Small Batch :: Bobaloo Kids

Samantha Howard is a Midwestern wife and mom of two who has always loved to sew.  After leaving the business world to start a family, she created bobaloo!, a line of modern sewn gifts for babies and kids.  When she’s not sewing, Sam can be found playing in glitter with the kids, reading, or avoiding the dishes.  You can be her friend on Twitter, Facebook or read her blog.

Sam!  You're a wife, a mother of two and a business owner.  Do you have any secrets to share about juggling all those responsibilities?

Give up the dream of a spotless house!  I’m at home with my kids, who are 2 and 4, so they’re not in full-time school yet.  It can be a challenge to get stuff done during the day, so I do a lot of cutting fabric on the kitchen island while they’re making masterpieces at the table.  It is also downright amazing how much can be accomplished during naptime!

I’ve learned to group tasks together so I can get them done in the most efficient way.  I do all my hand-sewing at night so I can watch tv with my husband.  I make sure I have plenty of stuff ready to sew when I actually have the time to sit down at my sewing machine.  I will admit to procrastinating on my accounting and filing – it’s going to take me a week to catch up on this year!

Also, I couldn’t do half of what I do without my husband, who is absolutely amazing.  He will do anything to help, from taking the kids out of the house on days I really need to work to trimming threads on burp cloths.

You sell a lot of your goods at craft fairs.  What are some of your best tips for craft fair beginners?

Make sure you show your products to the best of your ability.  It’s hard to budget money for displays, but do the best you can.  I spent a lot of time on Flickr looking for display ideas that I could duplicate at home.  I think it makes a big difference both in sales and getting into the bigger juried shows.

As the mother of two kiddos, you've got your own built-in market research team.  Of the products you create, what are your kids' favorites?

It's funny - I think my daughter in particular is a little jaded when it comes to stuff I make for her because I've been sewing for her since she was born.  I know if it catches her attention it’s got to be good!  They both love their bunnies, and Bridget's pretty crazy about her Crayon Apron.

If you weren't running Bobaloo, what would your life look like?

I would have much fancier dinners in a sparkling kitchen, that’s for sure!  I also think I would probably be teaching sewing somewhere.  I have an on-and-off-again sewing night at my house for a group of girlfriends and I’ve loved showing them that they can make something really cool with their own two hands.

Finally, describe the type of world you'd like to design.

In my world, kids (and adults, for that matter) would be encouraged to follow their passion, whether it be the arts, science, or basketball, and have a way to make that passion their livelihood.  There would also be plenty of craft supplies!

Thanks for sharing, Sam!

Photo Credits :: Bobaloo Kids

Sarah Von is a Vianza contributing columnist and interview wrangler.  If you follow her on Twitter, you’ll be privy to all sort of tweets about small business, good ideas and, um, cheese.