I'm a wife, stay-at-home mom, crafter, and blogger living in rural New England. As seen in Martha Stewart Living, Food Network Magazine, and more! | Tutorials, DIY, crafts, parenting tips, recipes, money saving tips, product reviews, local product features, New England living, intentional living, and more! |
As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on the blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England. Next in our series of interviews from New England Makers, we have Kristina Grabarz of Two Little Beans & Co!
Two Little Beans & Co. is best known for their beautiful bibs, booties, and apparel for babies and small children - and especially their Maine/coastal-inspired designs!
Tell me a little about yourself and your business.
I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Biology. A few years after graduating, I moved back to Maine with my husband and worked in a Microbiology lab for almost 7 years. Shortly after the birth of my second son, I transitioned to being a full time stay at home mom. I’ve always been a creative and around this time sewing grew into the perfect creative outlet for me. Two Little Beans & Co. specializes in handcrafted goods for baby, including baby booties, bibs and apparel.
How did you start Two Little Beans & Co.? Had you been making baby goods for awhile or was this a new leap for you?
When both of my boys were babies, I sewed quilts and blankets for them. When my youngest was little, I took a real need to find him a pair of shoes that fit (and stayed on) and developed the pattern for our booties. The current pattern is based off of his feet and I was able to design the booties to grow with him with a non-slip soft sole to help when he eventually started walking. I started to make them as gifts for family and friends and was encouraged to turn this into a business!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Each day is a little bit different depending on if my boys are in school or not. There are three days that they are both in school and those days start with getting out of the house early for school drop-offs and running back home to work. I try to get as much as possible done during those days so that the remainder of the week can be a little less chaotic (haha!). Depending on the week, it’s finding a few minutes whenever I can find it, always keeping my fingers crossed for a good nap out of my littlest one!
What is your favorite part about owning your own company? And least favorite part?
I will always love seeing a new baby wearing a pair of booties or outfit that I’ve made. It’s so special that customers believe in the quality and designs of my products enough to dress their baby in them.
My least favorite part is probably all of the behind the scenes bookkeeping and paperwork that goes into running your own business. I don’t mind working on the numbers but I would much rather be picking out new fabric!
What has been the most exciting moment for Two Little Beans & Co. since you started?
It’s been so surreal to have my products featured in a few local magazines and newspapers but when Michael Phelps posted a picture of his son Boomer on his first Christmas wearing my lobster bib – that was definitely exciting to see!
What advice do you have for people just starting out?
I have a quote hanging on my sewing machine that says “nothing in this world is created without passion” and I truly believe that if you love something and put your mind to it, you can accomplish it (with a BIG side of hard work!). I would also say, learn everything you can about what it is you want to do. I went into this with zero experience or knowledge about business. I do a ton of reading, listening to business podcasts and researching every aspect of running a small business.
What is your long-term goal? Where do you see yourself in five years?
I definitely plan to continue to grow this business over the next five years. Our booties and bibs continue to be the most popular pieces and I want to expand those options but I’ve also been working on some nursery décor items that I would love to put out there over the next year or so. I’ve also brought on another Mom to help part-time with production, which means I can work to continue to expand the wholesale side of Two Little Beans too.
Who’s one of your favorite New England Makers?
Erin Flett – Love her bright, bold colors and designs!
DO YOU OWN A NEW ENGLAND-BASED BUSINESS AND WOULD LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING INTERVIEW? OR WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN HAVING ME STYLE, REVIEW, AND FEATURE ONE OF YOUR PRODUCTS? Please drop me a note.
Those iconic L.L. Bean Boots - everybody's wearing them and everybody wants them, but sometimes they can be hard to find! They often go through periods of being backordered so I’d recommend buying early in the season so you don't risk having to wait. But before you order, be sure to read our review because there's some things you should definitely know first! | This post contains affiliate links |
Sizing
The sizing for
L.L. Bean's "Bean Boots" is definitely kind of tricky and I'd highly recommend trying them on in-store before purchasing, even if you're going to order them online (though, L.L. Bean does have a great return/exchange policy if you do end up ordering the wrong size online). Bean Boots only come in whole sizes and run BIG. For example, I typically wear a size 8-8.5 shoe but in Bean Boots I'm a size 7 and they still feel quite roomy. Keep in mind too if you typically wear a very small women's size shoe, you may need to check out the kid's sizes if you're unable to size down anymore in women's. When trying on the boots make sure to wear what kind of socks you're planning on using them with (whether it's regular thin socks or
thick ragg socks ), to get a better idea of the fit.
Women's Bean Boots come in two different rises too - 6" rise or 8" rise. Try both on to see what's more comfortable and what style you like better. I personally prefer the 8" rise - here in New England it's a bit more practical with the deeper snow in the winter and I also feel like it's the more classic style.
