Let us introduce you to Heather -- the golden girl behind Way Tutu Cute. Read on to enter to win $25 to start shopping and all about her super sweet online shop.
{1}Tell us a little bit about yourself and the biz, Way Tutu Cute?
I am a mother of two beautiful little girls (ages 2 and 5). By day, I'm a marketing manager and have worked for the same company for just over 7 years. I've always been overly ambitious and enjoy a challenge. I've
always wanted to start my own business, but after a few failed attempts, I decided it was best to let the idea fall into my lap. In 2009, when my oldest was old enough to realize that she wanted to be a princess and a
ballerina, I realized how expensive things would be (especially with two girls). I decided to learn how to make a tutu for her because the ones I was finding online were so expensive. I posted a picture of the finished product on Facebook and instantly got requests from friends to create a tutu for their girls as well. Less than a week later, I had a website, a Facebook fan page and a new business. I wanted to sell tutus and hair accessories at a reasonable price. Luckily, I have the most amazing husband who I like to refer to as "super-dad". With his help, I was able to make time to create and sell.
{Way Tutu Cute, White Tank Dress, $25} |
After networking with some other local mompreneurs, I realized that although they had some amazing items to sell, they didn't have the outlet. I began listing other Mom-made items on the site and within six months, I was up to nearly 50 different lines. All of the items offered were designed by, created by or sewn by a Mom or Dad. We are now up to nearly 75 lines and have expanded to include some of my personal favorite lines such as mudpie and Jellycat.
{mudpie, Cupcake Flarey Longall, $30} |
I can't say I have a favorite item. I handpick each item before I list it, so I love every single one of them. At least half of my girl's clothes and accessories were purchased on my site.
{4} What is your favorite part about running your own business?
There is nothing I don't love about owning and running the business. Working in retail for over 11 years gave me a great background and taught me how important customer service is. I pride myself on always going the
extra mile for every customer and have not only gained so many regular customers, but some friends as well. I especially love helping my customers create their dream outfit for their kids birthday and then seeing the pictures and hearing how everyone went crazy over their original outfit.
{a line we love: Petit Couture} |
{5} Do you have any tips for Mom Owned brands trying to get started?
The most important thing is to have a plan. If you're selling tangible items, make sure to have beautiful pictures. Contact local photographers who may be willing to barter with you. You don't have to spend a fortune to get your business up and running. Do your research! What are others charging for similar products? Be competitive! And most of all, don't be afraid to network with other mompreneurs. You'd be surprised what a close-knit community you'll find.
{celebs love Way Tutu Cute} |
Sky's the limit for us! We just sponsored the Eva Longoria Rally for Kids With Cancer in Miami and we donated 10% of every purchase to the American Cancer Society. We will be attending a pre-Emmy's gifting suite in September. We also just launched a brand new line, Leg Candy, at the Baby Expo and the buzz has already started! Leg Candy offers leg/arm warmers in a variety of bright colors and patterns. They are available in sugar free (plain), extra sugar (swarovski crystals on one leg) or sugar rush (swarovski crystals on both legs). They come wrapped like a piece of candy and are ready to give as a gift.
When shopping for Littles we LOVE all of the FABulous things Way Tutu Cute shows off but let us fill you in on cupcakeMAG approved items for your Littles! The Pippy & LoLo Tie Dye A Line Dress is a must-have item in your Littles closet. It also was a Golden Globe Celebrity Swag Bag item for 2011!
{One of our FAVES for summer} |
Brag About Baby Blue My Mind Diaper Clutch: Perfect for the mommaista on-the-go who loves to be functional yet stylish. Once your Little is out of diapers use it as a makeup case or a clutch! What's not to love? We also can't get enough of their Glass Slipper Binkie Blankie -- it is definitely something we don't leave home without.
Snuggle Bug Kidz Simply Rose Swarovski Crystal Set of 4 Clippies: We absolutely love these gorgeous hair clips for girls. They add just the right amount of bling to every outfit.
Make sure you also check out Eight Baby Legs, Polka Dot Baby Bowtique, and Kota Couture --- just a few more of our favorites!
{All Things Way Tutu Cute}
{Shop}
{Facebook}
{Twitter}
{Read on to enter to win a $25 gift voucher to Way Tutu Cute NOW!}
Giveaway: $25 to Way Tutu Cute to get your shop on! Head over to Way Tutu Cute and start your wish list now. Tell us what you would buy! This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and cupcakeMAG for Littles.
For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!
1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.
2. Follow Way Tutu Cute on Twitter.
3. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page.
4. Make sure you "Like" Way Tutu Cute on Facebook.
5. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!
6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.
7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @waytutucute -- you must tweet, not just follow.
8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.
We will select a winner via random.org on Friday July 8th at 11pm in order to receive it for Easter delivery! Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.
For extra entries you can do the following below and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!
1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter.
2. Follow Way Tutu Cute on Twitter.
3. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page.
4. Make sure you "Like" Way Tutu Cute on Facebook.
5. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!
6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.
7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @waytutucute -- you must tweet, not just follow.
8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.
We will select a winner via random.org on Friday July 8th at 11pm in order to receive it for Easter delivery! Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.
I follow both Of you and love the Carpe diem dress
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follow cupcake mag on twitter
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follow way tutu cute on twitter
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like you on FB
ReplyDeleteJulie H
hbgarden@aol.com
like way tutu cute on FB
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get your emails
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love the TooToo Cute Boutique - Cowboy Canvas Tote Bag!! super cute!
ReplyDeleteFollower of cupcakeMAG on Twitter, jrneyfan1984
ReplyDeleteFollower of Way Tutu Cute on Twitter, jrneyfan1984
ReplyDeletefacebook fan of cupcakeMAG, stephanie rowe miller
ReplyDeleteLiked Way Tutu Cute on Facebook, stephanie rowe miller
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ReplyDeletetweeted, jrneyfan1984, https://twitter.com/#!/jrneyfan1984/status/86481416661110784
ReplyDeleteI'm drooling over the Baby Kaed - Shyla - Grey and the Brag About Baby - First Crush - Charmed Diaper Clutch. Oh, and the laundry bags are adorable!!
ReplyDeleteskklemm at gmail dot com
Follow both blogs :)
Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter. @momtoemmett
ReplyDeleteskklemm at gmail dot com
Follow Way Tutu Cute on Twitter. @momtoemmett
ReplyDeleteskklemm at gmail dot com
"Like" your Facebook page. Stephanie Klemm
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"Like" Way Tutu Cute on Facebook. Stephanie Klemm
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Tweet w/ @cupcakemag
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/momtoemmett/status/88355658679857152
skklemm at gmail dot com
Tweet w/ @waytutucute
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/momtoemmett/status/88355808873680896
skklemm at gmail dot com
I follow CUPCAKEMAG and WAYTUTUCUTE on FB and Twitter, I posted on Twitter @butterflyzari
ReplyDeleteLOVE UR STUFF, LOVE THE Chickarooz Bright and Cheery Rosette Bib Necklace. Adorned With Rhinestone Accents