Heaven Sent Infant Wear

Four-year-old children’s wear designer finds success with babies, books and The Bible!

California-based Heaven Sent Infant Wear designs children’s clothes that offer what they call “a spiritual reflection.”

The owners – one is a grandmother to 12 and the other is mom to her daughter- share the belief that a child is a gift from God. “We began designing infant apparel that we believed could share that belief and warm the hearts of mothers everywhere.”

With that, Heaven Sent offers 100% cotton and organic cotton bibs, rompers, gowns, onezies, jumpers and more, all adorned with unique quotations from the Bible, such as Fearfully And Wonderfully Made (Psalms 139:14), favorite childhood prayers, the signature message Heaven Sent and others.

Bookstore Love. Heaven Sent began by selling their designs at local baby expos and mother-baby shows, and then a local bookstore fell in love with the brand, carrying it in the store. “Last year, we did the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Atlanta, Georgia, where we were picked up by eight new bookstores,” they tell me. “Earlier this year, we were picked up by Berean Christian Stores, and now, Heaven Sent is sold in 26 stores total.” And counting, for sure.

A Wink and a Prayer. I think the makers of Heaven Sent say it best:

Our product not only shares a message but is bright, fun, excellent quality and very cute.

I’m all for cute and I’m all for a little reflection, too.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Mom2Mommy.com is Live

Free to join, Mom2Mommy is the first -and only- online parenting resource that directly connects moms with doctors at no expense to the moms. Plus they can indulge in boutique shopping.

Elaine Iwicki and Kelly Harper are the founders of Mom2Mommy.com, which went live in August. They are passionate about creating a community of physicians, boutiques and baby product manufacturers who want to join a trusted network of resources available to moms across the nation. Both busy moms and entrepreneurs, Elaine and Kelly noticed a gap in the resources available to moms who needed convenient and accessible information about health.

We’ve created the site as a connection tool for parents to share similar stories, struggles and triumphs while caring for their children. Whether you can’t get your kids to eat their vegetables, or you have a child with special needs, it provides a place for questions to be asked and answered.

-co-founder Kelly Harper

One of a kind. Becoming a Mom2Mommy member is free. Visitors can search for medical specialists, read expert posts and join forums. The site allows visitors to post questions and get answers from expert physicians, dentists, chiropractors and health specialists. In return, care providers can post articles related to their areas of expertise, or tips on child care and healthy living. “It’s a great tool for moms on the go,” they say, “and ensures that trusted expert medical advice and tips are just one click away.”

Shop ’til you sign off. Mom2Mommy also features unique boutique items for children ages newborn to 15, and adults. “From baby products to adult apparel, Mom2Mommy serves as an online shopping resource, with home delivery available for busy moms.” Boutique owners can be featured at no cost, and advertise their specialty goods to parents as well as medical professionals. “We also provide boutique items at a discount for parents.”

Natural progression to the on-line lifestyle trend. Mom2Mommy was recently featured on KGUN 9’s The Morning Blend in Tucson, AZ! Kelly and Elaine are very interested in doing business with credible business partners. If interested, contact them directly:

Kelly@mom2mommy.com – 520-405-5708
Elaine@mom2mommy.com – 847-352-0460

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Born To Be Sassy

Made in the USA, this line boasts unique boutique designs at very affordable prices.

Alabama-based Born To Be Sassy was born in 2006 and in just six months, outgrew its manufacturing facility! Just like a child.

Today, with more than 51,000 likes on Facebook – the apparel line of appliqué clothing for kids has grown “beyond our wildest dreams,” say the owners. Offering daily sales on social media and free shipping –always … the company makes quality clothes for both girls and boys as unique as your very own child.

We love being a part of those special occasions where only the perfect outfit will do.

How do they do this? One word: personalize, baby. (OK, that’s two words, but who’s counting?) Born To Be Sassy clothing can be monogrammed with your child’s name or initials, creating an “only-for-me” outfit your child will love.

I especially love the fun and easy “How to Shop” promotion Born To Be Sassy’s doing on Facebook.

Boo-ya! It’s timely, affordable –and fun! Thanks to my sister-in-law for introducing me to Born To Be Sassy.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

WallCandy Arts

A favorite of Children’s Retail Today, WallCandy Arts is Made in the USA.

WallCandy Arts is the company behind WallCandy -removable, repositionable and reusable wall stickers and wall art. The brainchild of Allison Krongard, mom to Lilly and Brandon, WallCandy lets adults –and kids- create a unique atmosphere in any room with patented decorative products made with you in mind.

WallCandy Arts is the ultimate commitment-free décor for any room.

Peel and Stick. Anyone decorating with WallCandy can do so easily and effortlessly, leaving no marks on the walls. Made in the USA of non-toxic materials, WallCandy’s special adhesive allows you to remove and reposition the design over and over again.

