In all reality, it is not often that we take a step back to count our blessings. We are busy wiping runny noses, doing laundry, running businesses, driving our kids to and from school...grocery shopping, dance class, dinner, phone calls...where do we find all of the time?? I have written here on the RuffleBlog for a few years now. I have shared and exposed the good, the bad and the ugly of my life as an entrepreneur, a wife and a first-time mom. Many days when I sit down to write, I am overwhelmed, run-down, and dealing one fire or another here in the office. Sound familiar? That has never taken away the fact that I LOVE my job, our customers, and our creations. I love the fact that I get to do something that makes me happy, makes our employees happy, makes our customers happy, and that we get to pay it all forward.
I have always been extremely grateful for my situation in life, for my family and this business, but it wasn't until Layla Grace made her footprint on my life, that I truly realized life's incredible blessings. Aubrey is growing up so quickly and I am treasuring every moment. When she decides to turn the roll of toilet paper into a river of white through our entire house, instead of getting frustrated, I get out my camera and laugh. When she dumps her food all over the rug, we play the pick up game and sing. I am far from the perfect parent, but certainly Layla has made me a better parent. Layla gave us all such an incredible blessing, the gift of appreciating our every day. Our every day moments with our children, our every day moments with our husbands, with our parents...at work, at home...life is so short and goes by so quickly.
I have said it before, and I will say it again and again...thank you. Thank you to our incredible customers. I am in complete awe of the way that you came together in support. I knew that I worked with amazing people on a daily basis, but you guys really blew me away. I feel so incredibly fortunate to create frilly little designs to decorate the bums of your children, your grandchildren. I am honored that you choose our products and even more so that you take the time to share your positive experiences. Thank you to our RuffleButts team, for making my daily work life so fun! I could not do it without each and every one of you. Thank you to Mark, my hubby and our RuffleButts COO. I can't even begin to imagine doing this without him. Thank you to my friends and family for putting up with my crazy and chaotic life. For loving me anyway!
I am so excited for what's in store for RuffleButts this year. We have fun new prints, new styles on the way. A photo shoot scheduled for next weekend and lots of surprises in store! I am thrilled to share this journey with you, and honored that you want to be a part of it. I am so very grateful!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Playing with the Angels
It is with a flood of emotions that I share this news...
Just before 2:00 this afternoon Shanna posted on her twitter account "Layla went to play with the angels early this morning. Rest in peace precious Layla. 11/26/2007 - 3/9/2010".
I am without words, in sorrow. Yet, at this moment, I am also in pure celebration of Layla's life, as short as it may have been. This precious child has literally touched the lives of MILLIONS! She has made us better moms, better children, better wives, better people. She is God's angel that was on short loan for us here on Earth. She spread His word, her faith, and most of all, SO MUCH LOVE.
Shanna, our love is pouring your way. Your family is in our prayers for strength. Layla, I have no doubt that you are in a glorious place, with a warm, warm welcome! I don't know of a child more loved by so, so many. As we all move forward with our lives, and the twitter buzz dies down, I want you to know that you will absolutely never be forgotten! You have touched the world in an incredible way, and I will be forever grateful.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
WOW
"Wow is all I can say!" That was the first sentence of Shanna's (Layla's mom) email to me at 3:40 this morning. I 2nd that!! As she sat by Layla's side, Shanna was amazed by the number of people that all came together in support of Layla. I couldn't sleep, my mind was spinning. Incredibly, we met our goal in mere hours yesterday, and are sending over the check today. I can honestly tell you this is the most fun I have had writing a check of this size, knowing that it is going to such an incredible cause! We are a small company, I only wish we could do so much more.
I had tears in my eyes as I typed yesterday's post. Today, I again can't hold back the tears, but they are tears of hope, of pure awe. This little girl has touched us all. She has brought us to tears. She has inspired us to smile. She has made us hold our little ones a little closer. She has forced us to take a moment to appreciate life. She has generated SO MUCH LOVE.
Layla will soon be healed of this devastating disease, whether it is here on Earth or with her Heavenly Father. All I have to say, is I can't imagine the welcoming party they will be throwing for this amazing little lady when she is called Home, whenever that may be.
I take this moment to thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for your support, your kind words, your love, and most of all, your prayers for Layla. This was not about me, or RuffleButts, or anything else for that matter. It was about doing anything I could think to do to give back to this precious child that has given us all so very much. I am honored to be able to do that in this small way.
