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Mom Run Businesses On the Rise: How to Start Your Own Small Shop
The world of small mom run businesses is on the rise and it's never been easier to start your own. Whether you're a stay at home mom looking to make some extra income or a career woman looking to explore the world of entrepreneurship, starting your own small shop can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In this blog post, we'll explore the ins and outs of starting a mom run business, including tips on how to get started and what you need to consider before launching. Starting a small business can be a daunting task, but if you’re a female-owned small business, you are in a great position to capitalize on the growing demand for mom-run shops. When starting your own small business, it is important to define your niche. You want to make sure that you are offering products and services that fill an existing need and that will draw in customers. Consider what skills and interests you have, as well as your target market. You can narrow down your focus by researching the competition and finding an area where there is a gap in the marketplace. Knowing what makes your business stand out from the crowd is essential for creating a successful small shop. With careful planning and research, you can create a profitable small business that is uniquely yours. It is important to research your products and make sure you are offering quality products to your customers. One way to ensure that your products are high-quality is to purchase from other female-owned small businesses. Many female-owned businesses are run by hardworking moms who understand the needs of their customers. They offer a range of products that are sure to delight and impress. Researching different product lines, reading customer reviews, and gaining an understanding of the competition will help you make informed decisions about which products you should stock in your shop. Additionally, it is a good idea to build relationships with your suppliers and create a network of support to ensure that you have access to the best products available. When starting a female-owned small business, choosing the right name and branding can be crucial for your success. You want your name to be memorable and easy to recognize, but you also want it to reflect the values and mission of your business. It's important to take the time to research potential names and logos that best represent your brand. When selecting a name, make sure it is unique and can easily be searched online. Also consider if your chosen name reflects the products or services you will be offering. Your logo should be professional and reflect the values of your company. Take the time to research professional designers or do-it-yourself options that are available online. You may also want to consider creating a tagline for your business that communicates what sets your business apart from competitors. Take some time to brainstorm creative ideas and narrow down your choices. You can also do some research online to find inspiration for taglines. Creating a strong brand identity is key for any successful small business. A memorable name and logo will help customers recognize and remember your business, which can help you stand out from the competition. With careful thought and planning, you can create an eye-catching and effective brand that helps build customer loyalty. Creating a website or blog for your female-owned small business is a great way to market your products and services. It also allows potential customers to get a better understanding of who you are and what your business stands for. You don’t need to be an expert web designer to create a website – there are plenty of tools available to make it easy. If you want to start simple, consider setting up a blog to share updates about your business, products, and services. This can be a great way to engage customers and offer helpful information while still maintaining a professional look. If you decide to go the blog route, make sure you select a platform that is easy to use and customize. Once you have your website or blog set up, make sure you include clear navigation, easy-to-understand copywriting, and links to social media accounts if applicable. If you want to stand out from the competition, consider adding a customer review section or special offers page. These features will help establish trust and ensure that your website is constantly updated with fresh content. Finally, be sure to add an “about” page to provide background information about your business and the people behind it. This is a great way for customers to connect with you on a personal level and will help build loyalty over time. One of the keys to a successful small business is marketing. As a female-owned small business, you need to be creative and innovative when it comes to marketing your products and services. Start by setting up social media accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to reach out to your target audience. Once you have created accounts on these platforms, post regularly and create compelling visuals that reflect your brand. Utilize SEO tactics to ensure your website is ranking in the search engine results. Additionally, create an email list and send newsletters regularly to keep your customers engaged. Participate in online events, seminars, and webinars where you can share your knowledge and experience with potential customers. Don’t forget about offline marketing strategies such as attending trade shows or launching ads in newspapers and magazines. Last but not least, give away free samples of your products or services to build awareness and generate word-of-mouth referrals. No matter what kind of business you're running, whether it's a female-owned small business or something larger, staying organized and efficient is key to success. With a good organization system in place, you can keep track of orders, customers, finances, and more. Having an efficient system will help your business run smoothly and maximize profits. To stay organized and efficient, start by creating a system that works best for you. This could include using digital tools such as spreadsheets or task management software. You should also create a filing system for important documents and set up processes to ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. Additionally, set up regular timeframes for yourself to review progress and make sure everything is on track. You should also consider automating certain parts of your business. Automation tools can save you time and effort by automating repetitive tasks. This will free up your time to focus on more important tasks, such as marketing and customer