Featured Mom - Lisa of Regionz Kidz & Giveaway!

Lisa Smith opened her online endeavor in November of 2007. As she approaches her one year anniversary she's focused on earning repeat sales and expanding into physical retail locations.

H: Tell me about how you got started. What was your inspiration?

L: Regionz Kidz was the result of my quest to find a unique infant and toddler clothing line for my daughter. After visiting a regional gift show and seeing the lack of infant and toddler clothing that was upscale, culturally-diverse and customized for kids, I decided to create my own t-shirt line which has since expanded into organic tank tops, tote bags, educational CD-ROMs and clothing for moms as well.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

L: I wrote and sang but now that I am a mom, I make things based on the wants and needs I have for myself and my daughter. If I can’t find it online or in stores, then I decide to go ahead and make it myself. I can’t be the only one needing or wanting a particular product!

H: Have your methods changed?

L: I have had to balance the creative part of the business with the logistics and follow-through. I still am more proficient at the creative process (marketing, product development, artwork) but am trying to improve on the more technical side of the clothing industry.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

L: I really have to carve time out in my weekly schedule to sit down and write or even think about how to move forward with my business in out-of-the-box ways. It’s somewhat strange because I am a creative person so “scheduling” time to be creative isn’t always successful but at least it gives me a starting point.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

L: She loves colors and isn’t content with 1 or 2 on a page. She is always telling me, “Mommy, that needs more coloring!” She also pretends a LOT with her toys; she is a veterinarian or animal rescuer on most days but sometimes she is a farmer or a princess of a whole animal kingdom. I love just watching her play with her toys and tell her stories. It’s the best entertainment!

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)

L:I have learned that simple things are still the best. I use black and white sketches in my clothing lines because they are simple and back to basic but still have a modern edge.

H: Are you finding success?

L: My lines are being picked up by regional retail outlets and I have a large word-of-mouth following in several of my online communities. Because there are really no other clothing options out in the market that are so diverse, I am filling a large niche and customers return over and over again to make purchases for items they can’t really get anywhere else.

Lisa has generously offered up one of her awesome education CDs to Maternal Sparks readers. All you need to do to enter is visit her store at http://www.regionzkidz.com. Take a browse through the unique items and then come back here. Leave a comment telling us what you loved most. Remember to also leave your email address so we can contact you if you're the lucky winner! Enter to win until Sept 27th.

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