I was born and raised in Merritt Island, Florida with my twin brother and older sister. My husband, Dustin, and I met in high school then went to UCF together. He then commissioned into the Army and pursued his dreams of flying helicopters. We had the best adventures moving all over the country and meeting the most amazing people for almost 10 years while in the Army. Not soon after having our son, we decided it was time to pursue another dream of ours, to move back to Florida and raise our kids near our families. After moving back and establishing roots in Satellite Beach, we had our daughter. We're now enjoying raising our two kiddos in this amazing beach town! You can find us cruising on our bicycles, at the beach and exploring the Banana River every chance we can get!
“What inspired you create Florida Kid Co?”
After having my son almost 3 years ago and deciding to move back to Florida, I realized that there weren't a lot of baby items that were vibrant colors and represented the laid back, beachy, Florida lifestyle that we lived. I've always loved designing and creating, so I set out on a mission and the idea for Florida Kid Co. was born!
"Where do you find inspiration for your designs?"
All of my patterns and designs are inspired by my Florida life whether it be from childhood memories or raising my kiddos. I absolutely love the design process and creating exciting, new patterns that represent Florida life! For example, my husband and I love to take our kids on bicycle rides on our beach cruisers all over town. It's one of our favorite things to do as a family. I knew I wanted to create a swaddle pattern to represent these memories. This is where my Beach Cruisin print came from.
"Tell us about the whole start to finish creative process."
The lengthiest part of the process is the design portion. Once I come up with an idea and decide on an aspect of Florida life that I want to represent in a design, it typically takes me a month to create and tweak it to completion. My designs have gotten a lot more elaborate over time, therefore taking a lot more time to create. After completing a design I work with my manufacturers to print and create the product which is then shipped to me to sell. The entire process typically takes 3 months. Because I have two toddlers, my opportunities to work on my business happen during nap time and after they go to bed. I have to practice some serious time management!
"Where do you want to take Florida Kid Co in the future?"
I'm excited to expand the business by continuing to add more designs and a lot more products to help mamas make the special time of raising their babies more fun, colorful and maybe a little easier! I would love to become the go to brand for every Florida Family. I am currently in the process of expanding my line of colorful swaddles to include crib sheets, hats, rompers and shorts with my same vibrant patterns. Hopefully soon you will see babies and toddlers, toddling around the beach representing Florida Kid Co.
"What is your favorite thing about what you do?
I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to receive a photo of a newborn wrapped in one of my swaddles! I love hearing how much a new mom loves how soft and colorful they are! You experience so many emotions when you become a mom and it is truly one of the most magical days. I am just so happy that I can play a small role in making that day and time of motherhood magical!
Starting this business has been incredible for me! I absolutely love being a stay at home mom and wouldn't trade it for anything, but it has its challenges. There's a lot of invisible loads of motherhood that not a lot of people talk about such as, isolation, loss of identity, lack of adult conversation and "mom brain" (yes it's a real thing). I am so thankful that this business has helped me to overcome these emotions and allowed me to learn so much about myself! For any woman hesitating to go after their dreams, stop letting fear hold you back. You can do it!
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