This is the ninth post in a new weekly series called “10 Questions with” that will feature creative entrepreneurs and small business owners who have incredible stories of small business success 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 will be profiled next.. The interview is below.

I mentioned in a previous “10 Questions with…” that a woman named Keri introduced me to the awesome entrepreneur’s group that helped me so much in 2015. Today, I’m so excited to have Keri on the blog as my featured guest! She and I have been following and supporting each other’s successes since well before we were both in the Collective, and over the years, it’s been incredible to watch her business grow.

I am a true believer in “I’m not interested in competing with anyone. I hope we all make it,” a powerful quote coined by interior designer (and #girlboss!) Erica Cook. It’s one that has stuck with me for quite some time, and I believe Keri embodies that by spreading the love, spreading the success, and helping others grow along with her. There really isn’t enough of that in the world, and the constant competition, especially between fellow female entrepreneurs, can be quite exhausting. It’s amazing to have a tribe of women around you who believe in collaboration over competition, which is why Keri is such a worthy feature for this series. Her small business success will inspire your own journey. Read her interview below.

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

HI, I am Keri, owner of Little Big Dreamers, LLC. You can find us at our online shop at littlebigdreamersllc.com or on Instagram at @littlebigdreamers.

What inspired you to start your own business?

This may sound funny but I kind of inspire myself. I have always been known to take on a challenge and push myself to do more. I will continue to do so and teach my children to do the same thing. I am very inspired to show my girls that hard work is number one and anything is possible if you try.

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

The first thing that comes to mind when people ask what sets me apart, are my prices. Stylish threads need not cost the earth, or your pocket. My collection is both organic and on trend. Offering a diverse range of classic and handmade clothing to inspire creativity and individualism is most important.
My 2 girls are my number one inspiration. LBD prides themselves as being a brand that children can play and get dirty in. Most, if not all pieces can be tossed in the wash and worn the very same day! 

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

I am a NY girl. Born and raised. As a graduate of business school, I moved to NYC, from Long Island, and began to work at a private label denim company in the garment district. That is where I learned all the ins and outs of a small business. As well as the ups and downs. I then began working at Ralph Lauren Childrens wear. After 5 years there, I moved to Boston, met my husband and began teaching. I then earned my Masters as a Special Education teacher and then another masters as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

During both of my masters degrees I had 2 girls, Teagan and Scarlett. After Scarlett was born I took a huge leap and began LBD. I began by making elastic floral bows and headbands, and neither of my kids wore them. It became impossible and there was so much more that I wanted to do and achieve. I began sewing and practicing a million different patterns and designs. I then reached out to a graphic designer who I adored and began designing my own fabric. Once I had identified my brand and began branding and marketing, I grew faster than I ever imagined.

What has been your biggest success to date?

Being featured in British VOGUE and Glamour UK. Months later I use that as fuel to grow..

What has been your biggest challenge?

My greatest challenge is funding for growth and balance. I have never been one to shy away from a challenge, but when you are in business with yourself it gets difficult.
I would love to hire additional help, but it worries me that if and when I do, business will slow down and I won’t be able to keep them.
My goal is to have our brand manufactured in the USA by Holiday of 2016. I have been working round the clock and will continue to do so until this goal is achieved. This will allow more time to be focused on the business and more time with my children..

Describe your typical work day.

Work day? Funny. A work day for me is keeping my children from not killing each other. I am just kidding.

I can’t really describe a typical work day, because a work day for me begins at 8pm at night. I do try to get some emailing and engagement in mid afternoon, but with 2 girls, it is sometimes not always possible.

Then after the children head to bed, I work. Work consists of, emailing, marketing, sewing, cutting, creative, drawing, erasing, etc….

There is no typical day.

Which small businesses are you inspired by?

Esther, you inspire me. I absolutely love your brand and love that you are always helping and giving. I as well try to run auctions and give where I can. I am truly inspired by those that give. There are so many small shops that I love and adore, it would be so difficult to name them all. (Thank you Keri! <3)

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

If I know now what I didn’t know then…I would remain more focused. I tried to do too much too fast.

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

Go for it. Life it too damn short! Love it and enjoy it.

Have a small business success story you want featured on The Cuteness? Email me and tell me a little about what makes your business successful and unique!