Firsts

It's been about four years since I set out to start this business...

Starting a children's clothing line has its challenges. Our pants don't follow the typical mold of most brands. I had to reinvent the wheel with our sizes, scale and more. Everything has taken longer than I ever could have imagined. 

In August of 2019, we finally launched our first line of denim jeans. There were many times it felt like that would never happen. One thing I've learned — everything takes longer than you expect. Unfortunately, it is costly and slow to have children's jeans produced in the US. I knew I needed to find a new manufacturer overseas that could produce a higher volume right away. I immediately started developing samples with a manufacturer in China for future productions. 

After a few samples back and forth to get the fit right, finally by December 2019 were ready to produce.

[insert record screech here]

Covid-19 hit.

It hit our manufacturer first. They were quiet about it, but communication was slow. I started to get nervous to work with them. This like everything else I've done is a FIRST for me. Up until then, they had been so good at communicating with me. Was I not important to them anymore? Would they prioritize my production? I was beginning to feel small. For a small business like mine, these relationships are paramount. 

After communicating my concerns with them, things are better. While China is on the mend, the rest of the world is in the thick of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Again, so many firsts to overcome. Like so many others, I am learning how to manage educating my kids at home while running a business. I have to admit one thing I have been lacking is communicating with my customers. It's certainly not something I HAVE to do. But I feel disconnected from all of you. Afterall, my customers are my reason for having this business. I feel a certain amount of responsibility to all of you to stay connected and make this business work. I know how much you need these pants.

It is certainly scary times for small businesses. I've questioned whether or not this is something I should be doing right now. So many people have been affected by this. This is yet again another first for me. Should I be producing more jeans when the economy is so uncertain? Should I even be shipping my current inventory right now? These are big decisions that I've never had to make before.  

After some tears, sleepless nights and many conversations with my husband (my number one supporter)...I made the decision to place very first purchase order with our manufacturer in China. It's been scary. It's been overwhelming. I've learned a lot in the process. But I know many of you have been patiently waiting for more jeans. We are sold out of several sizes. I know you need this. 

Thank you for being patient with me and supporting me along the way! 

 "The starting point of all achievement is desire". 
—Napoleon Hill    

💚💙 Natalie

Have trouble finding pants for your child? Please check out our line of extra slim pants for kids! www.pantsforpeanuts.com — When Slim-Fit Isn't Slim Enough!