Isn't it truly amazing what can be accomplished when we come together in love!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Layla Grace
It is with tears filling my eyes that I write this post. This is a situation that has been in my heart for many months and I have chosen up to this point to keep it personal. It is today that I feel led to share this journey and it is with the support and permission of the people involved that I make this public.
Where to start? Back in the summer of 2008 I began working and communicating with a mom and fellow business owner Shanna. She was inspired by her precious daughter, Layla Grace to start a fun website called Baby Wears Prada. Shanna became a fan of RuffleButts and Layla could not have been cuter in her little ruffles. In May of 2009, I received an email from Shanna that would touch me deeper than I ever knew possible, by someone that I had never actually met in person. This email shared the shocking and devastating news that Layla Grace had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Neuroblastoma. She went on to tell me that this is one of the hardest form of cancers to treat and came with a 30% survival rate. I just knew in my heart that Layla would beat this, she would be in that 30%!! It was then that Layla began the fight of her life.
Shanna has shared her journey in touching and inspirational posts at www.LaylaGrace.org. It is often that her writing reminds me to truly treasure every moment of motherhood. Shanna is an incredibly brave woman and it is quite evident that she has raised an amazingly strong little lady with a very fitting middle name. I can't even begin to share here the battle that Layla has been fighting for many, many months. This precious child has gone through more than any one of us could even imagine, and she is still a smiling little joy. Layla has touched more lives through her story and her smile than most of us could dream in our 30+ years. I can honestly say, she has changed not only my life, but also my daughter's, as I will not take a single moment for granted. I give Aubrey an extra hug every night because of Layla Grace. That is a gift that can not be repaid.
A few weeks back, I read the post that I never saw coming. After all of this suffering and fighting, the cancer had continued to spread. It had taken over, and Layla's fight would soon end. I was devastated, questioning everything, angry, saddened. It just didn't make sense that Layla would have to go through all of this, that Shanna and her family would have to go through all of this. Then, I quickly returned to my faith. Layla's life held more meaning in the short years that she spent here on Earth, than I can ever hope for mine. The cancer may appear to have won this battle, but it did not. Layla is victorious and more so than any of us can know at this point in time. Miracles happen every day, and Layla is still with us today, but the reality is that the doctors gave her less than a week last week. She continues to prove them wrong, maybe so she can touch just a few more thousand lives in these days. Layla will be in a glorious place with her Maker in the days to come.
The reason that I made the decision to share this story is because I need you behind us. After much prayer, we have made a personal and professional decision to get involved. Although money is probably far down the list of Shanna's concerns at the moment, I know that her family is facing costs that most of us will never know. I would like to hope that if I were in Shanna's place, that our friends and family would rally with me in support. I do not understand God's journey for Shanna or Layla, but I do know that it is His plan. I also know that it is His plan to use us to help in any way we can. I am so incredibly blessed to do what I love every day and to make a living from it. It was my commitment from day one to share the blessings of RuffleButts with those in need. I can not think of a better cause.
So, here's where you come in...I know we are all facing our own personal financial situations and not everyone is in a position to give, so we had an idea. We are going to give for you!! If you want to help, but don't have the extra cash, you can still give. Mark and I have committed our own personal amount to Layla Grace, but we are going to add $1 to that amount for every "fan" you refer to us FaceBook.com/RuffleButts through Friday, March 5th. So, you want to give $100 to Layla Grace, just send out an invitation to your 100 friends, and once they join our RuffleButts Page as a "fan" that is $100 to the pot. Want to give $500...ask your friends to send out the request to their friends...it's that easy! The money will be going directly to the bank in Layla's name, which is tied to her medical account. We will give up to $5000, in addition to our own personal commitment. We currently have 1216 fans, so keep your eyes on our page to see your generous work paying off! If you would like to give additional funds or prefer to give directly, you can go to LaylaGrace.org and click the "donate" button on the right side of the page. The FaceBook idea is a little outside-the-box, but we would like to give you the opportunity to experience the joy of giving without the financial strain.
This is the first time that I have turned to the friends and family of RuffleButts in a fundraiser for someone else, but I feel very led to do this. I hope you have read this with an open heart, and will think of Layla this week when your kids are wearing you down. Little Layla, you are in our thoughts and prayers every single day. You are a miracle in more ways than one!
