Some of the best mom-owned businesses bring together different products that people are interested in for a one stop shopping experience. Yulia Orlova is one of those mom’s. Over at Baby Marmalade you can find things from children’s clothing to furniture. She has approximately 20 different brands to choose from.
Giveaway:
A recent addition to Baby Marmalade is Victoria Usova’s collection of fun wall art that would look great in any child’s room. Yulia is offering one of these great pieces of art to one of our readers.
If you would like a chance to win one of the pieces of wall art she has available on her website, go to this page and leave a comment telling us which one you like the most and why. The giveaway stars now and ends on June 7th at 11:59pm. I will choose the winning comment on June 8th and the winner will be contacted by email.
What is ‘Baby Marmalade’?
Baby Marmalade is your on-line source for the very best in kids fashion. Marmalade is juicy and sweet but with a sour twist and so are our boutique’s brands.
What was your inspiration?
The on-line store was a dream of mine for a very long time. But I think my baby boy was my biggest inspiration. Or, should I say – motivation. I was looking through hundreds of websites to find stylish affordable clothes for both – my older daughter and for my new baby boy. And I found it nearly impossible to do! All stores offered either very expensive brands or very childish. And right there, I felt that I have found a niche – funky, stylish, AFFORDABLE clothes for boys and girls alike.
What kind of products do you offer? How many different brands?
We mainly sell clothing, but we also offer European toys, furniture, and accessories. We carry about 20 brands all together. We are very careful in adding new brands. Our latest addition is Victoria Usova’s beautiful collection of wall art.
What do you sell the most of?
We use Mal’s and Merchant Moms. It’s a smaller program, but support group is unbelievable! You wouldn’t find that kind of help anywhere else.
What steps did you have to take to get your business started?
Well, first I had to find courage in myself. Find a niche. Find time. Find support in my family.
Then I wrote down list of brands I would like to start with. I searched through many many forums, reviews and articles. I needed a hosting, a cart, a designer, a merchant account. As i never started a business before, I didn’t know how to register it or what taxes I should charge and when, I didn’t even know how to contact the brands’ representatives . I learned a lot in the first months. And I am still learning to this day.
Have you learned anything since you’ve launched that you wish you’d known before hand?
Everything. What I wish I have had known is to write everything down and keep all important e-mails.
Have you received any advice that has been invaluable to you and your business?
I can’t point out any advice in particular, but I have to say that merchant moms forum has helped me TREMENDOUSLY! I got tons of very valuable advices and help there!!
Do you have any previous experience or education that you were able to use in business?
I have a bachelors degree in History of Fashion. It does help me in putting collections together.
Have you learned anything as a parent that has worked well in business?
I learned to treasure every minute of the time I spend with my children. They grow so fast, and I don’t want to miss any milestones. I want to be there for the first step, and the first word and the first drawing.
How do you manage your time as a parent and as a business owner?
Unfortunately, most of the time I am a business owner during the night and a mommy during the day. It leaves very little time to sleep but keeps me in shape without any sports.
Do you have any advice for other moms who would like to start their own business?
Write down all cons and pros, make a list of people who will be helping you and make sure they are willing to do it. Make sure you have enough free time to dedicate to one more child – your business. And then…GOOD LUCK!!
danakeith on May 28th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Exclusive children’s stuff business were great, we can able to find the things were looking for in a single store.
Sheila McGoldrick on May 29th, 2008 at 6:30 am
These prints are all adorable, but I would have to go with catching stars. That is what it is all about….shooting for the stars and following your dreams! I would love to hang this for my children to see and maybe even become inspired like it does to me!
Amy Sanderson on June 1st, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I abosolutely love the Flying horses love music print! I use to take my little girls to see the hot air balloon festival in Vermont and they were amazed my them. They both also love pegasus horses (one of their favorite movies was Barbie and the Magic of the Pegasus). They would love this print for their playroom which right now has pretty bare walls. It would brighten up the room and their smiles!
Wendy Mihelich on June 3rd, 2008 at 5:24 am
I really like the Over the Bridge Print. I’ve always loved bridges and that one called out to me.
Angela on June 8th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Congratulations Amy, you are the giveaway winner!
Amy Sanderson on June 8th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Thanks so much! My kids will love it!