During Fall and Winter when there's a big rush on Bean Boots and it may be very difficult to find the exact style and size you want in-store or even online. You may need to shop around a bit to find what you're looking for.. or wait for your backordered item to come in. L.L. Bean Outlet stores can be a great resource too! Boots and other items that were ordered online and returned often end up at the outlets - and at a discount to boot! (Ha, couldn't pass up a boot pun.) In fact, I got my Bean Boots for 40% off at the outlets - now that's a great deal!
One thing to keep in mind about outlet shopping is that they will likely have a large selection of bigger sizes of Bean Boots, and less of the smaller sizes... this is because so many people mistakenly order their normal size without realizing how big they run. When I bought my Bean Boots at the Outlets, they had tons of sizes 8, 9, and 10 - and the ones I bought were literally the very last pair of size 7's.
If you decide to purchase your Bean Boots online, keep in mind that coupons or regular L.L. Bean sales may not apply to them because they're such a popular item - you may have better luck earning some rebate money back on your purchase with a program like
Rakuten (formerly called Ebates). L.L. Bean also has a great return and exchange policy, so if you buy online and it doesn't fit quite right, you should have no trouble exchanging for another size (just make sure to keep your reciept/packing slip for proof of purchase).
Styling
What doesn't go with Bean Boots? Seriously - just about anything goes with them (I've even seen people wear them to their wedding!). But really you can't go wrong with some fitted jeans, ragg socks, and a cozy pullover. I've linked to some of my favorite L.L. Bean looks below and all would look great paired with Bean Boots.
As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on the blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England! Next in our little series to showcase some of these great New England Makers is Elizabeth Van Deavender from Woodboogah! {Psssst... Don't forget to see details on how to enter the Giveaway to win a pair of their new Cashmere Cuffs!}
Woodboogahis best known for their cashmere beanies and scarves and, new this year, their cashmere cuffs! They bring a touch of luxury to items that you can wear everyday.
Tell me a little about yourself and your business.
I don't know if there is a short version because every job I held, every failure I overcame, every small victory I had, and every life lesson I was taught all connected when I created Woodboogah.
Elizabeth Van Deavender of Woodboogah
My family built a company that manufactured in Maine so that was a huge influence as to why I got into my field, and why I choose Maine for Woodboogah.
I didn't go to college right after high school. I started very young at the bottom in U.S. manufacturing. Over the years, I quickly climbed the corporate ladder. I later discovered I want to work in apparel manufacturing. I received a scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in California. As I was studying fashion design in Los Angeles, I quickly realized how wasteful apparel manufacturing is. I started working with companies to decrease their waste and increase their production in the U.S. After graduating, I worked with a company in downtown Los Angeles as a design consultant/product developer and quickly became the industry's go-to person for knitwear, especially cashmere working with a lot of US brands/labels, celebrities, musicians, and special projects for movies. After falling in love with Eric, I blindsided everyone by quitting my job and packed up my life for Maine. I created Woodboogah to be eco-friendly and grow and support our local community all while having a really amazing product that can stand up against the harshest elements and last for years to come.
My career will hit 10 years in September. I'm very proud to have contributed to U.S manufacturing and helped create American jobs. I will be celebrating with a 'Made in USA' tattoo stamped on the side of my foot (you know how you usually have to turn objects upside-down to see where they were made).
How did you start Woodboogah?
I had these ideas in my head for a few years to start a company and after I talked to Eric who's a full-time mechanical engineer and works a lot with companies to improve their U.S. manufacturing and he said I was onto something and I needed to do it right then. I knew I had to make the jump and make it happen. I quit my job and left my apartment on the curb in downtown Los Angeles. I sent three L.L.Bean duffle bags to Eric in Maine. I lived out of one suitcase for a month while I finished up my design jobs in Los Angeles. I flew to New York for Fashion Week in September to see my clients fashion shows and say my goodbyes. Instead of returning to LAX from JFK, I flew to Portland, Maine and Woodboogah was started.
Where did the name "Woodboogah" come from?
Woodboogah was Eric's nickname. When I was living and working in Los Angeles, Eric would come visit me when we were first dating. I had clients from LA, New York, Japan, Italy, and Paris. Eric would rock a Boston Red Sox's hat with a huge smile and talked in a wicked Maine accent being a native of Maine Eric was so happy and nice to everyone he met. He'd give you the shirt off his back. (I always say Mainahs are the nicest people you'll meet). All the clients were curious who this guy was and where he came from, so we thought of the nickname Woodboogah. It stuck! Everyone loved the nickname and loved Eric. When Eric and I were talking about starting a company months later it was a no brainer to call it Woodboogah.