Where to start? Back in the summer of 2008 I began working and communicating with a mom and fellow business owner Shanna. She was inspired by her precious daughter, Layla Grace to start a fun website called Baby Wears Prada. Shanna became a fan of RuffleButts and Layla could not have been cuter in her little ruffles. In May of 2009, I received an email from Shanna that would touch me deeper than I ever knew possible, by someone that I had never actually met in person. This email shared the shocking and devastating news that Layla Grace had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Neuroblastoma. She went on to tell me that this is one of the hardest form of cancers to treat and came with a 30% survival rate. I just knew in my heart that Layla would beat this, she would be in that 30%!! It was then that Layla began the fight of her life.
Shanna has shared her journey in touching and inspirational posts at www.LaylaGrace.org. It is often that her writing reminds me to truly treasure every moment of motherhood. Shanna is an incredibly brave woman and it is quite evident that she has raised an amazingly strong little lady with a very fitting middle name. I can't even begin to share here the battle that Layla has been fighting for many, many months. This precious child has gone through more than any one of us could even imagine, and she is still a smiling little joy. Layla has touched more lives through her story and her smile than most of us could dream in our 30+ years. I can honestly say, she has changed not only my life, but also my daughter's, as I will not take a single moment for granted. I give Aubrey an extra hug every night because of Layla Grace. That is a gift that can not be repaid.
A few weeks back, I read the post that I never saw coming. After all of this suffering and fighting, the cancer had continued to spread. It had taken over, and Layla's fight would soon end. I was devastated, questioning everything, angry, saddened. It just didn't make sense that Layla would have to go through all of this, that Shanna and her family would have to go through all of this. Then, I quickly returned to my faith. Layla's life held more meaning in the short years that she spent here on Earth, than I can ever hope for mine. The cancer may appear to have won this battle, but it did not. Layla is victorious and more so than any of us can know at this point in time. Miracles happen every day, and Layla is still with us today, but the reality is that the doctors gave her less than a week last week. She continues to prove them wrong, maybe so she can touch just a few more thousand lives in these days. Layla will be in a glorious place with her Maker in the days to come.
The reason that I made the decision to share this story is because I need you behind us. After much prayer, we have made a personal and professional decision to get involved. Although money is probably far down the list of Shanna's concerns at the moment, I know that her family is facing costs that most of us will never know. I would like to hope that if I were in Shanna's place, that our friends and family would rally with me in support. I do not understand God's journey for Shanna or Layla, but I do know that it is His plan. I also know that it is His plan to use us to help in any way we can. I am so incredibly blessed to do what I love every day and to make a living from it. It was my commitment from day one to share the blessings of RuffleButts with those in need. I can not think of a better cause.
So, here's where you come in...I know we are all facing our own personal financial situations and not everyone is in a position to give, so we had an idea. We are going to give for you!! If you want to help, but don't have the extra cash, you can still give. Mark and I have committed our own personal amount to Layla Grace, but we are going to add $1 to that amount for every "fan" you refer to us FaceBook.com/RuffleButts through Friday, March 5th. So, you want to give $100 to Layla Grace, just send out an invitation to your 100 friends, and once they join our RuffleButts Page as a "fan" that is $100 to the pot. Want to give $500...ask your friends to send out the request to their friends...it's that easy! The money will be going directly to the bank in Layla's name, which is tied to her medical account. We will give up to $5000, in addition to our own personal commitment. We currently have 1216 fans, so keep your eyes on our page to see your generous work paying off! If you would like to give additional funds or prefer to give directly, you can go to LaylaGrace.org and click the "donate" button on the right side of the page. The FaceBook idea is a little outside-the-box, but we would like to give you the opportunity to experience the joy of giving without the financial strain.
