10 Questions with Christina Kondret, Founder of Olive and Birdie

This is the 18th in a series of small business success stories called “10 Questions with” that features creative entrepreneurs and small business owners who have incredible stories 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.

Taking pictures of both of my girls together… a lot harder than it looks. I kind of had the hang of snapping pics of my toddler; I’m no professional, but I enjoy photography and as a total novice, I try to learn the in’s and out’s of my Canon Rebel and use it whenever possible for practice. I had no idea if I’d be the kind of mom who wanted her kids to match, but as it turns out, I am TOTALLY that mom. And when I discovered Olive and Birdie, I knew my little ones needed matching big sister litte sister tees.

I was seriously crying from laughing snapping these pics. It’s unbelievable how much Naomi loves her little sister, and it makes my heart literally burst when she hugs Tova, even if Tova’s not too crazy about being hugged quite yet. Naomi loves to help me burp little sister, put her down for naps, feed her, wash her pacis… you name it, she likes to help do it. And she was SO EXCITED when she saw that she was going to get to match with her sister. She couldn’t wait to put on her Big Sister tee.

I am so impressed with Christina’s shop Olive and Birdie. She’s created a quality product that’s both adorable and comfortable, and I feel like would make the perfect gift. You’ll see in her shop that she has everything from Big Sis/Little Sis & Bro tees and onesies to seasonal Christmas and Easter tees. And I love that all of her designs are hand-drawn. I would have had no idea! Read the entire interview + make sure to shop Olive and Birdie and support small business.

Small Business Success Stories: Christina Kondret, Founder of Olive and Birdie

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

My name is Christina Kondret and I am the owner of Olive and Birdie. You can find my designs on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/OliveandBirdie.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I wanted to create some cute outfits for my daughter when she was little. I found some glitter vinyl at the craft store that I was obsessed with. I had absolutely no idea how to use it but I was determined to figure it out. I started drawing directly on the vinyl and cutting out my designs by hand. It was definitely slow and go in the beginning.

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

My designs are hand drawn. All the cursive writing is done in my handwriting and are original to my shop.

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

Honestly, it was all trial and error. I have a degree in Biology and was a high school science teacher before I had my daughter. I started doodling on a piece of paper and thought “hey, this would make a cute shirt” and it took off from there.

What has been your biggest success to date?

Reaching 6,000 sales on Etsy. I remember when I told my mom I would consider my shop as a “real” Esty shop when I had 100 sales. I am amazed at where I am today.

What has been your biggest challenge?

All the copying. It is really hard to stay current and original when other shops steal your ideas. It can be really frustrating.

Describe your typical work day.

As soon as I put my kids down for a nap I start going through each order and cutting the vinyl. I have a tiny little desk near my kitchen where I do all of my computer work and vinyl cutting. Once they are cut I get everything ready to iron and move over to the coffee table. I iron on the coffee table which I catch-up on my favorite TV shows. I go back to my desk package up all my orders and get them ready to send out.

Which small businesses are you inspired by?

Honestly, there are so many creative shops run by women. I am always amazed at how much women are able to do while also being moms and caretakers. I have always looked up to shops like Freshly Picked, Cuteheads and June and January. Such strong, powerful women who are able to make it happen through hard work and determination.

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

Nothing. I really have learned a lot about the entire process of running a small business. All of the hardships have been great learning experiences for me.

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

Be patient and don’t give up! It took me quite some time to get things going with my Etsy shop but it paid off in the end.

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

28 thoughts on “10 Questions with Christina Kondret, Founder of Olive and Birdie”

The tees are adorable and I like that Christina’s designs are hand drawn and are original to her shop. I’ll have to go over to Etsy and check it out.

This was very interesting to ask the questions and get the answers that we would want to ask. It was really insightful and helpful

This is too cute. My kids have their own tee business which is just starting out. This is inspiring. I wish them much success.

Those designs are so adorable. I think her advice is the best you’ll ever get. Be patient and don’t give up. Keep pushing!

I love olive and birdie! It’s fun to get to know more about awesome mamas with great shops!

As a small business owner myself, I love reading about how other women got started. I’ve recently been frustrated by the “copying” – having conversations with people either as vendors or confidantes or possible biz partners and they go off and take the ideas, even in skeletal stages! I had to work through some serious anger issues on that one. People want a lot and give little, so you have to have good watermarks, contracts, NDAs and the like, but sometimes you just want to have a coffee chat, but I just have to be careful. Great interview!

6,000 sales! That is really impressive. I like the advice to be patient – I often forget that.
– Amanda Shuman | Carrylove Designs

I’ve actually hard of them, but have never bought from them. Will have to go check them out. Congrats on 6K sales, AMAZING! And I am so that person that matches my kids and I have a boy and girl 🙂

I envy how creative people are! I would love to be able to make clothing like this or something totally unique. But more than anything I love hearing about Moms that pursue their passions and never give up. I will have to check out her items on Etsy.

Those pics are adorable! It’s not easy photographing tots but yours are great. I think my favorite is the one with the doodle bug crying. What a great actor.

I really love this small business success stories series of yours! It’s so great to hear al the positive success stories. It really motivates me <3

Oh that little one is so sweet!
I love it when people find what they are passionate about and make it work!
We have a small business and are looking at venturing into something new. Not sure what but I still have time 🙂

Those shirts are too cute. I love the pictures and it’s awesome that she runs her business while raising a family.

Those are such beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing so much great information – although I kept staring at the baby – so sweet!

I enjoyed reading this interview with Christina Kondret. I can’t imagine having 6K sales on Etsy as most people I know are excited about getting one sale.

What cute onesies!! I’ll have to look at these for Olivia’s first birthday!

I used to match my boys clothes, I haven’t done that in a while though. I think it would be fun to start doing that again. Beautiful kids and beautiful pictures!

This is so inspiring! You are doing such a wonderful job featuring small businesses, Esther! I am working on something similar and it is amazing to meet like minded people who want to promote and encourage others, great job!! Your kids are so adorable and who could tell you are not a professional photographer. I will be sure to check out Olive and Birdie’s Etsy shop, seem like such cute outfits.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com

Awww how adorable! I love the tees and knowing it is her own handwriting being printed on those cute tshirts is really cool it definitely set her apart from others. Great interview!

OBSESSED with these t-shirts. Ahhhh so cute 🙂 Have to get some – what an awesome business!!

LOVE Olive and Birdie! She is so sweet! And your girls are amazingly adorable <3

This is so inspiring. I love hearing of people making their dreams happen. I cannot wait to have a baby!! Anything gold glitter I am allll about haha. She sure knows what she is doing and has amazing style. I hope I have a little girl! Ahh 🙂
Danielle Greco | AccordingtoD.com