Thursday, May 27, 2010

LeAnn of Giggle Britches


Hi! My name is LeAnn, and I am the owner of Giggle Britches, an online cloth diapering store. I run Giggle Britches from my home located in the St. Louis Metro-East area. My husband and I have been married for almost 6 years now and have two beautiful daughters. We are expecting our third child in November 2010.

I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and find that I am always looking for more efficient and cost effective approaches to life's everyday situations. Therefore, shortly after we found out we were expecting our second child, I began researching cloth diapers. My oldest constantly "blew-out" of disposables as a young infant, had horrible diaper rashes, and the amount of money I had spent on diapers that were thrown away made me cringe. Cloth diapers seemed like the logical solution. I started with prefolds, covers, and a few pockets and have never looked back. I even converted a couple friends into cloth diaper users!

My little family has moved a couple times in the past few years. Each time, we were fortunate to live in a town with a local cloth diaper shop. Our last move landed us in Troy, IL and it didn't take long for me to realize a need for a cloth diapering and natural parenting store in the St. Louis Metro-East area. I started Giggle Britches this past summer in the hopes to bring products, education, and support for parents in the Metro-East area seeking a more natural way of parenting. The main focus is selling a variety of cloth diapers and to provide customers with the opportunity to see, touch, and compare cloth diapers in person before they purchase. I host bi-monthly workshops and provide one-on-one consultations to further this goal.

My shop carries bumGenius, FuzziBunz, Happy Heinys, Bottombumpers, SoftBums, GroVia, Thirsties, Tiny Tush, and more!

LeAnn

Follow us on Twitter - http://twitter.com/GigglBritches
Join us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Giggle.Britches
Posted by LeAnn at 10:03 AM 29 comments
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Jen Starks of Ecological Babies

If, six years ago, someone had told me that I would be the owner and developer of a retail cloth diaper business, Ecological Babies, I would have laughed hysterically in disbelief. Of course, I would never have guessed that I would be pesca-vegetarian, breastfeeding and cloth diapering my daughter at 2.5 years and son at 4 months, or consciously trying to shop local. My year in service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (like a faith-based Peace Corps) planted this seed.
The idea of developing a cloth diaper business began shortly after Rita Clare’s birth. Becoming a parent brings all new challenges to the JVC core values (simplicity, spirituality, social justice, community). One major stumbling block came in the form of diapers. We were going to need them…A LOT of them! Cloth diapers, however, seemed like a huge jump for us. It seemed too radical and overwhelming and I only knew one other family that used them.
Once we committed to using cloth diapers, I started searching online to learn more about them. I had no idea how much cloth diapers had changed with so many different brands and types (such as fitteds, all-in-ones, doublers, pockets, one-size, etc.) I was overwhelmed and literally had nightmares trying to figure it all out. In the process, I realized how helpful it would be to have someone walk me through the process and empower me in my decisions about how many and what types to use.
After Rita Clare was born, I started to question whether I should return to my social work career full-time, part-time, or not at all. While I recognized my desire to raise our daughter full-time, I also felt that I needed more and that some of my gifts would fail to flower as a full-time mom. One night, I had a dream about starting a home-based cloth diaper business where I would help families make the transition away from disposables. The more I thought about it, the more I knew this is what I needed to do.
For me, the best part of starting up Ecological Babies was being able to design it just the way I wanted, and I wanted it to reflect my JV values. Therefore, I designed a “Giving Back” program where I donate a portion of my profits to organizations I would like to support (one of which is JVC). I attempt to be as paperless in my transactions as possible. I’ve developed business goals designed to help families live simpler and gentler on the earth. My efforts are mainly focused on my local community, providing free educational workshops and consultations to help transition to cloth diapers. Through these efforts, I have connected with hundreds of families with similar values and networked with other local businesses whose ethics I stand by.
Empowering mothers to make decisions that help the environment and their family is very fulfilling for me personally. I have heard from many families that this was one of the best decisions (besides breastfeeding) that they made for their baby and their family. One client desperately wanted to stay home with her child, but was worried about finances. After meeting with me, she decided to take the plunge and she was able to make her choice in part because of the money they are saving using cloth diapers. Customers are excited to donate and learn more about the organizations I’ve chosen. Most importantly, I’m personally more balanced having this business and that allows me to be more present and loving to Rita Clare.
Ecological Babies is truly a reflection of my year in JVC. My mission is to promote a more sustainable environment, closer-knit communities, contribute to a higher quality of life, develop deeper relationships, and encourage personal development. I look forward to learning more about you!