This is the first time that I have turned to the friends and family of RuffleButts in a fundraiser for someone else, but I feel very led to do this. I hope you have read this with an open heart, and will think of Layla this week when your kids are wearing you down. Little Layla, you are in our thoughts and prayers every single day. You are a miracle in more ways than one!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
First Day of School
Yesterday was my baby's first day of school...okay, well pre, pre-school, but still! I know I am a big dork, but I was very excited for Aubrey to go and make her first friends, eat out of her first lunch box, meet her first teachers, and most importantly, to have the opportunity to learn and grow on a daily basis. She is a little firecracker and she was so ready to be in that environment. Mark and I were so silly, getting up super early to pack her little lunch and get her all ready for her big day. We took pictures (which unfortunately are still on the camera at the moment), and were all giggly watching our little girl growing up! Today was her 2nd day, and I snapped this pic on my camera phone before running out the door. Not the best pic in the world, but had to share my little cutie in her RuffleButts ready to head out to SCHOOL! Wow, this mommy thing goes fast...and I love every minute of it!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Undercover Boss
Although I am sadly a fan of some reality shows, I didn't watch the recent "Undercover Boss" show. I must admit I was intrigued when I saw the preview, mostly curious as a business owner myself, but missed the show. Since then, I understand there has been a bit of controversy over the premise behind the show...people love controversy!!! Anyway, Mark sent over a quote to me this morning from an interview with president and COO of Waste Management, Larry O'Donnell (the CEO on the show) posted on The Corner Office Blog. This quote really hit home with us, as this is very much our philosophy as well. We are obviously a MUCH smaller company, but I firmly believe that you must have a positive experience behind the scenes to share a positive experience with your customers."When you can transform your company from a place where people just show up to collect a paycheck to a company where they feel appreciated, they feel recognized, they feel like they have a voice and they become engaged in helping you solve the problem, what a powerful company."
Monday, February 8, 2010
Ellen's Request for Jessica Alba
So, here's the story...it was super late on Tuesday night, when I received an email from one of the producers over at the Ellen Degeneres Show. She was contacting me to find out if I could help her purchase a Swiss Dot w/Red Ruffled RuffleButt Baby Bloomer for Ellen to give to Jessica Alba in celebration of her new movie Valentine's Day. I thought this was a perfect gift for the occasion, and just knew that Honor (Jessica's 20 month old daughter) would look precious in her little ruffled diaper cover. We knew there was a good chance that they would not "plug" the brand, as it was not a promotion, it was a genuine gift. Needless to say, we are honored that Ellen would pick our RuffleButts as her gift to Jessica, and we can't wait to see Honor in her new little RuffleButts!
View the Offical Press Release Here
View the Offical Press Release Here
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
RuffleButt Bikinis
It has been a bit of a journey on these...we worked with a new factory, we found the perfect swimwear fabrics, developed them, shipped them to the factory, and then poof, everything was gone, just days before we were supposed to receive the entire shipment of production. Well, lesson learned and doors opened. Everything happens for a reason, right! Well, I am so excited to introduce a wardrobe essential for every little cute patootie...
And yes, Aubrey was roped into being our official "Bikini model" since we were on such a tight time-frame! I'm a proud little mama =)
And yes, Aubrey was roped into being our official "Bikini model" since we were on such a tight time-frame! I'm a proud little mama =)
Friday, January 29, 2010
The Bees Knees Kids Australia
We work with some of the most fabulous stores all around the globe! Here is just one of them...
Bernice Greenacre, the Owner and Founder of The Bees Knees Kids, is one of the sweetest women I have ever "met". She may be on the other side of the globe, but it seems like she lives right next door! She has created this fabulous children's store and is only 6 months in, but is already a tremendous success. I am honored to work with her and am so excited to see our brand spreading across the AU!
Here is just a little about her store:
The Bees Knees Kids is an online Store specializing in Products that we are passionate about and that we use or have used, loved and that have just made our lives with two lively kids a little easier! Our focus is to provide a great range of clothing that is vibrant fun and stands out from the crowd.
When did you open the store?
In June 2009
What was your inspiration to start The Bees Knees Kids?
Buying gorgeous,unique,practical and excellent quality items for my own daughter Eva. I found this challenging to find at Chain stores and found the quality, variety and range lacking! I also dislike my children having the same clothes as every one else they are unique individuals and need to be dressed accordingly and stand out from the crowd! I also do most of my shopping for my own children online as it is convenient quick and easy. I find it a challenge having to go out and purchase things with the children and would rather do this in the comfort of my own home without the crowds. I also wanted to be able to work from home do something I am passionate about I saw that other Mums are doing this and I wanted to do the same and be at home with my children.
What is your best/funniest customer story?
One customer came to our house (we have a room set up as a shop) as we allow customers to come and shop by appointment. Her daughter made a bee line straight for the RuffleButts bloomers and the Mum went away with a few new editions to her wardrobe even her Princess couldn't resist the cuteness of the RuffleButts Bloomers!
Any RuffleButts stories from the store?
RuffleButts is by far our best seller and we are BIG fans ourselves!
