I was so excited to meet up and photograph Kristin and her kids! Kristin is the owner of Later, Alligator. Kristen makes custom baby gifts and children’s clothing. One of her most fun products is the Creature t shirt kit. You child gets to draw a creature, or really anything they would like and Kristin will sew the drawing onto a t shirt! What a great gift idea! I brought a kit home to my boys and my older son sat down right away and drew a big dragon! He can’t wait to see it as a shirt! I also just love her girls dresses and skirts! Super cute! Here are Kristin’s answers to my interview questions!
Store Address, website, phone? I work from my home studio in Rochester Hills, where you can catch me by appointment most days. I sell at trunk shows and vendor shows and on my web site, www.LaterAlligator.etsy.com.
How long have you been in business? About a year and a half.
How did you decide to start your own business? I started making things for my daughter and received nonstop compliments. “You know, if you started selling those, I would buy 20,” one mom said to me about a patchwork twirly skirt she wore to school one day. That got me thinking — and sewing.
What is the hardest thing about running your own business? Having to put business before pleasure a lot of the time. I feel awful having to say “no” to my mom friends who ask me to coffee, playdates, movies or whatever. It’s hard to prioritize, but I’m realizing more and more that it is the key to being a successful businesswoman.
How many kids do you have and how old are they? I have a 7-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter.
What are some of the creative ways that you juggle being a business owner and mom? I make my kids feel like they are a part of my business adventures. Of course, the natural way is for them to wear the clothes (and spread the word about their mom). But I also ask them for “help” with random tasks, whether it be cutting out tags or assembling boxes.
What are some things that inspire you? My son’s imagination inspires me every day. My daughter inspires me with her radiant energy and rosy outlook; she is a “glass half full” girl all the way. And my husband — he is my number one fan and is a constant inspiration with his “try, try again” philosophy.
Fun Questions!
What is your favorite Food? Sushi, especially with the girlfriends.
What is your favorite restaurant? Sagebrush, Kruse & Muer, Gus O’Connor’s — really, too many to mention!
Where is your favorite place to go on vacation? Eight Point Lake.
What is your favorite activity to do with your kids? We love to ski in the winter and boat in the summer; we love the zoo, any park, the library or a good movie with popcorn.
If you had a free day to do whatever you wanted what would you do? Go shopping with my mom!