Allison’s first WallCandy client was actually a friend’s three-year-old named Max –who turned out to be one tough customer. Just as soon as Allison had pulled together the inspiration, swatches and paint chips to suit his dinosaur obsession, he changed his mind, wanting his room filled with spaceships! The experience became the ultimate idea-maker: “If kids’ imaginations grow as fast as their bodies, why not create a décor element that’s easy to change and easy to apply?” Allison shares online.

That was back in 2002. Now, Allison is the patented inventor of removable, reusable and repositionable chalkboard wall decals, too –and the WallCandy product line has expanded to include removable wallpaper, wall decals, instant wallpaper, patented peel and stick chalkboard, party decorating celebration kits, seasonal decal designs and more.

In January, WallCandy Arts partnered with lifestyle brand French Bull to create a new collection of wall decals, reinventing them with a fresh and contemporary look. The collection is designed to inspire a child’s imagination while adding pizzazz to a nursery or playroom.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Retail Business News: Pam Brown Joins Marson LLC

Industry vet Pam Brown is appointed vice president.

Marson LLC, a company that offers an innovative approach and strategy to sales management in the juvenile industry, appoints Pam Brown as vice president.

Pam’s knowledge and experience in the industry, and relationships with customers will be valuable assets for Marson clients. She brings a tremendous passion and enthusiasm for the industry and I am thrilled to have her on board to help grow sales and build a brand presence.

-Alison Bates, President, Marson LLC

In her new role with Marson, Pam is responsible for managing the independent retail store channel, calling on stores directly and managing Marson’s team of sales reps to help them drive sales higher in their respective territories. Most recently in 2011, she was recruited to help re-launch the Sunshine Kids brand as Diono; Pam’s prior experience includes positions at Britax Child Safety and Combi USA.

Founded in 2010, Marson provides outsourced sales and sales management to manufacturers in the juvenile products market with a seasoned team of senior level sales and marketing executives. Marson clients include Kastel International (Mutsy and Babyhome), Scandinavian Child (Svan and Beaba) and Amy Michelle.

Alison Bates is president and founder, and has more than 18 years of experience marketing and selling consumer products. Bates’ experience includes positions as Vice President of Kastel International and as Vice President, Sales and Marketing for leading stroller brand Maclaren U.S.A. where she was responsible for the company’s overall sales and marketing efforts. For more information on Marson, email alison@marson-mgt.com or call 678/428-0533.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Disney Baby – Labor of Love

The new Disney Baby line includes all the essentials parents need to bond with their children, adding that special Disney touch.

Just recently, the Walt Disney Co. opened its first Disney Baby retail store at The American at Brand in Glendale, CA, which coincides with the launch of a Disney Baby online boutique. The company hopes to grow the line of products into the-go-to brand for young mothers –and their tiny charges- as soon as possible!

Magic for Your Little Munchkin. Disney Baby includes essentials for the nursery, bathtime, feeding, travel, wardrobes, as well as what the company calls “discovery” and “celebration,” bringing in that Disney magic to woo parents while they’re shopping –something this 100+-year-old “parent” company knows a thing or two about! They’re doing this by partnering with the premiere names in the children’s industry, offering not only quality products, but magical ideas.

At Disney Baby, we just love to see the way families connect and grow. But it’s those special moments like planning the nursery or spending quality time with your baby that we want to help make even more magical.

On DisneyBaby.com, parents can learn about the latest Disney Baby products, and also get mom-tested tips for turning “everyday moments into treasured memories.” Subscribe to the Disney Baby Magical Moments Newsletter for all this, too -including special deals. It could grow into an online destination for parents and their kids.

The Walt Disney Co. plans to include Disney Baby departments in more than 200 Disney stores nationwide.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Poo~Pourri Heaven Scent for Potty Training

The makers of Spritz The Bowl Before You Go now bring you Super Dooper Pooper Spray!

From diapers to potty training to successful –and still stinky- bathroom adventures, parents can rejoice in the new children’s line of Poo~Pourri® two-ounce wonder bottles of pink or blue spray that masks the unpleasant tasks of bathroom duty for every super dooper pooper!

Poo~pourri is a natural bathroom refresher and spray deodorizer that’s applied to the toilet water before you go. It eliminates bathroom odors and changes the bathroom experience, to the delight of the next person entering the room.

While our concept has humor, Poo~Pourri is serious business (no pun intended). Our product acts as a powerful odor neutralizer and has been tested by many people for years with an overwhelmingly positive response.

The company’s product line boasts over 60 items, including the original Poo~Pourri in several sizes, along with Deja-Poo and Trap-A-Crap. Now the company turns to the beginner bathroom user – the potty trainee. This year, three new products for Junior are being introduced.

Super Dooper Pooper Before-You-Go Spray – Spray into potty, wait for child to “go,” then flush and enjoy the scent of grapefruit, orange and ylang-ylang.

Super Dooper Pooper Book – This sweet tale of a pre-potty trained bear is ideal to read before and while on the potty.

“I’m A Super Dooper Pooper” T-shirt –Toddlers should be proud of their accomplishments and these cute shirts do the bragging for them.