Customers just keep on coming back to order more and I have recieved so many requests for certain lines that we do not yet have! We plan to have every line to make it possible for all Australians to have easy access to this gorgeous product. You will see from all our testimonials its all about RuffleButts!! LOL :-)
Another thing we love about RuffleButts is that little girls can look like little girls and not mini adults! The range is practical as you can mix and match everything for any Mum that is a huge time saver as it takes the guess work out of everything!
Bernice Greenacre, the Owner and Founder of The Bees Knees Kids, is one of the sweetest women I have ever "met". She may be on the other side of the globe, but it seems like she lives right next door! She has created this fabulous children's store and is only 6 months in, but is already a tremendous success. I am honored to work with her and am so excited to see our brand spreading across the AU!
Here is just a little about her store:
The Bees Knees Kids is an online Store specializing in Products that we are passionate about and that we use or have used, loved and that have just made our lives with two lively kids a little easier! Our focus is to provide a great range of clothing that is vibrant fun and stands out from the crowd.
When did you open the store?
In June 2009
What was your inspiration to start The Bees Knees Kids?
Buying gorgeous,unique,practical and excellent quality items for my own daughter Eva. I found this challenging to find at Chain stores and found the quality, variety and range lacking! I also dislike my children having the same clothes as every one else they are unique individuals and need to be dressed accordingly and stand out from the crowd! I also do most of my shopping for my own children online as it is convenient quick and easy. I find it a challenge having to go out and purchase things with the children and would rather do this in the comfort of my own home without the crowds. I also wanted to be able to work from home do something I am passionate about I saw that other Mums are doing this and I wanted to do the same and be at home with my children.
What is your best/funniest customer story?
One customer came to our house (we have a room set up as a shop) as we allow customers to come and shop by appointment. Her daughter made a bee line straight for the RuffleButts bloomers and the Mum went away with a few new editions to her wardrobe even her Princess couldn't resist the cuteness of the RuffleButts Bloomers!
Any RuffleButts stories from the store?
RuffleButts is by far our best seller and we are BIG fans ourselves!
Customers just keep on coming back to order more and I have recieved so many requests for certain lines that we do not yet have! We plan to have every line to make it possible for all Australians to have easy access to this gorgeous product. You will see from all our testimonials its all about RuffleButts!! LOL :-)
Another thing we love about RuffleButts is that little girls can look like little girls and not mini adults! The range is practical as you can mix and match everything for any Mum that is a huge time saver as it takes the guess work out of everything!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Polish you up
A friend of mine, who happens to be the Owner and Designer of StellaJane, sent me a fabulous quote today. It was so perfect, I wanted to share...
Life is like a grindstone, it can wear you down or polish you up. It all depends on what you're made of.
She also ended her email with some fabulous words of wisdom..."It it's conceived in your heart and lives in your soul, you will have the strength to see it through."
I am amazed by all of the incredible people in my life. Some of them close friends, others associates through the business, many of them customers that feel like family, and others whom I've never even spoken with that rally around with smiles and support. And, I definitely can not fail to mention a husband that puts up with me day in and day out! I have the best job in the world and do what I do for the most adorable little human beings I've ever seen! I'm learning and living, and taking in all in one day at a time, but I feel lucky to do it pretty much every day. RuffleButts was my first child. It is my outlet, my creation, that I am lucky enough to share with incredible people everywhere. For those of you that are concerned about me and my disappointment with yesterday's drama...no worries here! I was most torn and distraught over the decision to share the experience. I always strive to do the right thing, but I also believe you must stand up for yourself. I remain positive and so excited about this year ahead with RuffleButts!
Life is like a grindstone, it can wear you down or polish you up. It all depends on what you're made of.
She also ended her email with some fabulous words of wisdom..."It it's conceived in your heart and lives in your soul, you will have the strength to see it through."
I am amazed by all of the incredible people in my life. Some of them close friends, others associates through the business, many of them customers that feel like family, and others whom I've never even spoken with that rally around with smiles and support. And, I definitely can not fail to mention a husband that puts up with me day in and day out! I have the best job in the world and do what I do for the most adorable little human beings I've ever seen! I'm learning and living, and taking in all in one day at a time, but I feel lucky to do it pretty much every day. RuffleButts was my first child. It is my outlet, my creation, that I am lucky enough to share with incredible people everywhere. For those of you that are concerned about me and my disappointment with yesterday's drama...no worries here! I was most torn and distraught over the decision to share the experience. I always strive to do the right thing, but I also believe you must stand up for yourself. I remain positive and so excited about this year ahead with RuffleButts!
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