Hi friends! Since Monday's are usually so boring and draining, I've decided to brighten yours by sharing a few of our favorite small shops! This week we interviewed Bri, part of the two person duo behind Tribe is alive ! This small shop means so much to us! This was the first small shop, that chose my beautiful babies to brand rep for their company! We love everything about tribe is alive , from the trendy original designs, to the comfy fit! Bri and her husband Tyler definitely created a fun, unique brand that speaks to everyone! Head over and check them out, at tribeisalive.com ! But first, let's get to know the family behind the shop a little more!
Tribe Is Alive started as a side project to earn a little extra cash. It was my husbands idea/creative outlet since he enjoys art & art related things. He came up with the name and started up the business, and I somehow quickly took over in hope to be able to work part time at my current job & part time for Tribe since I was due in a few short months with our daughter.
What motivated you to start this business?
Definitely our daughter. We wanted to make her cute clothes, have a creative outlet, and earn some extra cash so that I would hopefully not have to work full time once I had her. I always admired women who worked full time to provide for their families and thought I would easily be able to do the same but the closer it got to having my little one, the heavier it weighed on my heart, so I did everything possible to make this business a success.
( photo cred: @mairimrobles )
Did you ever see yourself doing this?
Short answer, no. I was in the medical field before this and loved it. But I love this equally as much. I never knew it would be so hard, but being home with my daughter makes every hardship and struggle worth it.
If you could give other business moms advice, what would it be?
Give yourself a break. And never feel guilty for working. It's sometimes hard to step away when your list seems never ending, but it's necessary. Owning your own business is like having another kid, it needs a lot of attention, but so do the people right in front of you. I may never "get" how it's supposed to be done, but trying to maintain balance in my work/personal life is the most helpful. I am a work from home mom, not a stay at home mom. I think remembering that helps relieve any guilt. Donut dates or turning a post office run into a park trip are what I work so hard for.
( Photo cred: @jennifercoburn )
What was your plan before deciding to start your own business?
We had zero expectations, which is silly and not business like. I quickly realized we needed goals and a plan to work toward and just went from there. In the beginning though it was just to be able to be more of the mom I wanted to be.
What has been your favorite part of starting your business?
I love so many aspects of this job. But mostly being able to create things & meeting new people. Having a creative outlet can be so therapeutic.
( photo cred: @crue_zer )
When life gets tough, what keeps you going?
Our amazing customers. Some days are tough, and something as simple as a tagged picture can quickly remind me why I do this. The random emails filled with kind words and little ones in our tees mean so much to me. I cherish every single one.
Tell us a little bit about your everyday life, your family, a day in life of.
Our days are pretty basic. I wake up before our daughter since she typically sleeps until 8. I try to answer a few emails or ship orders. Then once the little one is up it's breakfast and playing. I promised myself a while back that if I had to work odd hours or late at night that was okay, as long as it didn't take away from our daughter, so that's what I do. I work during her nap which is amazingly about 3 hours each day. When my husband gets home I run up to the office to get a bit of work done before dinner & sometimes even work after dinner. There are days when I barely work, because I can't possibly work 7 days a week, although I crazily try to at times. I luckily get to pick when I work, so if Ollie is feeling clingy or just needing to burn a ton of energy I can take the day off and focus my attention on her, and just work on the "weekend".
( photo cred: @frankiebear )
We all know owning a business can be a little demanding, what are some things you do to keep yourself happy?
Music is a huge part of our lives. We have an extensive vinyl collection. Putting a record on and dancing around with my family is the best wind down. We also love food of any kind, but are obsessed with a local taco truck that is close enough for us to walk to! I also like to run to clear my mind or going for a walk with my two awesome pups and daughter.
And lastly, what are some of your favorite mommy made businesses?
I have SO many. A few favorites are June&January, Mamacaseprints, Hudson&Ruthie, FreeBabes, LittleDude&Dudette, & Radrevolutionkids.
I hope a little more incite into the faces, behind these small shops, reminds you why shopping small is so important. You are purchasing from a family so that mother can stay at home with her child, or that child can play soccer that fall. Small businesses are so important to us, and we can't thank you enough bri and tyler, for sharing your creative minds with all of us, and our children!
Remember, shop small!
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