Summer Sidewalk Sale!

In celebration of our wonderful summer weather, we're having our first SUMMER SIDEWALK SALE!
Good thru Sunday, July 26th at 6pm, Hand Picked Pumpkin is offering 25% off all orders. To redeem this very special offer, enter SIDEWALK in the coupon section at check-out.
Happy shopping.

Connections: Resa Design

Today's featured connection is Resa Troyer of Resa Design. Resa called me last year to talk about my experience at a celebrity swag event. Since then we've exchanged emails about all aspects of running a small business. As a small business owner I am so grateful to have so many new friends like Resa to exchange ideas with. As you'll see from her site, we've got very similiar taste in fabric too!
Here's what Resa has to share with us about Resa Design.

Describe your product/service?
Resa Design offers baby accessories and clothing made for YOUR BABY in YOUR STYLE. No ducks for sheep allowed! Only super modern and stylish prints on everything from bibs to "un-cheesy" Sibling Tees. Hand made by mom’s in the USA.


Why did you create it?
When my son was born in 2004, the baby market was a sad sad place to shop. I couldn’t find accessories that fit my style and were affordable. I was looking for a compact changing pad that would fit in my very un-diaper bag (aka purse). I couldn’t find one, so I made my own. I’ve always kind of ran that way. Can’t find it, make it. Most of our products have developed this way. Resa Design became a ‘real’ company in 2005 after I gave away so many changing pads and a blanket I made at the time, people were asking to buy them. The rest is water under the bridge.


Why do you produce locally (made in the USA)
I’m a control freak. Seriously, the thought of even having our products sewn in someone else’s house keeps me up at night. Ok, well I don’t really loose sleep, but I do think about it a lot. I am proud to employ other moms, grandmas, and right now some college students. We want to continue doing this as much as we can. At some point, we might need to look into larger manufacturing options, but this wouldn’t work for all our products. If you own a Resa Design product purchased between 2005-2007, it’s most likely that I made with my own hands. I kind of think that’s part of the fun of it all. Besides, the business side of Resa Design, makes my head spin.


What are you most proud of?
Besides my wonderful husband and two creative boys, I’m proud that I stepped out and started this company. I remember the days of it’s inception. Late nights brainstorming with my husband. At one point he said, “Just do it. Take the chance. If it fails, we haven’t lost that much money really.” It was a chance I’m glad we took. I can’t count how many mom’s have told me how they wish they could step out and follow a dream they have too. I hope that I’m a role model to other parents, and young women, to follow your gifts and see what they have for you.


What is your big thought (next bit step) for your company?
If I told you I’d have to..... Just kidding. Right now we are trying to figure out how to grow without loosing control (told you I’m a control freak). We are working on a redesign of our web site, hiring local mom’s to support us, and we do have some new products in the works. Be on the look out for a blanket that’s worth keeping, more custom items, and great new fabrics.

Thanks for sharing Resa!

Chicago Gift Show: Living and Giving

If you are visiting the Chicago Gift Show: Living and Giving, be sure to visit us at Market Suite Temporary 8-3062A Saturday, July 19th thru Tuesday, July 22nd.

Visit HPP at The Atlanta International Gift Market

We're selling our Fall/Winter Limited Edition ready-made line and brand new Essentials for Baby layette line
July 8 - 15th at the
Mama Mia Showroom
250 Spring Street Building 3 -13E109A
Atlanta, GA 30303
Be sure to visit us if you are in town!

Connections: Four Peas

Today's featured Connection is Casey Baca of Four Peas. Sarah and Sarah of Custom Made for Kids introduced us this Spring. One week after meeting Casey in Chicago we caught up at ENK where she invited Hand Picked Pumpkin to join the Mama Mia Showroom. Casey has been helping me expand the wholesale side of my business. Besides introducing me to the Atlanta showroom Casey has invited Hand Picked Pumpkin to join Four Peas at the Chicago Gift Show later this month.

Here's what Casey has to share with us about her line of designer bags.

1. Describe your product/service? Four Peas offers a great variety of hip and cool bags for kids. We offer toddler, school and lunch bags as well as
messenger bags that are even loved by adults.

2. Why did you create it? Four Peas actually started with a different idea,and the backpacks were just a part of the "big" plan. But people loved the unique designs so much, the company is not focused only on bags.

3. Why do you produce locally (made in the usa)? We work with a
manufacturer in Oak Park, IL but do such volume that we produce with their
affiliate in China.