service. Finally, delegate tasks when possible to free up more of your time and energy for growing your business. By staying organized and efficient, you can save time and money, increase efficiency, and focus on the bigger picture. This will put you in the best position to grow your female-owned small business into something successful. As a female-owned small business, you need to make sure your customers are given top-notch customer service. Providing an exceptional customer experience can help you build loyalty and gain more customers. Here are some tips to help you offer excellent customer service: • Respond promptly to customer inquiries and feedback. Make sure you respond within a reasonable timeframe and keep customers informed throughout the process. • Show appreciation to customers by thanking them for their patronage. Make sure they know that their business is appreciated and valued. • Listen to customer feedback and complaints and take action to address any issues. Make sure you understand their concerns and use that information to improve your products and services. • Stay in touch with customers on a regular basis. Use email or social media to update customers on new products and promotions. • Provide personalized service when possible. Treat customers as individuals and find ways to tailor your services to their needs. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re offering an exceptional level of customer service to your female-owned small business customers. Show them how much you value their business and make them feel heard and appreciated.
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The Comeback of the Moccasin: Why These Shoes are the Best for Babies and Toddlers
Moccasins are having a huge comeback as the best shoes for babies and toddlers. These classic shoes have been around for centuries, but now more than ever, they are becoming a popular trend for parents to dress their little ones in. Not only are moccasins stylish and comfortable, but they are also great for protecting little feet. In this blog post, we will explore why moccasins are the best shoes for babies and toddlers. The history of moccasins dates back centuries, and the original moccasins were crafted by Indigenous North American peoples as soft sole shoes designed for comfort. Traditionally made from deerskin or other soft leathers, these minimalist shoes were often decorated with beadwork and featured laces or ties at the vamp. Over time, these basic leather moccasins have evolved to include styles made from various materials and featuring intricate designs, fringes, and tassels. Today, moccasins are still popular shoes for adults, but they have also become a trend for babies and toddlers due to their comfort and style. Thanks to new designs and materials, modern moccasins are even softer and sturdier than their predecessors. Plus, they come in an array of colors and styles that make them a fashionable choice for any young child. Moccasins are a great option for babies and toddlers due to the numerous benefits they provide. Moccasins are soft sole shoes, which make them much more comfortable for small feet than regular shoes. They have a minimalist design that does not include many of the bells and whistles found on other footwear, making them lightweight and flexible. The most important benefit of moccasins for babies and toddlers is that they offer protection while still allowing the feet to move naturally. The soft sole allows their feet to flex and grip the ground, helping to strengthen their muscles and balance as they learn to walk. The leather uppers provide some extra cushioning and protection against the elements, yet still allow air to circulate around their feet. Moccasins are also easy to slip on and off, making them the perfect choice for busy parents. The wide range of sizes available means they can accommodate any baby or toddler’s foot size and shape, from the smallest newborn to the largest toddler. Plus, the various styles and colors offer something for everyone, allowing you to choose a pair that perfectly matches your little one’s style. Overall, moccasins are a great choice for babies and toddlers due to their soft sole construction, minimalist design, protection and flexibility. With so many options available, you can be sure to find the perfect pair of moccasins for your little one. Moccasins have been around for centuries, and in recent years, they’ve become a popular choice for babies and toddlers. But, how do you decide which type of moccasin is best for your little one? Here are some of the most popular moccasin styles available today. Soft Sole Shoes: Soft sole shoes are ideal for babies and toddlers. They provide just enough support and cushioning for their little feet while still allowing for flexibility and natural movement. Plus, these shoes come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect fit for your baby or toddler. Minimalist Shoes: If you’re looking for something more modern, minimalist shoes are a great option. These lightweight shoes are designed to provide maximum flexibility and comfort while also providing protection from the elements. These shoes are often made with breathable materials such as mesh or canvas and come in an array of colors and designs. Traditional Moccasins: Traditional moccasins have been around for centuries and are still a popular choice among parents. These timeless shoes provide comfort, style, and durability that can last through many wears. The soft leather uppers make them incredibly comfortable while providing plenty of cushioning for their little feet. Slip-On Shoes: Slip-on shoes are another popular option that is easy to get on and off and provide just the right amount of support. These shoes come in a variety of styles, from casual to dressy, making them a great choice for any occasion. No matter which type of moccasin you choose, you can be sure that your baby or toddler will be comfortable, safe, and stylish in their new shoes! When it comes to finding the perfect pair of moccasins for your baby or toddler, there are a few things to consider. Soft sole shoes are the best option for newborns and infants because they provide a lightweight and flexible base for tiny toes. As your child gets older, minimalist shoes that mimic natural foot movement and flexibility are ideal. When shopping for moccasins, look for features such as breathable materials that keep little feet cool and comfortable in all temperatures, and extra cushioning or arch support to provide extra stability. Make sure the design allows the moccasins to stay securely on their feet – look for straps or adjustable closures. Last but not least, try to find shoes that are durable enough to withstand all of your little one's adventures.
