeting and assisting them as they explore their own "best choices" for birth and postpartum.

5.       If you could tell all pregnant women in the world something, what would it be?

“Birth is where every life story begins, so:
Trust your body.

Have Patience in the normal, natural unfolding of labor.

Believe in yourself and your ability to birth your baby in
          the very best way for you both.”

6.       How long have you been in your profession? Are you certified? If yes, by who?
Teaching and attending births for 20+ years.  Lamaze International and DONA International.

7.       Do you have a business name? How can people contact you for pregnancy and childbirth support?

Birth and Family Life Center,  www.birthandfamilylife.com  --  call me at 507-347-3229.

8.       Where do you practice?

Sioux Falls and Brookings in South Dakota
Pipestone, Luverne, Marshall and Worthington in Minnesota

Scavenger Hunt Participant - Simply Birth

What is the name of your business and what products do you make (or services do you provide)?

Simply Birth.  I teach the Bradley Method® of Natural Childbirth classes.

What makes your products or services stand out – what makes them special?

I am on the only Bradley teacher for the eastern half of South Dakota.  The Bradley Method® is a "husband (or partner) coached childbirth" method so it's great at preparing not just mom, but also dad for labor and birth.  It's awesome to see couples work together as a team to bring their child into the world.  When a baby is born, it's not just the birth of a baby, but the birth of a family too!  The Bradley Method also has an 87% unmedicated rate.  It works!

Tell us about the history of your business/company…how did it start?

Dr. Robert Bradley created the Bradley Method® in the 1950's and has been taught in Sioux Falls for the last 10-15 years.  I have been teaching for a year and a half.

If you are a small business or Work at Home Mom, tell us how you make it all work with your family, kiddos, activities, and other life obligations

My husband is a "Bradley" dad himself and has been my rock through my two labors.  So seeing that this method works, he knows the importance of teaching it to other couples.  He supports me by taking care of the kids and the house as I teach weekly classes, attend conferences and workshops and prepare my teaching material.  Oh, and afternoon naps allow me time to do the computer work I need to :)

How can someone find out more about your products/services? What is your website?

You can go to www.simplybirthsd.com to find more information as well as register for classes.

Scavenger Hunt Participant - Rebekah Scott Designs!

What is the name of your business and what products do you make (or services do you provide)? 

Rebekah Scott Designs specializes in handmade purses that offer functionality, designability and fashionability. We also offer children's shoes, hair accessories and other purse accessories! 

What makes your products or services stand out – what makes them special? 

Our purses are all hand sewn by the designer, Rebekah Scott. Each purse features 7-8 pockets lining the inside of the purse--fit for cell phones, diapers, baby bottle and wipes! They are also 100% washable--just put it in a pillowcase, tie shut with rubber band and wash as normal! 

Tell us about the history of your business/company…how did it start? 

Rebekah Scott Designs started 9 years ago as a young newlywed trying to pay for Christmas gifts. I decided to cut down my curtains and sew a purse! I continued to save money by sewing purses for my friends and family. Word spread fast and soon I was getting calls from people I had never met placing orders for purses. I started small until it took over my life and I knew that this was something God had prepared me for all my life and it was time to embrace it!

If you are a small business or Work at Home Mom, tell us how you make it all work with your family, kiddos, activities, and other life obligations 

 I am a full time mother and designer, working from home in my new studio. My two children (#3 on the way!) have grown up playing right next to me while I sew. We are very scheduled in our day from breakfast, activities, play time, family meals etc. We keep to our routine to maintain a sense of structure and my kids just don't know any different. There is nothing better than being able to live my dream of designing and sewing while staying at home with my kiddos!

How can someone find out more about your products/services? What is your website? 

www.shoprsd.com  www.facebook.com/shoprsd  www.etsy.com/shoprsd or at Elegant Mommy!

Scavenger Hunt Participant - Stolen Moments Photography

Business name: Stolen Moments Photography 

Services: I offer quality and affordable sessions and pictures. I do Engagements, weddings, seniors, maternity, newborns, kids, family, friends, couples, and special events. If you have an idea of something you need photographed (even if it is not listed) please don't hesitate to contact me! 

What makes my business stand out: Every session is custom to the client(s). There is no such thing as the 'same' photo shoot. I try to implement creative new ideas and I promise to make the session fun, easy, and worth your time and money! 

How my business started: I babysit alot, and I have always loved taking pictures of the kids I watch (with their parents approval of course) just being themselves, playing, and being kids! Parents started asking to see the pictures and they loved them. They asked if I would take their family pictures, pictures at their first birthday party, ect. I started out doing them for free and I made a quick and simple Facebook page for the families to see the pictures I had taken. Random strangers began finding my page and asking how much I charged. I soon decided to start Stolen Moments Photography as a business with the help from my best friend (Stacy). She is my assistant and has been a HUGE part of this business and why it's so sucessful. She helps me whenever I need it. I am now doing about 5 sessions a week. I have only been doing this 9 months and I've done over 60 sessions and have 3 weddings booked. 

This is me!

How I make it work: The crazy part about this all is...I am a junior in high school and running the business between friends, family, sports, babysitting, and the other demands of being a young teen high school girl. My life is often very crazy and busy but I love what I do and I can't imagine any other life. The key for me is to find a good balance between school, friends/family, sports and running the business.

Business info:

Facebook page name: Stolen Moments Photography (By: Brianna Claassen)
                     Email: stolen_moments_photography@hotmail.com
                     Phone: 605-553-4211
                     Website: www.wix.com/briannaclaassen/stolenmomentsphotography

Scavenger Hunt Participating Business - Bamboobies!

