Dreamers Into Doers -- marthastewart.com

Doer of the Week: Rebecca Allen

Get to know this "mompreneur" whose sewing hobby turned into a business that she's passionate about.

What were you doing career-wise when you decided to create your own business?
I was on maternity leave when I pulled out the sewing machine that had been hiding in my closet for a few years. I started by making a bib, then a burp cloth, then a blanket. Before I knew it, Hugs & Kisses Designs was created! After my maternity leave ended, I did return to my nine-to-five job, but I continue to find time for my business -- mostly after the little guy has gone to bed and on weekends.

When did you start your business?
It became an idea in July of 2009. It became a reality when people started showing interest in my items later the same year.

When did you know that you could really make a go of this?
Honestly, I say a lot of prayers about this little business venture. Each time I make a sale, I'm still grateful.

What inspired you to do this?
My son. When I realized that I could create these things for him, I wanted to share these gifts with everyone else.

What was your start-up cost? How did you get the money and what did you use it for?
It started with gathering some fabric here and there, then saving every penny that I could find to buy other materials that I needed. Once I started getting sales, I put that money back into the shop.

Did your friends and family support your dream?
Yes! My husband is my biggest supporter (and also my photographer and mailman).

How did you learn and acquire the skills you use to make your business successful? How do you continue to grow and learn?
My mom sat down with me one day and we made a shirt together. I didn't really know what I was doing, so pulling that sewing machine back out on my own was a little intimidating. But I stuck with it.

How did you maintain your confidence when doors were closed in your face or when people didn't get it or said "no"?
It's hard. I still question what I'm doing sometimes. But I think that's part of what this business is all about. I'm very confident in Hugs & Kisses Designs. I know I create great things. But there are still little things that cause me to stop and question myself. That's why I'm so thankful for my supportive family. They always get me back on my feet!

How long did it take you to get everything off the ground?
Several months, once I got all my branding done and felt good about what I was offering, it was go-time. Listing that first item for sale in the shop caused a little bit of anxiety, but hearing the feedback was heart-warming and inspiring!

What's the hardest part of what you do?
Finding time is tough. But when you love something this much, you make it work!

What's the most fun part of what you do?
Coming up with new patterns and then seeing them come to life! I was having the hardest time with my diaper clutch idea, and then one morning, I woke up and I just knew how to create it. It's one of my favorite products! The custom silhouettes are a lot of fun, too. People share their family photos with me and I get to create a piece of artwork that they'll cherish for years to come.

Where do you work?
The "shop" is in my bonus room at home. We recently moved, and I haven't been able to set up properly yet. So for now, my sewing machine and I share a place on the floor. It's pretty comical actually.

Do you have entrepreneurial role models? What's so inspiring about them?
I'm very inspired by Christiane Lemieux, the genius behind DwellStudio. From the products they create to the fabrics they choose, I'm just in awe of all of it.

What's the best piece of business advice you ever received?
This may sound obvious, but I've always been told to be readily available and to constantly communicate with customers. (Duh, right?) But seriously, when you get an e-mail, respond! Even if it's a short response to say that you'll send something more detailed later. The same goes for a phone call. Be there for your customers. And they'll be there for you.

Check Out Rebecca's Photos

See all Doers of the Week

Keep Up with Rebecca and Hugs & Kisses Designs
Twitter.com/becca7903
Facebook.com/HugsKissesDesigns
HugsandKissesDesigns.Etsy.com

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Comment by AM PM Design Studio on August 15, 2010 at 8:54am: Congrats! Beautiful items ;)

Comment by Bonnie Marie Dean on August 13, 2010 at 2:46pm: I have found that one idea leads to another. I am still creating new styles of pie bird after 15 years. You will be creating more items as your child grows because you are open minded and energetic. My prayers are with you too.

Comment by Bea Kunz on August 13, 2010 at 2:05pm: Congratulations Rebecca, both on your baby and your new budding business.

Slow and steady will be your ace in the h***....growth is wonderful, growing too fast is overwhelming in many cases...I think you will be aware of when to move and when to sit still and ponder.

Blessings for your day and for your business~

Comment by Happy Hour Mom on August 13, 2010 at 1:00pm: Beautiful work Rebecca! I love it all!!

Comment by Courtney Dial on August 12, 2010 at 8:45pm: Congrats! LOVE Your prints for weddings! So darn cute!!!!!!

Comment by Jennifer ~ BellaGrey Designs on August 12, 2010 at 12:04pm: Congratulations Rebecca!!! What a wonderful idea. Good for you for going for it!! I am trying to start my business too :)

Comment by JoAnne at Pink Confetti Boutique on August 12, 2010 at 10:29am: Love your stuff..Good luck!!

Comment by Debbie on August 12, 2010 at 10:14am: Your work is lovely!And kudos to you for digging out that sewing machine. I thank my Grandma everyday for teaching me to sew. I'm so with you on the customer service, it's the most important element of being in business.

Comment by Karen Keller-Eyer on August 12, 2010 at 9:33am: Congrats Rebecca....love your bibs especially. (Too bad my babies are 22, 20, and 13.) Your fabrics and little xox tags make your products extra adorable. Best wishes on being chosen Doer of the Week!

Comment by Patty Gale on August 12, 2010 at 8:44am: Congratulations, Rebecca! Your purses are adorable!

Comment by Rebekah {A Blissful Nest} on August 11, 2010 at 11:47pm: Your purses are SO cute! Congrats on the feature!!

Comment by Sandralee Lee on August 11, 2010 at 11:35pm: Gorgeous choices of fabric designs and linings, Rebecca, you are inspiring. Remember to make that baby the no. one concern, tho! They grow up so quickly. Perhaps, if you had someone else sew your deisgns; you could quit your day job, and expand! All the very best !

Comment by Icing Designs on August 11, 2010 at 10:27pm: Congratulations! Your products are beautiful! Really great interview too!

Comment by Janet - Lola Pink Fabrics on August 11, 2010 at 6:31pm: Congratulations! Great interview. You have such beautiful products in your shop!

Happy Sewing!

Comment by Kim M. Byers on August 11, 2010 at 5:59pm: Congratulations Rebecca! I too have an extremely supportive family and I agree, it makes all the difference in the world.

Comment by Shana Dreher *Pinwhirls* on August 11, 2010 at 5:53pm: Woohoo Rebecca. I'm excited to see you featured as Doer of the Week.

Comment by Lynnette on August 11, 2010 at 5:20pm: Way to Go!! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments! Keep on sewing :)
Best Wishes,
Lynnette

Comment by sewLOVED on August 11, 2010 at 5:13pm: again, thanks so much for the kind words! i really appreciate it!

Comment by Kim - The TomKat Studio on August 11, 2010 at 5:06pm: Congratulations on being featured! It's a thrill! Your designs are adorable!

Comment by Kim Vallee on August 11, 2010 at 4:46pm: You have beautiful fabrics. Congratulations! Being an entrepreneur can be challenging at times but I would not have it any other way. I wish you, Rebecca, all the best with your business.