4. What are you most proud of? My children. I feel extremely lucky to have had four beautifully healthy daughters, and that I have such great help and support that I am also able to run Four Peas.


5. What is your big thought (next bit step) for your company? We are going to expand into even more types of bags. We launch new designs each year,
but will roll out many more in 2009 than we have in the past, and we are
working on other great, stylish, but still very useful bag ideas. We will
also be working with a new company to bring in charms that match the bags
"characters" that will hang from the zippers on the bags. They will be
super cute and also a great collectible for the kids.

Thanks for sharing Casey!

Connections: Ruffle Butts

Today's featured Connection is Amber from Ruffle Butts. I introduced myself to Amber after seeing Hand Picked Pumpkin mentioned in her blog. Turns out Amber learned of Hand Picked Pumpkin via a mutual friend. Since that first email exchange, Amber and I have had many a conversation about marketing, press, local production and sales. Although Ruffle Butts is based in Florida, we've actually interviewed many of the same Chicago manufactures.

1. Describe your product/service?
RuffleButts is a fun & frilly clothing line for little angels. Bringing back the diaper cover of my childhood, this brand is designed to bring a smile to your face! We also offer personalized RuffleButt Bloomers on our website, which makes for a fabulously unique baby gift.

2. Why did you create it?
I have always wanted to start and run my own business, but when I had my "light bulb moment" with RuffleButts, I knew this was what I was meant to do. The little angels of today were completely deprived of their little ruffled bloomers, and I just couldn't allow that to happen!! I also love the big smile that inevitably appears on the faces of moms and grandmas alike as soon as they see their little angel decorated in rear ruffles. After working in other industries, it was important to me to create a business that was based on strong ethics and business principles. With all of the responsibilities that come with business ownership, also comes the control to do things "the right way" and that is an incredible opportunity.

3. Why do you produce locally (made in the usa)?
Unfortunately, we manufacture most of our products overseas. The majority of our production is done in the Dominican Republic, with limited replacements made in Chicago. Although, all of our fabric and trim is sourced here domestically. I wish I could say that we proudly manufacture USA, but it has been extremely challenging for us to find a reliable and affordable manufacturer here in the states. It has been challenging overseas as well, but so far, that has been our best option.

4. What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the fact that I run my business by the Golden Rule, and with everything I have experienced through this start-up, I have held strong to this belief. I am also so very proud when I receive pictures of our adorable little customers in their brand new RuffleButts! It is the customer satisfaction and joy that gives me that sense of satisfaction at the end of the day and keeps me going to the next.

5. What is your big thought (next bit step) for your company?
We are finally at a point where I feel like I have a handle on production and daily logistics. My next big step is to bring on larger retailers to share our products with more wonderful moms and little angels around the world. We just received a huge shipment of inventory, so I am ready to sell, sell, sell! We have been so blessed with the fabulous response we have received to our products in this first year, so I am very excited to see what lies ahead for our little ruffled brand.


Thanks for sharing with us Amber!

Connections: Blue Sky Papers

Our featured Connection today is Courtney Bartik of Blue Sky Papers. A mutual dear friend of ours introduced us after listening to us talk to her about similar local manufacturing and small business marketing issues. I am very grateful to have friends such as Courtney to discuss all the start up challenges that we entrepreneurs face.

Here's what Courtney has to share with us about her personalized keepsake business.

1. Describe your product/service?
Blue Sky Papers is a company that hand-makes, high-quality keepsake books and guest books. We sell themed kits, where everything needed is included, such as baby shower keepsake books, baby memory books, legacy books and wedding guest books. We also provide custom services.

2. Why did you create it?
My flagship keepsake book, and the reason to be, is the baby shower keepsake book. I created this gift for a dear friend for her baby shower. I wanted something original, that would set the day apart from all others and would be meaningful. And the baby shower keepsake was born!

3. Why do you produce locally (made in the USA)?
I do this because I believe in the US. I try to live by my values and I am proud to make product here in the US. I would not be proud selling out to China what I could do here - have local people and businesses support each other. Keep in mind that this decision is tough because in the novelty market, where the majority of the manufacturers make overseas, the competition is fierce. It is a decision I face on a regular basis, but it is the one that is closest to my heart.

4. What are you most proud of?
I am proud of my accomplishments in such a short period of time. I am proud of my contribution in creating joy and meaning in the lives of others. I have a page on my web dedicated to the stories people have shared where my products have touched them. The great testimonials of how my product heightened their special day LITERALLY make my day. THIS is why I do what I do.