Each of the businesses that are participating in the online scavenger hunt at the end of this month have been invited to be a featured business on our blog. So, the first business we will be featuring is Bamboobies! We know how much you love their wonderful nursing pads, but what do you know about their company? Well, wonder no more...

What is the name of your business and what products do you make (or services do you provide)?
Bamboobies makes soft, comfortable, sustainable breastfeeding products. Our products include Bamboobies regular and overnight nursing pads, the Chic Nursing Shawl, Boob-ease Therapy Pillows, and Boob-ease Natural Nipple Balm.

What makes your products or services stand out – what makes them special?
Our nursing pads are the softest pads available, and the only fabric nursing pads with a milk-proof backing.  All of our products are made of sustainable materials and are produced using Fair Trade labor practices in Colorado.

Tell us about the history of your business/company…how did it start?The story of Kerry Gilmartin, Bamboobies founder and Breastfeeding Mom of Three:

"Armed with a business degree, an entrepreneurial background and exciting products and mission, I've taken off running... I've started other businesses, but I've never felt so committed and excited.  

Nursing my children for the last 4+ years has enabled me to develop great products -- and has kept me grounded.  I didn't have an easy time breastfeeding in the beginning and I hope to help others with the new challenges of motherhood as others have helped me.

Hearing that Bamboobies helped a new mother's cracked nipple heal -- that a woman felt she could continue to nurse because of our products makes my day!  

I haven't done it alone:  

My thanks goes out to all the new-mom testers, our seamstresses, our sales and marketing team, our first retailers, our lactation consultants, our fellow mom-preneur pals and my ever-supportive husband and family.

Designing the perfect Bamboobies and nursing wraps with fun, hip marketing has been challenging, but we've finally done it! " 

If you are a small business or Work at Home Mom, tell us how you make it all work with your family, kiddos, activities, and other life obligations
Here is a link to an interview from Working Mother magazine, in which founder Kerry Gilmartin talks about work family balance: http://www.workingmother.com/entrepreneur-mom/kerry-gilmartin-built-better-breastfeeding-pad.

Her top 4 lessons are:
1 Don’t quit your day job. Creating a business takes lots of time and money. Working at your 9-to-5 ensures you’ll have enough cash to cover the cost of your new business’s needs without dipping into your household funds.

2 Stagger your investment. By making small financial investments in your business over time, you’ll make better-informed decisions and be less likely to blow through your savings.

3 Seek wise-mommy advice. I’ve received great tips from fellow mom entrepreneurs on what it takes to grow a business and what mistakes to avoid. Women are the greatest resource for sharing information.

4 Set goals. It’s motivating to have reachable short-term goals. Once you accomplish your immediate objective, work toward the next one. There’s no end to the number of goals you can have for your business.


How can someone find out more about your products/services? What is your website?
www.buybamboobies.com

To Supplement...Yes or No?

The following excerpt has been borrowed from The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. Knowing how to handle nursery time after your precious baby is born is a very important topic to be clear on before your baby arrives. Check out what LLL has to say about it here:

In the hospital your constant refrain should be that you do not want your baby to be given any artificial nipples, especially bottles of water or formula and you do want to be able to breastfeed him often. This is very important because artificial nipples and supplementary formula are the greatest deterrents to establishing a good milk supply. Frequent nursing will also help to prevent jaundice in your newborn. Your milk is regulated by what your baby takes, and the more he nurses, the more milk your breasts produce. if your baby is given formula, he will take less from the breast. Also, your baby will be confused if he is given an artificial nipple.

A baby is particularly vulnerable to nipple confusion in the first few days because he is learning how to suck properly. A baby uses his tongue, jaws, and mouth differently when sucking on an artificial nipple. If he is given bottles or other artificial nipples at this point, it may be a long hard struggle before he learns to breastfeed effectively.

If you do not have rooming-in, be sure to let everyone know that you want your baby brought to you as often as he wants to be fed. This should be at least every two hours during the day and whenever he wakes at night. Babies need to be fed at night and if your newborn is not brought to you, he may be receiving a bottle of water or formula in the nursery.

Problems caused by hospital routines can often be avoided if it is possible for you to room-in with your baby. Rooming-in allows you to have your baby in your room for all or most of the time. You care for the baby, and others care for you.

Don't forget that this Thursday evening (13th) at 6:30, Educated Mommy hosts Sioux Falls' La Leche League, and all breastfeeding (or soon-to-be breastfeeding) moms are welcome!

~Evie

Don't Miss Out!!

Ok, so this month is going to be a great one here on the blog!

We are holding (are you ready for this??)......................an Online Scavenger Hunt!!! Woot!!

Ok, so what in the world is an online scavenger hunt, you ask?

Well, let me explain a little (official rules will be posted on our website later this month - just check out our "Upcoming Events" link from our home page):

• We have many businesses who will be participating in our event. 
• Each business is contributing something to our grand prize
• To enter for your chance to win, you, our "Players" will have to find an icon (that will be revealed later) on each of our participating business' websites.
• Once you find each hidden icon, you just enter the link to the page that you found it on in the form that will be provided.

Everyone who enters all links correctly will be entered to win our grand prize, which will be a combination of wonderful things from all of our participating businesses!

Leading up to the actual hunt (which will take place the last week in September), we will be featuring the participating businesses right here on the blog, so be watching for all of the great businesses and products available to win and purchase!

So, get ready for some September FUN here - and don't miss out!!

~Evie