http://cutiepatutus.com
Marketmommies: Tell us about your business.
Amanda: Cutie Pa Tutus started out as what we called ‘a whole new spin’ on tutus, but has now grown to encompass much more! We began with a gorgeous array of tutus with colorful pompoms floating inside the securely sewn layers of tulle (out of reach of curious fingers) which we call Pa Tutus. Thanks to my son, who was upset that we were only making “stuff for girls,” we branched out to start making personalized, reversible super hero capes for both boys and girls. Then a few months ago we partnered up with another mommy biz, Kota Couture, to offer matching tops for our tutus. We’ve worked together to introduce our new line of Tee-Tu’s, a tee shirt dress with a tutu ruffle. And finally, we introduced our new line of Pa Tutu Onesies and Special Occasion Dresses two weeks ago.
We started as a way for me to make extra Christmas money, and have grown to be in over 60 retail stores across the nation! We’re also in
Marketmommies: How did you get started.
Amanda: It all started when my daughter was invited to her first princess party. I wanted her outfit to include a tutu, but was frustrated by the options available online; they were either cheaply made or too expensive. So I borrowed a sewing machine and sat down to sew for the first time in over 20 years, since making clothes for my Barbie dolls. The end result was a tutu filled with colorful pompoms that all the moms at the party just died over….and my inner light bulb went off. I thought perhaps I could make these to sell and earn some extra money for Christmas that year. I made a quickie website and started marketing my product…and the rest is history in the making! I ended up with a business where I could work from home and be with my children, which was my biggest goal in life since they were born.
Amanda: My daughter was the inspiration for making the first tutu, and my son was my inspiration for making the super hero capes. But I imagine my father was my inspiration for going into business. He always told me that I could do anything I wanted to do, and that I’d be successful as long as I worked hard.
Marketmommies: What has been the biggest learning curve?
Amanda: My biggest learning curve has probably been how to juggle family and the business. It’s very hard to do both, especially when I wanted this business to be able to be home with the kids more….and I ended up working harder than I ever thought I would!
Marketmommies: What are the pros/cons of having your own business?
Amanda: Probably the biggest con is working so hard, and seeing how long it takes for the profits to accumulate. The first couple of years in business is really difficult, especially when it’s a production type company where supplies must be purchased, labor must be paid, etc.
The biggest pro is that even though I work harder than I’ve ever worked, I have a flexible schedule that allows me to be available to take my kids to school, after school activities, be home when they’re sick, have ‘mommy & me’ days, etc. My children are the most important thing in my life, and having time to spend with them is of utmost importance to me.
Marketmommies: How do your find your balance between your family and your business?
Amanda: I’m not sure that I have! I take advantage of every moment they’re in school or daycare or summer camp to work, place calls, market, etc. Then when the kids get home, the work gets put on hold for a few hours, until bedtime rolls around. Then it’s back to work until I can’t hold my head up anymore! Thankfully business has been super busy, so it’s a good problem to have.
Marketmommies: What advice do you have for moms with their own business, or moms who are thinking of giving it a try?
Amanda: Do your homework, and be prepared!! Do a complete business plan, do your research. Assess your costs of doing business, and secure a loan before you go into business. But research, research, research!!!
I also can’t stress the importance of networking, even through social networking platforms like Twitter, Facebook, etc. Meeting other moms in business has been a great perk AND a huge help in growing my business! I met my current business partner through a mommy blog, and have traded ideas, suggestions, tips, etc. with all my Twitter, Facebook and blog pals. They’ve been a source of inspiration and support, and I’m so glad I “met” them all!
Marketmommies: Tell Us about your family.
Amanda: My son is turning 6 in three weeks, and just lost his first tooth (he’s so excited!!) and my daughter just turned three. They’re wild and crazy and as sweet as can be, and they’re my whole reason for each breath that I draw!
Marketmommies: Anything else you would like to add?
Amanda: I can’t tell you how much I appreciate MarketMommies.com and what Toni’s done for Mom Businesses! Being a mom running her own business is quite possibly the hardest job ever, and we need all the help & support we can get. Toni has been invaluable in her selfless drive to help moms in business, and I’m so thankful that I met her! And finally…..thanks for supporting Mom-Owned Businesses!
((( Thank you so much Amanda! For the Marketmommies love!))
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