March 9th, 2008 I took the plunge and got a booth at the Spokane Baby Fair. The "trade show" featured all things to do with babies and many mamas and papas-to- be were swarming around in the Convention Center gathering as much information and samples as they could get their hands on. I was a little nostalgic looking at the parents in waiting, remembering fondly how only a year ago I was in their shoes. No one can really prepare you for the amazing life change that comes with having a new baby! I had a raffle and sold my onesies in their proper packaging, the bento sushi box
! I was pleased with the positive reception and friendly folks who stopped by my booth to buy the onesies and chat. My sister helped out with the show, and made origami cranes with me to pass out to small kiddos that were there. Brian brought Toby around noon and it was wonderful to see him, though I should have had him in his ninja baby onesie! (Toby that is, not Brian)Things went so well that I decided to take yet another leap and work on getting them into local boutiques/shops in the area. I was so thrilled when Boo Radley's, an incredible, cool, funky, and amazing shop downtown bought a bunch to sell in their shop! The owner was so helpful, positive, and I think I have run out of great adjectives to describe the experience ! I also sold some to Ferrante's cafe and gift shop for their cute boutique area! The owner at Ferrante's was also absolutely fabulous and full of great advice and positive energy. I am absolutely thrilled to get them out and around town. Now I just have to hope people are interested.
I am also looking forward to bringing them around to shops in Portland in a few weeks and Seattle too. It is a slow process, but I just have to hope that they catch on and people love them as much as I do. I still can't believe this is a reality! I love the packaging so much. I also feel great about finally using a local company to screenprint. Soon I can step away from cafepress and ship out myself so I can send everyone their onesie in a bento box ,which is the way they are intended to be sold. So, I am hoping to keep up this momentum and look forward to what is next!