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Minimalist Shoes for Kids: Why Soft Soles Are Better for Growing Feet
Every parent wants what’s best for their growing child. When it comes to their feet, choosing the right shoes is essential. Minimalist shoes for kids are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Soft sole shoes provide more comfort, protection, and flexibility for a child's ever-developing feet. The 26 bones, 33 joints, hundreds of muscles, tendons, and ligaments in each foot, plus 200,000 neuro-transmitters all benefit from the cushion and support of a minimalist shoe. In this blog post, we'll discuss why soft soles are better for kids' growing feet. When babies are born, their feet are soft, pliable and delicate. Babies’ feet contain 26 bones, 33 joints, hundreds of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as 200,000 neuro-transmitters. As they grow, their feet go through a number of changes that make them stronger and better equipped to support them. In the first few months of life, babies’ feet are still very flexible and developing rapidly. It is important for parents to ensure that their baby is not wearing restrictive or tight footwear during this time. As babies get older, their feet start to form into the shape of a foot and the bones start to harden. By the age of two, most babies have all their adult foot bones present and are starting to walk. As toddlers progress, their feet continue to develop and change. The arches in their feet become more pronounced and their toes strengthen. They gain muscle strength and coordination which helps them to take their first steps. During this time, it is important for parents to ensure that their child is wearing shoes that are lightweight and flexible, as these provide them with the best support for developing feet Most of the athletic shoes for babies and toddlers that are on the market today are not suitable for their feet. These shoes typically have thick rubber soles, hard toe boxes, and a variety of other features that prevent the foot from growing and developing naturally. The rubber sole does not provide enough flexibility or allow the foot to move and develop properly, while the hard toe box puts pressure on the toes and can lead to long-term issues. Additionally, the arch support in most of these shoes is too high and can restrict the foot's movement and cause pain. All of these features mean that these shoes do not provide the optimal environment for babies' and toddlers' feet to grow and develop in a healthy way. When it comes to shoes for babies and toddlers, the minimalist approach is best. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children's first shoes should be flexible, lightweight, and fit well. Athletic shoes for kids often don’t meet these criteria. Many have thick soles that limit their feet’s range of motion and can even cause them to walk differently. This can lead to increased risk of developing muscle imbalances, which can affect posture and long-term joint health. Minimalist shoes for kids are the best option for their growing feet. These shoes provide the support and protection a child needs while still allowing the foot to move and develop as nature intended. Minimalist shoes have thin, flexible soles that allow their feet to move naturally while they walk and play. This encourages healthy foot development and allows your child to maintain proper posture. They also promote muscle strength, balance, and coordination in children, which is essential for healthy growth and development. In addition, minimalist shoes are less likely to cause injury. Since they have thinner soles and less cushioning, they won’t absorb impact as much as thicker shoes. This helps protect your child’s feet from fatigue and strain when they’re running and jumping around. Minimalist shoes also help your child get used to natural terrains like grass, dirt, or sand, which can help them learn better balance and body awareness. For all of these reasons, minimalist shoes for kids are the best option for their overall health and development. They provide the support, protection, and flexibility that their growing feet need without compromising their natural movement. Investing in a pair of minimalist shoes for your child can make all the difference in their long-term foot health. Minimalist shoes for babies and toddlers, such as those made with soft, flexible soles, are essential for the natural growth and development of your child's feet. These shoes are designed to provide the maximum amount of protection while allowing the foot to move, flex, and grow naturally. Soft soles allow your child's toes to grip the ground, helping them to develop strong muscles in the feet and ankles. These flexible soles also provide better cushioning and stability than traditional athletic shoes, reducing the risk of tripping or falling. The lightweight materials also reduce strain on the foot and ankle joints, which is especially important for growing children. When shopping for minimalist shoes for kids, look for styles that have a wide toe box to promote natural movement and flexible soles that provide cushioning and support. It's also important to look for shoes made from breathable materials, such as canvas or leather, to keep your child's feet cool and dry. Ultimately, minimalist shoes for kids allow their feet to grow and develop naturally, protecting them from potential injury and helping them to develop strong muscles and joints.
