Jazz Things Up with Clairbella!

From the desk of | Debbie Watts

Kathy Denness is the designer behind Clairebella and we think she is simply amazing! From iPod and iPhone cases to desk calendars and much more -- Clairebella has adorable, colorful, stylish-patterned products to add a pop to your life no matter where you are! We had the privilege to use one of Clairbella's iPod cases for a photo shoot and the  joy of getting the inside information about the designer and company and we are sharing our new obsession with you!

Kathy | Designer & Founder of Clairebella

{1. Tell us about yourself & your business, Clairebella.}

My business has evolved over the years. Initially we designed baby blankets and moses baskets. I really wanted to utilize my own patterns in my products and add personalization. When we started our current line of personalized products in 2009, it really took off….so much so, that personalized products are all we do now!

Plate, Bowl, and Placemat Set - $66.00

{2. At what point did you know you wanted to take your amazing ideas and start a business?}

I think I have always been both an artist and entrepreneur at heart. When my children were younger, I knew I wanted combine the two loves and create a business. I absolutely love creating products and having the flexibilty of owning my own business while raising my kids was a huge factor for me.

Personalized Cell Phone Case -- $52.00

{3. Do you have a favorite item or best seller?}

I love my cell phone case. It is definitely one of our top sellers!

Desk Planner -- $50.00

{4. Do you have any advice for other creative artists out there about launching something you love into a business and career?}

 It is NOT easy and you have to be prepared for that. You really have to do a lot of research into the product, the market and your competition. You have to have enough working capital and also plan for mistakes and failures. Failures are a good thing... you learn from them. Flexibility for a young company is also extremely important. The market and products can change so quickly and you have to be prepared to change directions (if necessary) as well.

Personalized Note Cube -- $34.00

{5. What can we look forward to in 2012 from Clairebella?} 

We will have some fun items for kids, the home and tech items later this spring. Of course new patterns are already in development too!

Personalized iPod Case for the momAHOLIC diaries

We want to thank Kathy so much for chatting with us and as an added bonus, momAHOLIC diaries fans receive 15% off their Clairebella purchase between now and February 16 if you use the code RRCB15. Click here to visit Rosenberry Rooms to shop for Clairebella products today!

"LIKE" Clairbella on Facebook and follow on Twitter to be the first to know about the latest pattern and color combos plus new product launches!

Libbie & Winston, Oh How We Do Love You!

As you know, we are all about Etsy and we LOVE promoting the growing businesses found on the site! We recently connected with Anna, owner of the shop, Libbie & Winston, on Etsy and were able to check out some of her designs, as well as ask her a few questions to help you, our readers, get to know her and her business. We think she is absolutely FABULOUS and we know you will too!

{Polka Dot Girl Baby Month Onesies Set 3,6,9,12 months $28}

Q:  Tell us a little bit about yourself + your business, Libbie & Winston.

A:  I'll try and keep this short, sweet and to the point - I can ramble...Let's start with the business - L+W is named after my two dogs, Libbie & Winston (who make having a 12 month old seem like a piece of cake!).  After finishing grad school (I earned my master's in interior design) and being pregnant I knew looking for a "real" job would be difficult. While I was pregnant I had made a few "iron-on" onesies, dog shirts etc for fun - after a few friends showed interest in the shirts through Facebook, L+W was born in one quick afternoon!  I never really thought it would grow as quickly as it has, but it has been non-stop crazy fun ever since!  I quickly realized my iron, cookie sheet (for heat) and biceps weren't meant for this business and traded in for a heat press to make things slightly more official.  Although L+W started with only onesies and children's tees, I have recently started offering iPhone cases, melamine dinnerware, and other home accessories.  

As for a little bit about myself  - I spend most of my days chasing around my 12m old and am learning how to handle messes (I'm slightly OCD about clutter) and spend my nights attached to my computer working - (sorry for the 2am proofs).  My husband is in his LAST year of medical school (hooray!) and is sometimes recruited to work with me - he's a great invoicer, packer and shipper.

{Chevron Monogram Personalized Cell Phone or iPhone Case $35.00}

Q: When did the light bulb go off for you to begin your shop?

A: After a few orders from friends, I started a Facebook page to see what would happen and have had a blast!

{Plaid Baby Boy Month Onesies $75}

Q: What is the best part about being a small business owner and entrepreneur?

A: Being able to stay at home with my daughter and work on my own schedule is the best part.  I also LOVE all aspects of doing every part of this business - I LOVE working with my customers directly to make exactly what they want for the product while also being able to sit back and just design products that I LOVE, too.  I LOVE getting feedback from my customers and hearing that they are pleased with their purchases.  

Q: What is up next for you?

A: Check back after Christmas - my goal right now is to just make it through the holidays and make sure all my customers get their items on time!  One thing that keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the to-do list is my blog - I am dying to get it up and running, but more important orders etc have taken priority! 

LOVE what you see here? Check out Anna's shop on Etsy - Libbie & Winston for these and her 50+ other designs! Thank you Anna for chatting with us!