Do you ever come across a booming shop online run by a SAHM or see a mama running her own business while juggling a family & wonder how she does it all? I know I do!

This season, I am highlighting some of my favorite small businesses run by moms right here in Maine! My wish is that through these interviews, you feel inspired by these incredible mamas to take the next step in following your own dreams or consider supporting these mamas as they work hard to continue pursuing theirs. 

Though my family keeps our gift giving small, we try to be incredibly intentional about how & where we spend our dollars. I know for a fact that we can make an impact in our own community by supporting small businesses & those run by other mums have a special place in my heart. ♥

This series just keeps getting better and better… I know that being a Mainah n’ all… I’m naturally a bit obsessed with our little piece of the coast but seriously, you don’t have to be from Maine or even have visited Maine to appreciate all the hard work being done here! Our next “Mama in Small Biz”, Kristina Grabarz – Owner of Two Little Beans & Co. uses her home state as inspiration for her work and she’s taking a break from her holiday release to tell us all about it…

 

 

 

 

Interview with Kristina Grabarz – Owner of Two Little Beans & Company:

1. What is your business & what product or service do you specialize in? Two Little Beans & Co. specializes in clothing and accessories for children. I strive to create functional and durable products. I love using fabrics that are influenced by the Maine coast and incorporate bright colors and eco-friendly materials. From baby booties and bibs which will keep your baby’s shirt dry and tiny toes warm, to superhero capes that allow your child’s imagination to run wild; each item is handmade with great care and attention to detail.

2. How & when did you start your business? In 2014, I had just returned to work from maternity leave. I always dreamed of staying home with both of my boys and after many tough mornings dropping them off at daycare, we as family, made the decision that if I was going to take the plunge into staying home, this was the time to do it. Two months later (Feb 2015), I started Two Little Beans & Co. thinking it would be the perfect balance of my creative outlet as well as providing some “me” time at night. I began selling baby booties and Superhero capes and have since expanded to many clothing items as well as wholesaling our products to a number of brick and mortar retailers across Maine and New England.

3. What is your WHY? Not just the practical reason for starting your own business but what drives you to keep going? I love picturing all the babies that will be wearing each item I make – taking their first steps, playing and growing up! It is important to me that I design well-made, durable and equally fun items that will last (and that can be easily cleaned!) Another aspect of the business that has became important to me is for my boys to see the importance of working hard for what you want. I want this business to be successful and I work hard each day to make sure that happens. Although they are likely too young now, I hope one day they can see how hard I have worked to follow my dream of running a successful business.

4. Tell us a little bit about your family dynamic? I met my husband in second grade! We grew up going to the same schools and having the same friends. We got married in 2009, had our first son in 2011 and welcomed our second son in 2014. It is so special to watch them grown up. They have a very special bond that I hope continues as they get older. My two sons are the inspiration behind most of the products that I create. I’m excited to see how my products will evolve as they get older too…

5. How do you balance work & family life? Balance is tricky especially during the busy summer and holidays. Most of my work takes place during nap time and after my sons go to sleep. The holiday season is always crazy so sometimes that means; 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there… to get it all done on time!

6. What is the most rewarding part about owning your own business? Hands down, the part where I get to set my schedule. I work around my boy’s days; which means I can rock my youngest son to sleep at naptime and volunteer in my son’s kindergarten classroom. I am also surprised how much owning my own business has forced me to reach out of my comfort zone. I am an introverted person by nature but owning a business means you need to put yourself out there! These past few years, I have really enjoyed taking part in craft shows and meeting face-to-face with the customers and babies that will be using my products.

7. What is the most challenging part of owning your own business? Just as it is the most rewarding, it is also the most challenging – being in charge of setting my own schedule. It means I need to be disciplined and make sure to plan out each day because it is just me doing everything from cutting to sewing, packaging, marketing and all aspects in between.

8. What is one way you give back or support fellow moms or small business owners?This year I created a collection of baby booties and dresses – inspired by an amazing little girl, named Jordan. 100% of the sale of the items in the ‘Jordan Collection’ are donated (and will continue to be donated) to The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation; a non-profit organization funding research for a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (I would love for you to learn more by visiting www.thegsf.org)

9. How do we as consumers impact your family when we support your small business?There is a quote that I love which says, “When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance.” And, it’s true! Every order I get brings a smile to my face and I am so humbled and honored to be able to make each and every item.

10. What has been the best compliment, review or piece of feedback received from a client or customer? {Yes, we want you to toot your own horn!} One mom reached out to me and said, “You made my son his first pair of shoes!” – that meant a lot. It is really fun to think about all the “firsts” little ones might be experiencing while wearing something I have made!

 

 

In my opinion, there isn’t much better than giving or receiving handmade baby goodies. To think of having my babies wear something made with love & then passing it onto the next babe or friend to be loved all over again, makes my heart quite happy! Can we just take a minute to talk about alllll the cuteness that is the prints in their shop; the plaid, lobsters and… wait for it… Christmas sets! If you’re not already hovering over the link to the shop, you better hurry cause’ they’re offering my followers a special discount code below!

 

USE PROMO CODE: ‘MOMMY15’ for 15% OFF!

{Valid at checkout through 12/31/16}

 

∴ SHOP TLB&CO HERE · LIKE TLB&CO HERE · FOLLOW TLB&CO HERE ∴

 

 

→ If you missed our other “Mamas in Small Biz”, you can read previous posts in the series HERE!

 

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• I did not receive any form of compensation for this post. I support other moms out of the kindness of my heart in hopes that you will do the same!