Name: Elizabeth Cross
Business Name: Stork Babies / The Fiammetta Toy Co. Inc.
Email: info@mystorkbabies.com
Website: www.mystorkbabies.com
Contact #: 778 871-7177
Twitter: https://twitter.com/storkbabies
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/StorkBabies
How would you describe yourself?
I am an up-beat “go-getter”.
When did you start your business?
I started The Fiammetta Toy Co. Inc. in August 2012. We just launched Stork Babies in November and they have been on the market for 5 months. Stork Babies are adorable mini bean dolls (7.5cm). They come in a multitude of colors and their own individual matchbox-type box. The first collection is the Italian Collection (8 dolls) and they come with their own Italian name, place of origin and empowering sayings for kids…like…”Believe in your dreams, you can accomplish anything you want to!”. The next collection that comes out is the Spanish Collection. Two collections of dolls will come out a year, and once the new collection comes out, the previous gets retired. So they are collectible. All the dolls are created and designed by my kids!! All the dolls are sold separately. Also in 2014, we will be creating “Alien Babies”. These also will be fantastic! We are currently in over 70 stores and are growing like crazy!
Why did you choose to start your particular business?
I loved little match-box type dolls as a little child and I remembered the passion I had for them and picking the exact color I wanted. I tried looking for these types of dolls 2 years ago to buy on line, however I found nothing. So…I decided to start manufacturing my own and here I am.
What keeps you motivated?
Exciting people about my product and the sunshine! My kids and my husband also motivate me as they are all involved in the business. My kids are my design team and are amazing to deal with. They are extremely creative and we all love the design process.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have an amazing husband and 3 little girls, ages 6, 9 and 11 (Elysium, Starla and River). Currently I am a surrogate for my husband’s best friend and his wife. I am 6.5 months a long and looking forward to having a glass of wine to celebrate and be able to bend over easier! J
How do you prioritize family and your business?
My family comes first, no questions about that. I have learned over the years that money is lovely, however, family and love is a million times more important.
How do you relax?
Some nights (ok…about 5/7) after the kids have gone to sleep my husband and I site in front of the TV and we watch our favorite shows and I get my back rubbed. I get very pampered and taken care of. We also make a priority for “date night” and go out often together.
Where do you see yourself in 5yrs?
I see myself with a nice size toy company that creates incredible “out of the box toys” with the help of my kids.
Biggest life lesson learned?
Life is precious. You cannot take any material items to the next world, so don’t want for so much unnecessary “stuff” in your life. Travel now, before you get any older people issues…J You never know when your time is up. Enjoy.
What is your secret to success?
Enjoy what you love to do. That is success.
All Entrepreneurs encounter bad days. How do you handle yours?
I eat ice cream and treat myself to Starbucks. Get back up and remind yourself you are alive and healthy and stop whining.
What was your sweetest success story?
Creating my 3 little dolls of my own.
Are you a blogger?
No, but I have thought about it. I might have too many crazy ideas for some…
What brought you to California Mom Bloggers?
I just happened on the site. Fate brought me here I suppose!
How would you like our bloggers help you grow your business?
To help spread the word about Stork Babies and The Fiammetta Toy Company Inc. Also to realize that this company has all their toys designed by kids for kids! In addition, to help promote the company as a company that really cares about empowering children and the environment. These are not just dolls, they are so much more! We also give 5% of all our profit to charity.
Share your favorite quote or inspirational thought:
“The best way to predict the future is to create it”. – Unknown
I live by this quote.
Do you send out a monthly newsletter? How can we get on your mailing list if we are interested in more information?
Please email me at info@mystorkbabies.com and I will be in touch!
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