Warmly,

Jen Starks
Ecological Babies
ecologicalbabies@gmail.com
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Posted by Anonymous at 9:51 AM 0 comments
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Noreen from Merrimack Valley Diapers

Hello! My name is Noreen, and the mother of two gorgeous sons! My oldest son, Nicholas, is 14 years old and my youngest son, Wesley, is 14 months old. My husband, Wes, is a high school physics teacher and I am a high school mathematics teacher. We live in the Merrimack Valley of northeastern Massachuetts, just north of Boston.

I didn't know about cloth diapers when Nicholas was a baby. We used disposable diapers, and always tried to use brand-name diapers. Unfortunately, we didn't have a lot of money, and 'sposies are expensive! Looking back on those years, it seemed like we were always treating a diaper rash. We were even given rash cream to take home with us from the hospital!

When I found out that I was pregnant with Wesley, I had a good friend who was already using cloth diapers. She taught me all about the different brands and styles, and even went so far as to sew my entire newborn stash of diapers herself! We brought cloth diapers with us to the hospital, and we continue to cloth diapers full time one year later.

I decided to start Merrimack Valley Diapers as a way to help local families make informed decisions about using cloth diapers. If my friend hadn't already been using cloth, it would have been very hard for me to learn because the closest store to me that sold cloth was over 30 minutes away. I realy enjoy being able to help other families make the switch to cloth, and to help them be successful from birth to potty learning.

I carry brands such as Bottombumpers, Sustainablebabyish, Bummis, Knickernappies, Thirsties, Rockin' Green Soap, EcoNuts, and many more. It would be my pleasure to answer any questions you have about cloth diapers!

Noreen
Follow us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MVDiapers
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MVDiapers.
Helpfull hints and other fun stuff on our blog: http://merrimackvalleydiapers.com/blog
Posted by Noreen from Merrimack Valley Diapers at 9:27 AM 0 comments
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Christy of Gorgeous and Green

My name is Christy, I am the owner of Gorgeous and Green. My husband Matthew and I live in Harford County, Maryland. We have two incredible children, Matthew, who is 3 yrs old, and Anna, who is 20 months old.


I started cloth diapering both of my children 1 and 1/2 years ago, after plenty of research and help from a friend, and I have been loving it ever since! My son was already 22 months old and my daughter was 3 months old. I was very confused by all of the different choices out there and getting started with two was hard! But, I leapt into it and haven't looked back since.


Early last year I was looking for a way to work from home doing something that I was passionate about. I've always been a nature lover, and after getting started cloth diapering I began to do more things in our lives naturally. I also truly loved talking about cloth diapering with other mamas and helping them get started. So, in April of 2009, Gorgeous and Green was born. I started off focusing just on cloth diapers, and have recently branched out into what I've wanted to do since the beginning: eco-friendly toys, baby wraps, natural soaps/lotions, and homeopathic remedies!


My goals are to provide families with great personal service, and an assortment of quality products. The brands that I carry include Happy Heinys, FuzziBunz, bumGenius!, Thirsties, Planet Wise, Bottom Bumpers, Sheepish Grins, Green Toys, Sprig Toys, Moby Wrap, Inspired by Finn(Amber and Hazelwood necklaces, etc), Biggs & Featherbelle(natural soaps, lotions, etc) and more!


For local customers, I am available to do "parties" so you can have a chance to check out a number of diapers in-person, as well as consultations by appointment. I love to help and am always available!


Christy, owner of Gorgeous and Green
Find me on Facebook!
Posted by Anonymous at 9:15 AM 0 comments
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Sara of Diaper Daisy

My name is Sara, and I am the owner of Diaper Daisy, an online cloth diapering retailer based in Franklin, Tennessee. I am married to a fantastic guy who is my best friend and a great dad to our three boys, ages 4, 4, and 1.