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Let's Talk About Little Love Bug Company's Sole Options
Join our community of wonderful adults already ensuring their kiddos are set up for success with proper shoe wear on Facebook - that can help with all things Little Love Bug. Original Non-Slip Soles These are the soles that started Little Love Bug Company! I was tired of not having a quality moccasin option for my Littles that didn’t shred or get holes in them on the first day of use. And WHAT is with those little dots on the bottom of some of them… GRIP?! In 2017 I introduced my non-slip soft sole moccasins. These bottoms are in line with minimal footwear designs and consist of a zero drop. What is a zero drop? It's where the heel of your foot is the same height as the ball of your foot (no heel). This is super important for your little's foot development. Made of a soft suede leather and rubber grips – They’re soft, light, flexible and have a box toe (so your little’s toes can properly grow and not get squished!). Can they be worn outside? You bet! Are they great for non-walkers just learning to stand – Absolutely! Weatherproof Soft Soles Made of a thin rubber layer these soles are super light, flexible, and … Well… Weatherproof! I introduced these soles in the Fall of 2018 and Mom’s fell in love. Living in Oregon where it rains a lot – I wanted just a tad more assurance that my kids could romp around in the puddles without fear their little feet were getting wet. True to minimalist shoes – These moccs too are boxed toes and zero drop so there’s no crunching or restricting of proper bone growth of those cute little toes! Big Kid Minimalist Sole I was on the hunt for soles that would align with my desire for minimalist soles... And I found them. My 6 year old has tested them out for months now and loves them. I'm slightly obsessed and LOVE that she can wear a zero drop shoe that she loves to romp around in. They're flexible, light, non-slip, and durable. They can fold in half as you can see, but here's a picture of the above shoe not folded: Here they are in the sandals: Some people don't care whether or not the soles are minimalist for their kiddos and that's ok. But in order to better align with my mission I will offer minimalist sourced soles in sizes 6-12. I'm a problem solver - This has solved a problem I felt I faced. Want more information about why soft soles are important? Read more information on why moccasins became a “thing” here, because it’s not just a fashion trend. I know I know - Mind Blown. Low Profile Tennis Shoe The reason these shoe soles were named "tennis shoe", is because the nobles of the late 1800's-1900's used them to play tennis which was growing in popularity. The new construction and characteristics of a tennis shoe allowed the tennis player to get the most support, stability and comfort for their play. The term “tennis shoe” describes any footwear that has a rubber sole that is flexible and an upper that is lightweight and made of canvas or leather. The tennis shoes of today can be credited to Etonic, who originated the all-white low-top rubber soled version of which you’ll see on my site for this sole option. Written by Leslie Nelson for Little Love Bug.