Eric and I are partners in business and in life. Eric will always tell people Woodboogah is 120% all me and my company, but if I'm completely honest there would be no Woodboogah without Eric. He has supported every single idea from the start. He inspires me. He pushes me. He is the original Woodboogah. I would still be working in downtown Los Angeles if it wasn't for him. I can't imagine a better partner in business or life.
Why cashmere?
"Who doesn't like cashmere?" - Seinfeld
There are a few popular yarn companies the luxury apparel industry uses and we use two of them. This yarn is usually going into garments that retail for $500 to $5,000 dollars. This forced me to be really innovative with our manufacturing process with: 1. Creating a really durable product that people can wear and enjoy. We have brand ambassadors traveling the world with our beanies, testing them, and pushing them to the limits. Our cashmere/wool blend is actually machine washable. 2. Make this cashmere available for the average person to have. It's only because of my relationships with these companies as a product developer/design consultant that they accept my small yarn orders. I consider myself very lucky to be able to use this cashmere yarn for Woodboogah.
Had you been making beanies for awhile or was this a new leap for you?
As a design consultant/product developer I had been making knitwear for a long time. I knew what did and didn't work. The leap for me was inventing the tools I used to make our beanies. It was a lot of troubleshooting for the first year.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I wake up and beeline to the coffee. I sit down and go through all of our social media accounts and emails. I'm always looking for inspiration, brand ambassadors, and discovering new companies on social media. I'm in the studio by 9:30AM. Depending on where we are in the year, I'm usually knitting, planning photo shoots and meetings, or working on our website. I usually leave the studio around 5:00PM. Then it's dinner time! I LOVE cooking. Now that I own my own business, I get to invest more time into myself and learning to cook is one hobby I have dived into. I love preparing big theme meals. My friends and family have jokingly given me the nickname "Martha Stewart of Maine." After dinner, it's our personal time.
What is your favorite part about owning your own company?
I have more balance between my personal life and career. Before Woodboogah, I was missing a lot of birthdays, graduations, holidays with family and friends because of work.
And least favorite part?
As a "one-woman-show" I don't have a group of creative minds to bounce ideas off of like I did before, so I definitely miss those creative meetings. I love it when companies reach out to me for collaborations or one-of-a-kind styles for their stores.
What has been the most exciting moment for Woodboogah since you started?
Every time I get to hear about or see people enjoying my products. I'm so thankful for all the love and support I receive, it means everything to me.
What advice do you have for people just starting out?
Persistence as Eric would say. Never listen to anyone who tells you you can't do something to pursue your dreams. I've had a lot of doors slam in my face during my career but I never let that stop me. I still continued to achieve my goals no matter how ridiculous people think they are.
What is your long-term goals?
Our Woodboogah homestead on a much larger scale.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I take it month by month.
Who's one of your favorite New England Makers?
I'm obsessed with C&M Ceramics right now. Ever since I found them on Instagram I've been trying to snag some of their Mariner mugs for my kitchen, but still no cigar. I love all their products. The flask is wicked cool.
Please see this photo on
my Instagram
for details on how to enter to win a pair of their Camden Cuffs in Wicked Stormy Ombre. Perfect for adding the style of layers without the bulk for those warmer fall and winter days.
Retail: $55.00
Do you own a New England-based business and would like to be featured in an upcoming interview? Or would you be interested in having me style, review, and feature one of your products? Please drop me a note.
If I'll be very honest, these last two or three weeks of pregnancy have really kicked my butt! For our first pregnancy, I worked 10 hour days in a doctors office up until the day after my due date. This time around these last few weeks have been plagued by nearly constant Braxton Hicks contractions, ligament pain, dizzy spells, a terrible head cold, and now ocular migraines. Second pregnancies definitely can be a whole different league than first pregnancies - I could write a whole post on this (and probably will later). But in a nutshell, this is why I've been so MIA on the blog and Instagram lately, even though we're still waiting for the baby. | This post contains affiliate links as well as products provided for review by L.L. Bean |
For every "ailment" I've had these last few weeks the remedy from my doctors has been the same - "lay down and take it easy." Which is much easier said than done when you've got a toddler and a million-and-one things you want to finish up! Overall though we've been blessed with a healthy pregnancy so I really shouldn't be complaining.
One thing I've been slowly working on these last few weeks is finally packing our hospital bags! L.L. Bean was kind enough to send me their new diaper tote insert as well as one of their
iconic boat and tote bags and I'm looking forward to sharing a full review post with lots of pictures as soon as I can. For now I'll just say I'm really loving how spacious and organized everything is and how versatile this diaper tote insert and bag will be!
