This is the 20th in a series of small success stories called “10 Questions with” that features a creative entrepreneur or small business owner who has an incredible story and advice to share. It’s the perfect series to follow for budding entrepreneurs and creative people who want to know more about other people’s creative processes. Check back here every Wednesday to see who the next small business profile will be. The interview is below the images.

Everyone who starts a business is in varying stages of success and progress. Sometimes I can’t believe how long it’s been since I started cuteheads (5 years this year!). Like dog years, 1 year of small business life is more like 7 human years, so I guess that kind of makes me an “elder stateswoman.” I’m not sure when it changes, when you go from new business owner to someone who’s been doing this awhile. I will say that my husband walked up to someone at a lunch last week and asked if her baby was wearing a cuteheads bib, and she said no, but was so excited to meet “Mr. Cuteheads” that she asked to take a picture with him. So there’s that.

I love talking to business owners who are in all different stages of development, because you get such a good sense of what’s challenging at each stage. I know for me, my biggest challenges now are growth and scale, but in the beginning, my biggest challenges were definitely marketing and PR. A business is a living, changing organism, which is scary but also really cool, and makes every day anything but boring. There are always new challenges to conquer.

I’m excited for today’s guest, Lynn Brown, the founder of Hazard Baby. She makes the cutest onesies and tees for little ones, with a very funny, unique message. I first learned of Lynn in one of my small business Facebook groups, and I’m so glad I did; you can tell she has such a passion for what she’s doing, and for those of you reading who have ever wanted to start your own business, her successes and struggles will inspire you.

Small Business Success Stories: Lynn Brown, Hazard Baby

Glad to chat with you! First, tell us where we can find you online.

My name is Lynn Brown, and I’m the founder of Hazard Baby. Find us on Instagram at

What inspired you to start your own business?

My children were getting older and I was looking for something to do that allows me to continue to have a flexible schedule for my family. Working for myself and from home is perfect. The fact that I can even do that and ship products from my home is awesome.

What inspires your work and what sets you apart from everyone else?

Safety and Construction “warning” and “caution” signs. My designs are based on real equipment and safety signs!

What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?

I have a degree in Integrated Natural Resources, so that in its self didn’t necessarily give me the skills to start a business, only the drive to complete a college degree. In some ways starting a business is the same, research, study, work hard. My husband and also started and ran a Country Store Cider Mill for many years. This gave me the confidence that I started one successful business, so I can try it again.

What has been your biggest success to date?

We were featured in a NH Newspaper this past December. It was fantastic because it was the first feature where they came to me (I didn’t pay for an ad or feature) and it brought in many sales.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Advertising on almost no budget, plus the fact that onesie and toddler tshirts with screen prints is a fairly saturated market.

Describe your typical work day.

Depends on what is required. Some days, I take inventory, tag and fold shirts. Process orders. Check email, FB, post on Instagram. Research shows. I am still a new shop and learning the ropes, so everyday is a learning processes, working on getting my product out there.

Which small businesses are you inspired by?

There are so many its hard to name. When I first started, I liked the style and look of outofprintclothing.com I also liked reading about the stories behind Little Sapling Toys and Trendy Tree House. They were an inspiration for me to get started. Now I have “met” so many shops that are also an inspiration to me everyday. I enjoy the small business community.

If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?

Honestly, I am not sure. I am still so new at it all. Online marketing is tough!

What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start her own creative business?

Go for it. Stick to your vision. It may take time, it may be an overnight success, but do what you love. It also helps to find a group of other shop owners for questions and advice.

Tell us YOUR small business success story! For a chance to be featured in one of our small business posts, email info {at} cuteheads [dot] com & tell us about your business.