Zoolu Organics - July 2013 - Portraits of Home Made

 

It's the 5th edition of Portraits of Home Made! I am so thankful to all the business owners who have been so generous in participating in my monthly blog feature - I am proud to share your stories and products.

 

This month's portrait is the first coming from the West Coast! I have a special place in my heart for the West Coast of Canada from the 2 years that I lived on Vancouver Island and I am counting the days to a visit back there someday. I'm excited to share this month's feature with you - please enjoy!

 

 

Patty Abbott is the designer and owner of Zoolu Organics which offers stylish & eco-friendly clothing for kids. She is Mom to 4 year old Raine and lives in Vancouver, BC.

 

 

Q: In 3 words, describe your business.

 

A: Organic. Original. Hand-Made.

 

Q: Did you start your business before or after you became a Mom? If after, did having children inspire the birth of your business?

 

A: Over 4 years ago my partner was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal illness. We decided to carry on with our lives and 10 months later we had our son Raine. Alex fought a brave fight and passed away November 2011.

 

When Alex was first diagnosed we did a lot of research around toxins and became convinced that toxins played a key in the progression of ALS. I worked hard to eliminate the toxins that I could from our home. From cleaning materials, what we cook with, to eating organic. When Raine was born I began looking at what companies put in and on clothes. I was alarmed to read that 90% of the prints on baby clothes use plastisol inks, which is PVC based.

This is how Zoolu was created. I wanted to produce something that was safe for my son to wear. A garment that was 100% certified organic cotton and screen printed using water based inks. I worked on designs that were original and not cutesy. As a graphic designer I was excited to put my son in a design that wasn't the typical baby cartoon designs. I also screen/block print all the shirts myself, I want to ensure the entire process is eco-friendly and that each product is unique. Keeping Alex's memory alive I continue on the vision we had for Zoolu.

Q: Mixing business & motherhood can be a balancing act! What is your approach to making it through the day accomplishing growth in your business alongside nurturing your little one?

 

A: It is definitely challenging but also rewarding to see your company grow. Being organized and detail oriented makes it a lot easier. Project management skills are a must, you need to make sure everything is organized, the less chaos there is the better you will feel.

 

Stealthy Shark Long Sleeve Shirt

 

Q: What do you consider the biggest perk to having your business in your home? What is the biggest challenge?

 

A: The biggest perk is that you can keep your costs low. The biggest challenge for me is space. I live in downtown Vancouver and space is always a concern.

 

 

 Q: What is your favourite social media platform to share and connect with your customers and why?

 

A: Instagram has been amazing. It's a great way to get people's attention and share your products instantly without a user having to read anything. Its very difficult to sell clothing online. Having a visual way to do this is priceless.

 

 Q: If you could add another element/extension to your business, what would it be?

 

A: I would love a way to have customers submit designs.

 

 Q: If you had an unexpected afternoon of free time, how would you spend it?

 

A: Probably relaxing on the beach (probably with my ipad so I could work while relaxing).

 

 Q: Is there a creative skill you wish you had?

 

A: Yes!! I wish I could draw! I can work in any design program but give me a pencil and its a challenge.

 

Expressive Owl Short Sleeve Onesie

 Quick 3:

 

1. Coffee or Tea?

 

Tea (Earl Grey)

 

2. Music, Movies or Podcasts while you work?

 

I am an over-obsessive Madonna fan!

 

3. Name a book that has informed/inspired your business?

 

Persuasion by Arlene Dickinson

 

Wild Fox Short Sleeve Shirt

 

 Q: What's next for your business?

 

A: I will be participating in the One of a Kind Christmas Show for the first time. I am looking forward to seeing all the artists and new customers!!

 

Majestic Giraffe Long Sleeve Shirt

Zoolu Organics designs feature & support animals. Patty believes that animals have a lot to teach us about living in harmony with the earth and protecting our loved ones. They also remind us that nature's beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and we need to tread carefully to keep this planet safe for all species.

Did you know that a giraffe's tongue is 18 inches long? Fun little animals facts like this are included alongside each item's description which makes shopping her website an enjoyable (& educational!) experience. A portion from every Zoolu Organics sale goes to the World Wildlife Federation. 

Patty's dedication to our earth and care for our children is evident in her conscious approach to creating her organic cotton clothing through printing the designs by hand with water-based inks that are free from harmful PVCs. You can be confident that the vibrant colour of the prints on her stylish yet practical kids clothing will survive countless washings!

 

Patty is generously extending a special offer to all friends & followers so you can style your own little one in Canadian made Zoolu Organics! Please shop her site and enjoy a 40% discount by entering the promo code handmade upon checkout.

 

Keep in touch with Zoolu Organics online...& if you are in the GTA, plan to visit her booth at the Christmas OOAK show later this year!

 

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Thank you Patty for the wonderful interview and glimpse into your business. As always please feel free to like, comment & share this Portrait of Home Made. See you in August for the next edition!

 

 

Are you or someone you know a work from home Mom creating an amazing product or offering an awesome service? I want to meet you - contact me to find out how you could be featured!