Stripes & Polka Dots was born late one night after back-to-back conversations with a good friend and my “Mama”…
I had recently made a floor blanket (now known as a “Playkie”) for my good friend’s second child on the way. Being that this was her second child, she didn’t need much and I wanted to give her something unique. A couple months after her son was born, Christmas rolled around. I had some material left from the blanket I made for her shower gift, so I once again set out to make something unique. When she opened up Wyatt’s gift and saw the “BeBe”, she immediately said, “You know, you could sell these”!
As the end of the year approached my Mom started talking more about retiring at the end of 2007. She said in passing, “You really should start your own business so I’ll have something to do once I retire.” Ten years ago, the thought of working with my Mother wouldn’t have been something I’d consider. But now, having two daughter of my own, that same thought brought a huge smile to my face.
It was the beginning of January and I’d just put my oldest (and only at the time!) daughter down for the evening. I sat down at the computer and started brainstorming about a business to call my own. My inspiration was my daughter. We knew when I got pregnant that our plan was for me to stay home with our child. But, I guess after many years of a fast paced sales job, not even the sweet smiles or sounds of hearing “Mama” directed at me could completely satisfy the need for a sense of accomplishment. I wanted to feel like I was contributing financially to our family, but going back to work outside the home and not being with my daughter every day brought tears to my eyes. When I typed in www.stripesandpolkadots.com and got the message that the URL did not exist, I knew that was my sign. I registered the domain and ran upstairs to tell my husband all about my “new business”. The smile on his face told me this was it!
So, that’s how it started…a “Playkie” as a shower gift, a “BeBe” as a Christmas present, a little shove from a good friend and my “Mama”, the love and support of my wonderfully supportive husband, and a lot of inspiration from my first born!
Raw Materials $1000
On-Line Storefront $2500
Working from home to be with my daughters Priceless!
Lori Eggleston, MOMprenuer & her inspiration
Stripes & Polka Dots offers unique gifts, necessities, and “just gotta haves”! Our line includes various types of blankets; numerous styles of personalized burp cloths & bibs; personalized stationary; hand painted canvas bow holders; personalized drink ware for kids and adults; children’s apparel and accessories such as pacifier clips, diaper covers, and tutus; personal accessories such as checkbook covers, purse valets, and badge reels; and much much more!