5. What is your big thought (next bit step) for your company?
Oh, my! There are so many directions I could take my company. I am really focused on Internet business right now - it is almost the only way I can stay in business - selling direct to the customer. I can't wait to get back to product creation! I have a bunch of ideas up my sleeve. I am going to try to license some of them to other large companies with distribution channels as I feel that mine is limited. And with all the knock-offs, I can't afford to put out an original idea without the sales channels to push the product.

Thanks for sharing with us Courtney!

Many thanks to Handmade Boutique

Many thanks to Handmade Boutique for featuring Hand Picked Pumpkin on their lovely site.

The Handmade Boutique prides its self on directing their users to the best handmade items available on the web. They hand-pick every designer featured to ensure quality.

Hand Picked Pumpkin prides itself on the quality of their custom couture line of baby clothing and is elated when attention is drawn to that platform.

Connections: CADDi

Today our featured Connection is about someone I very recently met. Barbara Hranilovich plopped down next to me at the recent Ladies Who Launch LIVE event (which I spoke about a few weeks ago) here in Chicago. It is because of Barbara's motivating words on that day that I signed up for LWL incubator intensive (which leads into a whole new topic and series of posts). Here's what Barbara has to share with us about her beverage CADDI.

1. Describe your product/service?
The CADDi is a personal beverage carrier. It fits most standard tapered cups for hot or cold beverages. It's a convenience accessory, letting people carry beverages with a single finger.
This leaves hands free for the phone, keys, door handles, suitcases, strollers and umbrellas. Swinging a beverage is a lot more relaxing than maintaining that familiar crooked-writs pose.

2. Why did you create it?
I woke up with the idea. I thought it was either really dumb or really smart. A survey gave me the confidence to pursue it. For some time I've wanted to take a mass-production idea from concept to the street and it's been a great and fascinating learning experience. Since I'm a make-one-sell-one artist, I've looked for something that could bring in another stream of income that can continue whether I'm at the drawing board or not.

3. Why do you produce locally (made in the USA)?
Unfortunately, I don't. My contact is in Atlanta, but the product is made in China. I have pursued manufacture here, but have not even managed to get people to call back. I've had a couple of false starts, but no follow-through. I decided that if I can get the item to take off I may have more credibility and the ability to get the CADDis made here. My wish is to have organic ones made in Michigan some day.

4. What are you most proud of?
I'm proud that I've stuck with it. I have a short attention span and this has required several years of development and early marketing and more patience than I thought I had. I've also faced a lot of unknowns and it hasn't killed me yet.

5. What is your big thought (next bit step) for your company?
Simply - sales. It's a very unfamiliar and uncomfortable arena for me. Sales may seem simple, but to me it's VERY big. I'm trying to introduce a whole new concept, so there's the chicken-egg thing. People won't buy them if they don't know what they are. They won't know what they are till people use them. For many reasons I'm concluding my current market is marketing and events...sports, trade shows, conferences, concerts etc. This was where I started a couple of years ago, but it took be awhile to come back around to that as a focus market.

Thanks for sharing Barbara! And thanks for inventing a product to help those of us who frequently have coffee plus much more in hand.

New fall/winter limited edition line in design phase

I'm in the process of designing a new limited edition ready-made girls line for fall. The line will feature our best sellers including the flare pant, long sleeve lap tee, reversible hoodie, shirt dress and crew playsuit.
I just love our newer fabric Carnival Bloom so I'll be using that print in several of the designs. Carnival Bloom is one of those fabrics that makes you smile. I also love it because it compliments so many of our woven offerings including: daisy cocoa, daisy pink, tiny check cocoa, dumb dot brown, and cherry good old stripe just to name a few!

Connections: Custom Made for Kids

I've met so many wonderful people on this new entrepreneurial adventure. The other day I started thinking I should talk more about their products and the people behind the brands; so I've started a Tuesday post titled, Connections. Connections will feature the founder(s) of companies who have lent support, inspiration, ideas, friendship - I'm sure you get the point!.

I met the founders of our first featured company, Custom Made For Kids last fall. Sarah and Sarah (who also live just outside Chicago) called to chat about my experience with the Boom Boom Room. We met for coffee and have been emailing about business since. I asked Sarah and Sarah of Custom Made For Kids to share a bit about their incredible adventure!

