We’ve just received the new designs from Frankenbaby and we’re so excited! These onesies are hand-made right here in Chicago from vintage t-shirts, making them one-of-a-kind. These make great gifts since you can be sure that no one else at the baby shower has gotten the same thing. Check out all of the new designs we have here…
Something new is underfoot at nat & helens! We’re starting an event where a new designer will be featured each month. It’s just a way to learn a little more about some of our fav designers; what makes them tick, what do they love (or hate) about their job as business owners and designers… Things we want to know and thought you might too. (And all of their stuff will be 10% off for the month!)
So to kick off our first month is Tiny Revolutionary! Their tees are so yummy soft and have such great messages that they’re one of our favs here. We talked with BreeAnne (the chief revolutionary mama, as her title states) to find out a little more about why she started the company and what she sees as its’ challenges and rewards. Here’s what she had to say…
n&h: What made you decide to start your company?
BreeAnne: Prior to being a mom, I had been many things – an activist, a filmmaker, a writer and more recently, a corporate executive for an apparel company. But nothing would inspire me the way having a child did. I have always believed that children have the power to transform the world, but seeing it in action was magical and inspired me to translate the hopes and dreams for my baby – that she would inherit a more peaceful, clean, loving world – into inspiring clothes for ALL babies.
n&h: What do you find is the most challenging aspect of running your own business and being a mom?
BreeAnne:I gotta say, I had no idea how challenging staying at home with a child full time would be. It is, without a doubt, the hardest job I’ve ever had – WAY harder than managing 100 employees and million dollar budgets. Those things are a walk in the park compared to being at the whim of a child 24×7. Add on the need to pack in building a Revolution (even a tiny one) and the days are nothing short of a non-stop roller coaster ride filled with excitement, fear and the occasional puking episode – usually the kid, not me.
On most days I’m juggling a business with one hand and changing diapers with the other but to me, it’s the perfect life. I can send emails in my pajamas while watching my little girl play in the backyard and at night I can dream up new designs while catching up on TIVO with my partner, Courtney. I get to live a both/and life instead of an either/or life. Getting to choose “all of the above” has always been my favorite multiple choice option and now, it’s my life!
n&h: What’s your fav eco-mom tip?
BreeAnne: 1.Teach your Kids Discipline. Why? Because discipline is all about doing the hard stuff, the right stuff, even when it’s not easy. Most actions that contribute to a kind, compassionate, socially responsible world are not easy. Giving up meat – that’s not easy. Volunteering time when you’ve already had a tiring week, is not easy. Buying a car that is fuel efficient, even when you can afford a Hummer or a 7 Series BMW, is not easy. Teach your kids discipline and you teach them to think before acting, put others before themselves and that doing what is right, doesn’t always mean doing what is easy. It’s a lot of work making the world a better place.
2. Be Nice to Cows. Don’t eat ‘em. Or, at least, don’t eat ‘em as much. Turns out, cows are responsible for the second most significant greenhouse gas emissions! Their grassy diet and multiple stomachs make for some rather noxious posterior expulsions. So, if you stop eating beef (or reduce your intake), you not only save a sweet little cow life, you save the ozone. Yay! Love all around.
* Bonus Points: This is actually a great way to start becoming more animal friendly in your diet. Start to phase out one meat at a time. You’ll find it easier than going cold turkey.
3. Unplug your chargers. Even when you’re not charging your phone or computer, the charger itself is still sucking energy out of the wall. All that suckin’ goes completely to waste. What a shame.
4. Buy Compact Florescent bulbs. Why in the heck they call these things this lame-o name is beyond us. We like “Green Bulbs.” Anyone? Anyone? They really do save you a lot of energy even if the investment up front hits you a little. Plus, you don’t have to replace them for like, five years. Heaven. Oh, and they don’t get hot. How many other reasons do you need?
5. Stop littering. It just makes the joint look crappy. Save the mess for your house. And if you see some litter, pick it up! Not only does it help keep our little corner of the universe looking nice but it will definitely win you points with onlookers, especially your kids.
n&h: Do you have anything else you’d like our customers to know??
BreeAnne: Our company, our story, just emphasizes the veracity of our tag line: all change begins small. If you have a dream, an idea, do what you must to bring it to light. It will not be easy, it will require great sacrifice – sleep, for instance, but once you start to make a difference in people’s lives, you’ll be hooked. We’re proving that even small revolutions can make a BIG difference. Don’t wait for an invitation, don’t wait to win the lottery. Change starts now if you want it to.
Wow! No wonder I love their clothing! I especially loved her eco-tip #1 about teaching discipline. What was your favorite tip from her?
Check out our tees from Tiny Revolutionary here and get 10% off all month long!
