Once your baby enters the world, he or she will be introduced to gender stereotypes in the most subtle way, through the sleepers they wear and swaddling blankets they are wrapped in where pink and blue still dominate! Whether it is in the clothes they wear or the toys they play with - did you ever wonder why EVERYTHING for girls has to be pink or why there isn't a cool dollhouse out there for boys to play with?
This is an important and hot topic among parents and there is so much to discuss, more than I could even put into this introduction. But there have been some great additions to the world of toys and clothing that do not play into gender stereotypes which we should celebrate as a step in the right direction.
This month's Portrait of Home Made feature is working to make a difference and offer a welcome alternative within the sea of pink and blue that dominates the closets of our little ones. I am proud to introduce you to Jenn Neilson of Jill and Jack Kids!
Jenn Neilson is the founder of Jill and Jack Kids, a new social enterprise focused on helping kids and families to overcome gender stereotypes by making kids' clothes that go beyond pink and blue. She lives in Toronto and has an 18 month old daughter.
Jill and Jack Kids clothing promotes gender equality and helps to prevent bullying by eliminating harmful gender stereotypes. Their designs encourage a variety of interests including STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), nature and the outdoors. The shirts are made in Canada and free from harmful chemicals so safe for your family and easy on your conscience!
Q: In 3 words, describe your business.
A: Fighting gender stereotypes.
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Q: Did you start your business before or after becoming a Mom?
A: The inspiration for Jill and Jack Kids came from the frustration that I felt when I was pregnant and shopping for baby clothes. I couldn't believe how extreme the options were - blue, sports and trucks for boys; frills and sparkles for girls; or boring pale yellow or pale green for those who, like me, didn't know whether they were having a boy or a girl.
I really wasn't expecting to find gender stereotypes being introduced so early, before kids are even old enough to have developed interests of their own. This was also around the time of the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, so it was really important to me that our clothing be produced ethically, and I am so proud that our beyond the pink and blue designs are made in Canada.
The other challenge that I was keen on addressing is the problem of sizing, so I went back to the drawing board and designed the fit of our shirts from scratch based on the measurements of actual kids!
Q: Mixing business and 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: This is an ongoing challenge for me, as I'm sure it is for all parents who run small businesses. It's only possible because I have a supportive spouse, and because of fantastic partnerships with other small businesses who are interested in cross-promotion. As we grow I hope to partner with more groups, and focus on business activities like school fundraisers that offer a real benefit to everyone. Making sure that I get enough sleep (even though sometimes it feels that it's more important to get just a few more things done) is also essential to staying grounded and focused.
Q: What do you consider the biggest perk to having your business at home? What is the biggest challenge?
A: The two biggest perks are getting to have lunch with my family, and getting two extra hours a day to spend with them or work on the business because I'm not commuting.
Q: What is your favourite social media platform to share and connect with your customers and why?
A: So far Facebook and Twitter have been great for us, but I'm interested in spending more time on Pinterest, and Triberr, and curious to see what happens with the new social network called Ello.
Q: If you were able to add another element/extension to your business, what would it be?
A: I would love to offer a bigger range of sizes, as well as more designs and styles, but since that would require stocking more inventory, it's not really an option right now.
Q: Please name an inspirational artisan you would like to collaborate with on a product/project if anything was possible!
A: I love Elise Gravel's books and illustrations!
Q: If you had an unexpected afternoon of free time, how would you spend it?
A: I would probably take a hot bath, or call my grandmother! She is a big supporter of Jill and Jack Kids!
Q: Is there a creative skill you wish you had?
A: I wish I knew how to screen print, and had the space and money to do my own screen printing at home.
Quick 3:
1. Coffee or Tea?
Coffee
2. Music, Movies or Podcasts while you work?
Music
3. Name a book that has inspired/informed your business?
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
What's new with Jill and Jack Kids?
We have just released 2 brand new tees in time for the holidays! Our first long sleeved kids' tee with a fractal snowflake design, and a standard adult crew neck version of our T Rex shirt in black with white that we're sure Dads will love!
Thank you Jenn for sharing a glimpse into Jill and Jack Kids and congratulations on your successfully funded Kickstarter campaign! If you are passionate about this topic, check out this great article written by Jenn and this article to learn more about Jill and Jack Kids. Keep in touch with her online:
If you are looking for Fundraising ideas for your child's school - consider working with Jill and Jack Kids to help fight gender stereotypes with these cool t-shirts! Find out about their Fundraising program here!
Thanks again to all the creative, entrepreneurial Moms that I get to feature through the blog and to all the readers! Stay tuned for the next month's Portrait and don't forget to sign up to follow the blog by email - just enter your email address in the follow by email box at the top right of the page.
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 and you just might be featured! wendy [at] tinybrushstrokes [dot] ca
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