1. Describe your product/service?

"The First Adventures of Incredible You" is one of the most highly personalized children's books on the market today. Customers are able to "build" a one-of-a kind book at the Custom Made For Kids website (www.CustomMadeForKids.com) by inserting over 20 personal facts about a child and the people and places that are most important to that child. From tasting a favorite food to cheering on a beloved sports team to visiting a special vacation spot or park, this rhyme-based book celebrates the first adventures of every young child that "stars" in it. By personalizing these experiences, "The First Adventures of Incredible You" highlights the connection between children and the people and places that are special to them in their young lives.

There is also a dedication page in the full-color, hardcover book where you may provide a personal message so that the child will always remember that this thoughtful gift came from you. The delightful illustrations are cleverly executed so that the book is perfect for any child -- no matter what their sex, race or family structure. "The First Adventures of Incredible You" makes a memorable keepsake that both children and parents alike will cherish for a lifetime.


2. Why did you create it?

We really enjoyed receiving personalized gifts as mothers of young children and we recognized a hole in the personalized book market that we thought we could fill. We noticed that there were very few high quality, hardcover personalized books on the market, and those that did exist only had the child's name and birth date available for insertion in the book. We wanted to bring the personalized book business to the next level and offer a book that had 20+ details available for inclusion and really make the child feel that the book was written especially for them (without costing a fortune at $32.95)!


3. Why do you produce locally (made in the usa)?

We wanted to work very closely with our printer to be sure that our customers received the highest quality book possible. We were able to view and approve all of the color and page quality in person before any printing was done. The comments we have received from customers and press on the high quality paper and eye-popping colors in this book have made it all worth while!


4. What are you most proud of?

We love hearing from our customers about the reactions their children have when they receive our books. They can't believe it when they hear their names as well as their friends' and family members' names repeated through out the book. We are also very proud of being chosen by Pottery Barn Kids to be carried in their online catalog. That pretty much gave us affirmation that we had an excellent product on our hands and that all of our hard work was paying off!


5. What is your big thought (next bit step) for your company?

People are already asking us (after only offering the book since August of 2007) when our next book is coming out. So, we plan to develop some additional personalized books and we hope to add some complimentary products to go with our books. We are also just trying to enjoy this exciting ride as well!

Thanks for sharing Sarah and Sarah!

Custom Made For Kids is offering Hand Picked Pumpkin readers 15% of their purchases thru June 30, 2008. To redeem this special offer use code hpp15.

Sale Representative Nancy Fullerton's thoughts on HPP and a little about her two Pumpkins

I asked our wonderful Chicago Sales Representative Nancy Fullerton to share some thoughts on Hand Picked Pumpkin and tell us a bit about her kiddos.

What makes HPP trunk shows so unique?
You have options! Custom? Ready Made? A bit of both?
Not to mention that it is just about bringing a group
together to have a really good time.

For those who are interested in playing fashion
designer and want to design their own unique pieces,
the Custom option is lot of fun to do with the help of
your friends. It is also a great way for close
friends to unwind, re group, or strengthen a bond
while designing one of a kind outfits. This custom
option also provides the opportunity for friends to
create a one of a kind baby or baby shower gifts .

There is the Limited-Edition Ready Made option too. This is perfect
for those who just may not feel like creating their
own or would prefer to spend less time designing and
more time catching up with someone they have not seen
in a while. Either way these shows have flexibility
for everyone, can be customized to meet the needs of
your party, and are just really a lot of fun.

What do I like most about Hand Picked Pumpkin?
There are so many things, but the first thing that
attracted me to HPP was how darling these clothes are.
Ever since I started dressing my oldest daughter, I
would really make an effort to buy her unique clothes
so she did not have the same outfit on as everyone
else her age. HPP is just really unique, there is not
anything else like it. It also has all of the mom
features that I love, elastic waists, roll up cuffs,
comfy fabrics, and even if the patterns do not match
exactly it all coordinates really well.

What can I tell you about my Pumpkins?
Well to start they are both so different.
Brynn(oldest) is one of the most social children I
have ever encountered and has been since she was a
baby. She will tell her life story (all four years of
it) to anyone who will listen. She loves
airplanes(tells us she wants to be a pilot),
butterflies, the color green, and can spend hours
doing crafts.

Audrey is the shy one and is extremely cautious. She
likes to do things in her own time frame and only when
she is good and ready. Once she gets to know you, she
shares a silly personality, and has a contagious
laugh. Audrey loves music, "doggies", and Elmo.

As sisters they really balance each other out.