For founder and aroma-therapy specialist Suzy Batiz, the mission started small -helping resolve a stinky situation in the workplace. Working in close quarters can lead to frequent odors, contributing to the embarrassment of others and reduction of overall morale. Suzy, who had a knack for blending essential oils, has become quite adept at making natural facial spritzers and aromatherapy concoctions for friends and family. In January 2007, the Poo~Pourri® product launched. By September of that year, Suzy had caught the sweet smell of success and has transformed the $25,000 start-up into a booming $4 million enterprise boasting over 60 different products sold in five countries.

Good on you, Suzy!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Last American Brand

The folks at the Rose Garden showroom in New York City just introduced me to a wonderful fashion find.

Last American Brand is the freshest thing to hit the boys market!

Cool, trendy premium tees … hoodies and pants for boys and kids – Last American Brand is not only Made in the USA (California, to be exact), all the designs, marketing, photography and distribution of these knitted goods are also produced locally at the company’s studios and manufacturing houses.

All of our garments are one of a kind; no two are exactly alike.

Last American Brand makes what they call True Grit American Knit – the knitting, marking, cutting, sewing, dying and printing are completed in the United States.

Inspired by the diversity of the United States –the land and its people- Last American Brand is committed to bringing quality clothing and American design to the kids of the world. Now in its second year, the line expands to include a selection of hoodies and woven bottoms with individual style and unique washes.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

We Have a Winner in the OMAs!

Premiere Organized Mom Awards sponsor Stuck On You donates $1000 to Regina Food Bank for Local Mom

When Kathryn Lavallee was growing up, her family didn’t have much money. Often, she and her siblings were convinced that they would run out of food. “No child should ever have to feel that fear,” she says.

Kathryn is the newly crowned winner of the Organized Mom Awards 2012 (OMAs) –an exciting new way for moms to share tips, favorite things and fun stuff that makes life easier for families everywhere. And as part of this honor, Kathryn is presenting a check of $1000 to her favorite charity –the Regina Food Bank in Regina, Saskatchewan, her hometown. “Thanks to the Food Bank, children are able to sleep knowing there will be a meal waiting for them the next day,” Kathryn says. “It’s not just about providing food to families, it’s about giving children the feeling of security that so many of us take for granted.”

With a total cash prize of $2000, OMA sponsor Stuck on You also presented Kathryn with $1000, donating a second $1000 to the charity of her choice on her behalf. “To be able to give such a wonderful gift to a cause I support so strongly is going to be an incredible experience and I am honored that the Organized Mom Awards has given me the chance to do that.”

Entries came in from families of all descriptions and all sizes, all with an organized mom at the center.

100 Words or Less. Throughout the summer, moms from all over Canada and the United States entered the OMAs by explaining in 100 words or less what makes them feel like an organized mom, sharing their top three tips for organization. Friends and family were able to vote for their favorites on the OMA Facebook page. “The common thread was that moms are doing the very best they can and have developed the most inventive and creative ways of managing their families and keeping organized,” says Carrie Felton, Stuck on You owner and mom of three boys. The Award judges enjoyed reading all of the wonderful entries and were overwhelmed by the hard work, dedication and care that so many moms are providing to their families. “We loved Kathryn’s entry because it was genuine, had the perfect balance of humor and humility … and we all agreed that we will be using her tips.”

Kathryn is a mom of two boys and the editor of Mommy Kat and Kids, a blog offering solutions that make life a little easier for busy moms and their families. Here’s a little of what Kathryn shared in her OMA entry:

I am nominating myself not because I am the most organized person in the world; I am not. But if improvement is considered, I’ve got this one in the bag! I went from total slob to Manager Mom after the birth of my boys and while I’m still learning as I go, I can’t help but be proud of how far I’ve come!

Read Kathryn’s Top Three Tips here.

Children’s Retail Today is a very proud media sponsor of the OMAs, where I shared a few of my favorite children’s companies that also support charitable causes with panache. In addition to Kathryn’s prize, the top 30 entries who received the most votes will also receive a voucher from Stuck on You.

Stay tuned for some exciting news from Stuck on You later this fall!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Punypixel

Peculiar name, profound promise.

Eco-cool and especially hip, Punypixel™ is a brand of 100% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic baby clothing, bodysuits, rompers and kimonos ranging from newborn to 4T. Which makes them incredibly soft.

And they’re obsessed with spreading their puny footprint in a big way.

Punypixel garments are manufactured and printed with absolutely no harmful chemicals.

Founded in 2011, the core belief at Punypixel is a commitment to social change, including funding organizations that empower children and building strong ties within our communities. For every purchase you make, Punypixel gives one dollar to a selected organization committed to empowering children. And every four months, the company features a new company to care for.

We take pride in partnering with manufacturers and suppliers whose business ethics are aligned with ours: high quality products crafted with high social responsibility.

The Puny Promise. The company promises Punpixel products are Super Soft, Super Pure and Super Socially Responsible.

And there’s nothing puny about that.

Another Rachel Florio PR client! Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!