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20201 Holiday Gift Guide
Looking for a thoughtful gift this holiday season? As a small business ourselves, we love to support other mom-owned small shops. We have curated a list of some of our favorites to inspire gifts for all the little ones on your list. Think Big Little People has adorable tees for your Big Thinkers. Each design is hand painted and printed on organic cotton tees for kids. Available in sizes 0-3m to 8, the printed tees are $30 each. While Eventide Pennant Co. is known for their beautiful name pennants, we are also loving their Celebration Calendar. It's a great place to keep track of birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special dates, year after year. The Celebration Calendar is $24, and a great gift idea for that hard to buy for person! Looking for shoes for your little one? Our go-to is Little Love Bug Co. You may recognize their shoes from the collaboration for our holiday photo shoot. Based just around the corner in Portland, Little Love Bug offers soft sole moccasins for littles to minimal sole shoes for bigger kids. Their best selling T-bars start at $34.99. The Creative Learning Co. provides children many opportunities to learn through play. Their Creative Learning Boards™️ range from literacy to math to fine motor skills. We especially love the Art Easel Board™️ for space-saving painting and drawing projects. It's available for $82. Gus + Steel Lounge Sets are perfect for playtime or bedtime. Made from organic cotton, the soft and stretchy fit is a fan favorite. They are available in several colors, in sizes 0-3 through 8/9, and are $52 each. Which one of these is your favorite? We love finding ideas for quality gifts for the little ones in our lives while supporting small businesses. We hope that you are inspired to do the same. Happy Holidays!
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Here's some random facts about me
This is my littlest Love Bug. She grew up in my moccasins. I hope one day... She'll be proud of her Mama. .Here's some random facts about me:I love working out - Orange Theory is my current jam and seeing @bradycarothers when I get there brings me joy (I'm giving him a shout out because I know it'll bring HIM joy)... As well as the rest of the crew. My best friends from growing up also participate and when we get the time to all work out together - THAT makes my day - I've been friends with them for 30+ years..I love true crime podcasts and @glennondoyle - The psyche of people fascinate me. .I have a love/hate relationship with gardening... Which I attribute to growing up with my brother running around in blackberry bushes, a creek, woods, and the fields of Oregon..I picked blueberries as a child.... For money. Child labor was not yet a thing..I was a total Tom boy when I was a kid... But was a dancer most of my life - Music moves my soul..I have a loud laugh. I'm known for it. I love laughing and sarcasm is my favorite..I have two daughters who I adore. I got my degree in Sociology, because all I wanted to do was be a Mom when I grew up..I'm fiercely competitive, which I don't see as a good quality. Because it sometimes hinders me from doing things I think I might enjoy, because I don't like not being good (or the best) at something..I can play the piano..I can play the flute, but I'm terrible at it..I love a good margarita, especially if I'm surrounded with friends (you know who you are!) or family..Starting and running Little Love Bug Company lights a fire under me. I absolutely love it and love the people it has brought in to my life..I adore traveling and learning new things..I believe there is no one better than another. Everyone brings something to the table. .I think it's terribly difficult to find a good friend and yet... I have a lot of them..I love a good nap, but hate that it makes me feel like I've missed out on time I could be doing something productive..I love the sun, so summer is my favorite..Ok. Enough about me. Tell me about YOU! Cause yes :) I read everything 😆
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You will have a different story. Make that story shine.
If I could shield you from the harder parts of life – Just like this… I would. But then again, I wouldn’t be preparing you for the ups and downs that you are sure to face. I need you to understand that life isn’t fair and that it’s what you do with your hardships that will create a better you. I hope, as you grow older, you learn this. You learn that the path you sometimes land upon isn’t the one you expected and that’s ok. Everyone has a different story. You will have a different story. Make that story shine. .You may not understand everything that I do. Perhaps you will one day. But understand that what I want for you is the best that I can offer. It may not be traditional, but I can promise you this. You have a village. A community. And my girls… THAT is what life is about. .Spread your laughter. Live life to the fullest. Take care of your body. Take care of yourself. I’ll be here for all of that. But know, I’ll also be here for you during those times that you need to shed your tears. There will undoubtably be that too. Know as your Momma, my arms will always be here for you. Always.
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Just As You Are
"You are perfect. Just as you are.".Can we dissect this a bit?.I've spent so much of my life worrying about what others think. I've always been driven to be the best. Always feeling as though I fell short. .It started young. Dance? I was good, but not THE BEST. Handwriting in elementary school... No seriously who her
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Why You Should Start Snowshoeing This Winter
Going slow on the snow can help you relish the smallest details.
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