Thanks Nancy for sharing!!
Below are a few photos of Nancy's younger daughter Audrey and her friend Maggie hanging out (in Hand Picked Pumpkin clothing of course!) at My Corner Playroom last week. Lisa Gillis' community learning place, My Corner Playroom, hosts Hand Picked Pumpkin trunk shows the third Friday of every month during their Drop-In Open Play from 9am to 12pm.




If you are interested in attending one of Nancy's regularly scheduled trunk shows or having her facilitate a party for you, you can contact Nancy directly at fullerton.nancy@yahoo.com or send us an email and we'll put you in touch.

Taking name suggestions for new limited edition line

This weekend we just about ran out of our very popular fabrics Hot Dot Brown and Super Stripe. We'll be replacing them shortly with new updated designs which you're sure to love!
The shortage on these fabrics means that our limited edition fall/winter line including the Zoe Hoodie, Sophia Lap Tee, Sophia Flare Pant, Oliva Playsuit and Jessica shirt dress will no longer be manufactured.
If you are interested in having a new garment style named after your daughter, niece, grand-daughter or someone special in your life please post or email us your favorites!

Vote on a new fabric

Because we are just about out of Spring Pals, we'll be featuring a new sorta gender neutral print very shortly. I'm choosing between these two fabrics. Which do you prefer?

Roller Coaster

Water Play

Almost out of Spring Pals

We are almost out of one of my favorite little prints, Spring Pals. Just enough woven remains to make one or two more garments. If you've had your eye on this print, now is the time to create a very limited edition design all your own!

Ladies Who Launch

This Saturday I attended a fabulous LIVE event here in Chicago hosted by Ladies Who Launch. Founded by Beth Schoenfeldt and Victoria Colligan, Ladies Who Launch is a network for woman business extrupenuers. Ladies Who Launch connects women online and in-person through the Incubator program worldwide, Ladies Who Launch LIVE events in 12 cities, and through their website. Ladies Who Launch offers women ideas, inspiration, resources, and community to promote their products and services.

Our Partnership with My Corner Playroom

I am very excited to announce Hand Picked Pumpkin's newest partnership with My Corner Playroom located in Lincoln Park, Illinois.

Lisa Gillis' community learning place will be hosting Hand Picked Pumpkin trunk shows the third Friday of every month during their Drop-In Open Play from 9am to 12pm.

This event is a win-win for both parent and child. Mommy gets to shop while baby gets to play!!

For those out of towners who can't meet Lisa in person be sure to check out her about us page. I find her story truely inspiring!

Fall/Winter 08 Photo Session

The Hand Picked Pumpkin photo session for Fall/Winter 08 took this place this morning at the Nicole Thomas Photography offices. Here's a behind the scenes photo I took of Nicole while she was shooting flats for the New Fall/Winter 08 Hand Picked Pumpkin Essentials Collection.


I found Nicole Thomas in 2004 while seaching for a photographer to take some very special family photos. I can't imagine hiring anyone else to take either my business or family photos. Nicole is a natural when it comes to capturing the nature and spirit of an individual. She has a keen eye and a creative knack, enabling her to fashion stunning images.

About Nine Months

We are excited to announce our new partnership with About Nine Months in Lenexa, Kansas. Besides carrying an assortment of limited edition Hand Picked Pumpkin gift sets, About Nine Months now displays several styles from our custom line along with our entire assortment of fabric swatches. Starting February 10th they will be hosting monthly trunk shows in their store so customers can play a part in designing their new one's layette.

Cupid's Day out

For those of you in Chicago mark your calenders for this local Valentine's event. (Sad to say but HPP had to pass on our invite to participate!)

Embrace your inner Cupid!

Cupid's Day Out is a one-day-only shopping event featuring handcrafted jewelry, bath items, handbags, lingerie and sweets. Find one-of-a-kind Valentine's gifts from exceptional Chicago designers. Plus relationship expert, Elizabeth Aloni, will be on hand to help you become your very own cupid! This event is will be held from at Flourish Studios-a new multifaceted retail space and learning gallery.

Featured designers are: Objets d'Envy, Juliet Jewelry, Lotions & Potions, Evlove Intimates, Luxe Escentuals, Das Caramelini, Sakura Urban Studio and more TBA!

For more information, contact Kirsten Goede
kirsten@objetsdenvy.com
Saturday, February 9, 2008
11am-5pm
Flourish Studios
www.icanflourish.com
3020 N. Lincoln Avenue, near Wellington
773-281-8140
http://www.cupidsdayout.com/