When you have children, you end up with an endless supply of clothing. Nothing multiplies like piles of kids clothes when it’s time to do laundry. That doesn’t even account for the variety of styles that the clothing comes in. In this day and age, the children are almost as stylish as their parents.
Laura Minguzzi is the owner of Cutie and Patootie, a fashionable online childrens clothing boutique. She always had a flair for fashion, but her children were the true inspiration. They gave her the confidence she needed to launch her business. At almost 1 year old, it has truly blossomed.
What was the inspiration behind Cutie and Patootie?
My inspiration behind Cutie and Patootie was my children and of course the love of fashion.
What is it about your business that you feel separates it from the competition?
Besides my passion for children’s clothing it definitely would be design and most important quality. What good is an awesome design if the quality is not excellent it’s worthless!
How long did it take you to bring your business up from an idea to a launch?
I’d say a year.
Did you encounter any problems when you were getting started?
I’ve never encountered any problems there just was not enough time in a day.
What do you enjoy most about running a business? What do you enjoy the least?
My ability to express myself freely without any interruptions and reaching a goal for myself. The last thing is if there were any mistakes made I had no one to blame but me.
Have you always wanted to become an entrepreneur? What lead you here?
Yes, I have always knew that there would come a day when my goals and dreams would meet. The moment I became a mother I needed to find a way to keep me close to my children that’s what lead me to create Cutie and Patootie.
How have you been able to manage your time between Cutie and Patootie and your family? Any special secrets you’d be willing to share?
It’s been rough but quality time with my family is precious. Nico and Sofia are only babies for a short time so I must indulge in the moment it’s all about how to learn how to juggle. My Cutie and Patootie shift does not start till my children are sound asleep and then I’m up till wee hours in the morning. It’s a sacrifice but it’s all well worth it.
Have you reached all of the goals you had hoped you would have met before your 1 year anniversary in February? If not, what else do you have left to accomplish?
Yes I have reached more than expected in such a short period of time I guess when you have a driven passion things move quickly. Cutie and Patootie is starting to take off like a rocket even in this tough economic time.
Do you have any long-term hopes for your business? What are they?
My long term hopes are to bring Cutie and Patootie over the top. Just like the past luxury designers that I have worked for.
Do you have any advice that you’d like to share with other mom’s trying to launch their own business?
Yes plenty advice. Follow your dreams. Do not hold back because you will never know. Once you start there is no turning back. Stay Focused be determined and find your passion.
Eileen and Mike Bishop on November 15th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
It is wonderful to hear of a small business doing well in these economic times. Hang in there and this business should do very very well when the economy turns around again.
Jaclyn on November 15th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I agree, it is truly great to hear a small business thriving like her’s is. and i must agree strongly with her statement of providing quality as well as great designs…too many time’s i’ve bought something that i thought was very fashionable, but after a few washings it had already started to fall apart…this is very irritating and a huge waste of money!
Elizabeth on November 15th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Way to go!!!! I’m so proud of you!!!
Matt @ Permanent Fitness on November 16th, 2008 at 4:39 am
They do have a nice website.
It is fantastic how web has opened the dorway to clients for new businesses.
cassy on November 16th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I agree that a good quality and stylish products can brings you to success. It is really important that a product has a good quality so that many will buy it.
AUSTIN on November 17th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Product having quality brings success so i will advise not to compromise on the quality of your product.