I was not always a cloth diaper user. My first were actually two - twins - and I had not heard much about cloth diapers other than what my mom used. I was so overwhelmed with the thought of bringing two babies home that I never actually did much research about diapering at all. I felt bad about filling up the landfills (times two - yikes!), but didn't really see any other options.

When my third came around, I was more aware of today's cloth diapering options. I had friends who were using them with much success. I decided to check them out, and I was floored by how many different types of diapers there were and how easy they all seemed to be.

My husband was hesistant until I pointed out the cost savings. We should be saving at least $1500 over the cost of disposable diapers, and that is just for one child!

When the baby arrived, cloth diapering quickly and easily became a part of our life. I loved that we were saving money, eliminating a lot of trash, and keeping natural fabrics against the baby.

After my experience deciding to take the leap into cloth diapers, I realized how many more people would make the switch if they just had the chance to be exposed to them, the opportunity to see just how easy they are.

When the opportunity arose to purchase Diaper Daisy, I was excited about getting the chance to help expose parents to the ease of cloth diapers, as well as ideas on how to take other small steps to make life healthier for their children.

At Diaper Daisy, I want to provide quality and convenient cloth diapering and baby products to moms of babies and young children. Some of the product lines I carry include bumGenius, FuzziBunz, Flip, Thirsties, Kissaluvs, Knickernappies, PlanetWise, Monkey Foot Designs, and more.

I offer cloth diaper demonstrations, consultations and support. I want to assist and encourage you every step of the way on your cloth diapering journey - whether you are new, novice or expert!

My hope is that more moms and caregivers will learn about cloth diapering and spread the word of how easy and FUN it can be! If there is ever anything I can do to help you on your cloth diapering journey, I would love to help!

Sincerely,
Sara

Follow us on Twitter - http://twitter.com/DiaperDaisy
Join us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/diaperdaisy
Subscribe to our newsletter - http://newsletter.diaperdaisy.com
Posted by Anonymous at 8:48 AM 0 comments
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Julia of Earth Angels Diaper Company

Hello! My name is Julie. I am a 32 year old mama to 3 kids. I have a 7yr old daughter named Guinnevere and identical twin sons, Mason & Spencer, who are 3.5yrs old. My husband Matthew is a local Firefighter/Paramedic and we live on Florida's Space Coast, aka Brevard County, approximately 1 hour east of Orlando.

I began cloth diapering in March of 2006 when my twin sons stash of disposable diapers began to run out. We had been gifted a ton before their birth in October and by March they were almost gone. My husband and I quickly realized the cost was going to be outrageous and we were already very aware of the amount of diapers we were contributing to the landfill each week.

We decided to give cloth diapers a try and it was literally like a light bulb went on in my head as soon as I started shopping around. I knew almost instantly that I wanted to sell diapers and be a work-at-home mom.

Things happened very quickly after that and before I knew it Earth Angels Diaper Co. was up and running online. I've now been selling cloth diapers for just over 3 years and I still love it just as much as when I first started.

I carry brands like BumGenius, Thirsties, Happy Heinys, Knickernappies, FuzziBunz, Moby, Rockin Green Soap & more! Stop by some time and say hello!

Julie, Owner of Earth Angels Diaper Co.
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Posted by Julie at 8:18 AM 1 comments
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About Cloth Diaper Retailer Cooperative

Who are we and what do we stand for?

We are a group of small, family owned cloth diapering and natural parenting boutiques. We pride ourselves in "old-fashioned," personalized customer service. We consider ourselves family-friendly and many of us work from home in order to be able to be close to our children while earning an income.

We also proudly carry a lot of brands that follow this same philosophy and many are still run by the families who founded them.

We believe independent, family-run businesses are the best places for parents to learn about and buy products for their children. We are real parents who have cloth diapered our babies with great success and love to help others do the same. We only carry products that we know, trust, and would use on our own children.

Combined we have over 90 years of cloth diapering experience and between us carry almost every brand of diaper and accessory on the market today.


You've found it! Congratulations!

Posted by Julie at 6:49 AM 37 comments
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