Once I come back to the blog from maternity leave I'll be sharing lots more on this amazing bag and insert as well as featuring some more great New England-based businesses and makers - stay tuned!
- I received this diaper tote insert and boat tote bag for review from L.L. Bean but all opinions expressed are my own. Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information -
Now that we're getting closer to our latest addition's due date, nesting is setting in full-force! I want to clean everything, reorganize everything, decorate everything... if only the near-constant Braxton Hicks contractions would let me! That's why I was so excited to receive this beautiful screen-printed pillow from Hills & Trails this past week - it's just perfect for curling up with and taking it easy. | Pillow was provided for review by Hills & Trails | This post contains affiliate links |
With all the Braxton Hicks I've been having, my doctor advised that I just "take it easy" - definitely easier said than done when you have a toddler and the house isn't ready yet for the new baby! But in following doctors orders, I've been making sure to take breaks to lay down and relax throughout the day to keep those pesky Braxton Hicks contractions in-check.
Recently, Kayna from Hills & Trails was kind enough to send me one of their beautiful hand-printed Log Cabin Pillows to share with you all and I just love how at home it looks on our bed! (And just another great reason for me to get cozy and take it easy, right?)
All of Hills & Trails products are beautifully designed and hand-printed right in Maine! They offer a variety of items including prints, apparel, housewares, and even kids items. This particular pillow features a silk-screened log cabin design that has a hand-drawn feel. And bonus points to Hills & Trails for adding a zipper closure to make the linen-blend pillow case removable! - Afterall, with kids around having to clean the pillow is inevitable.
I just love how all of their products are wonderfully made and fit right in - whether you're "upta camp," decorating a kids room, or just want to bring a bit of rustic whimsy into your home.
I love the heart detail over the chimney!
Hills & Trails handmade products can be purchased on their website and various retailers throughout the Northeast.
- I received this pillow for review from Hills & Trails but all opinions expressed are my own. Please see our full Disclosure Policy for more information -
WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN HAVING ME STYLE, REVIEW, AND FEATURE ONE OF YOUR PRODUCTS? Please drop me a note.
As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on the blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England! I decided to start a little series to showcase some of these great New England Makers and I'm excited to share the wonderful Kylie Watts from Watts in Maine for the first interview!
Watts in Maine: The Perfect Catch Cuff
Watts in Maine is known most for their Perfect Catch Cuff, made from brass lobster gauges. Recently they've expanded and also offer Maine and nautical inspired earrings and necklaces as well as recycled lobster tag accessories which benefit local lobstermen and their families.
Tell me a little about yourself and your business.
Kylie Watts: I currently work full time as an Office Manager at a pediatric dental office and do what I can after work and on the weekends with my Watts In Maine business. My husband was born and raised on Vinalhaven Island in Maine, which serves as a huge place of inspiration for my pieces. The idea of turning the lobster gauge into a bracelet actually came from our many visits to VH. I am also a born and raised Mainer! I have a love for fashion, accessories, and jewelry.
Kylie Watts of Watts in Maine
How did you start Watts in Maine? Had you been making lobster cuff bracelets for a while or was this a new leap for you?
KW: In the fall of 2014, I told my husband I wanted him to make a brass lobster measure into a bracelet. I had mentioned it before, but we didn't follow through on it. We bought a couple and started forming them and refining the process over a few weeks. By November we had secured our first store, k colette, in Portland's Old Port. I was flirting with another nautical idea before that, but it never made it out of its initial stages.
What does a typical day look like for you?
KW: I work from 7:15am-5:30pm at the dental office. On my lunch break and after work I read and return business emails. My evenings are spent printing invoices, preparing orders, updating social media, and trying to fit in normal daily living tasks.
What is your favorite part about owning your own company?
KW: I love having the freedom to do and create what I want. It's so exciting! I also love connecting with other local small businesses. It's nice to build relationships with others who are going through similar situations/struggles.
And least favorite part?
KW: The financial part! Keeping track of the business side-ew. :)
What has been the most exciting moment for Watts in Maine since you started?
What advice do you have for people just starting out?
KW: Spend time building your social media following, find a mentor or someone who can show you the ropes, and build your business at your own pace.
What is your long-term goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
KW: My long term goal is to be able to focus on my business full time and only have one job. I'm hoping to expand upon what Watts In Maine offers and could be doing that in the very near future! Stay Tuned :) I'm not sure if I want a store front down the road, or where I see the business going. To be honest, I take it one day at a time.
Do you own a New England-based business and would like to be featured in an upcoming interview? Or would you be interested in having me style, review, and feature one of your products? Please drop me a note.
