When I first met Marisa many years ago at USC it would have never crossed my mind that one day our mommy & fashion worlds would collide, but I am so happy they have! I found out through social media (as I find many of my crushes) that Marisa has recently launched the most darling kid’s accessory line. This is an area of kid’s fashion that is often lacking in “style”, so I was thrilled to see her fabulous items. I am also inspired by the way she has followed her dream. As I well know it is not always an easy thing to do, but there is much reward in fulfilling entrepreneurial desires. So way to go Marisa! I am excited to watch Little Fry grow and evolve! My readers will also be excited to not only learn about you and your company, but also to score 20% off by using the code: mommychic at checkout. Thank you Marisa for inspiring us and styling out our “little fries” :)! xx
MCbJ: When did you start Little Fry and what was your inspiration behind the line?
MT: Little Fry was established in June of 2015. I was inspired to create the line by a few different things. One: I saw a void in the market for the products. I needed belts for my little boys and could not find them anywhere so I started playing with different fabrics and stitches to create belts of our own. The boys loved the belts so I branched out to make more for friends and neighbors. I couldn’t resist the cuteness of the girl’s material so I stretched myself a bit further to make head wraps for girls too. The venture kinda took off from there. Two: I love a good challenge. Staying home with the boys was a dream come true for me but I needed something of my own. I had a few interests at this time (learning how to play an instrument and learning how to sew). I dusted off my old sewing machine and watched old YouTube tutorials. I loved the end result and felt challenged to understand the nuances of this machine. A week later, I was at a Parent Toddler Class with my youngest, Henry, and a fabulous woman came to speak. She made mention of her passion for sewing so I took note of that and introduced myself to her after the class. We started sewing together once a month and before I knew it, she had taught me everything I needed to know and I was hooked.
MCbJ: Tell us about some of the items you carry and what makes them unique.
MT: I carry belts and head wraps for kids between the ages of 2 and 10. The fabrics vary from sweet and conservative to a little edgy and fashionable in order to accommodate various different styles. The boy belts are unique in that they are easy for kids to put on and take off, they are adjustable so they will grow with the kids and they come in tons of different colors so they can have variety. The girl accessories are unique in the way they tie. My signature detail is the suede strap on each accessory. Also, the wraps work interchangeably as a belt so the girls are getting two for one. The line can accommodate everyday wear as well as black tie events, baptisms, weddings and all sorts of needs. I am very happy with how broad Little Fry’s offering is and I look forward to expanding even further soon.
MCbJ: You have two young (adorable) boys. Has it been difficult juggling work and being an available mom?
MT: Thank you. They are the best! Of course, every day presents a different challenge but you find a way to get it all done because you want to. Sometimes you just have to power through. The kids are old enough now (3.5 and 5.5) to understand that mommy needs a little time to herself sometimes. Luckily they play really well together so they keep each other occupied nicely. I try to prioritize my days based around my workload and their schedules. If my load is light, I will spend all my time with the kids. When I am swamped, I will organize play dates for the kids, force a nap on my youngest, send them out to play with neighbors, or have a sitter come play with them for a few hours if need be. My husband is very hands-on with the boys too so he will take them out of the house for a few hours to give me time that I need. For the most part it works out but we definitely have our off days.
MCbJ: Since becoming a mom how have you changed?
MT: The best decision of my life was marrying my husband and the second was having children. I can’t begin to explain the joy I have gotten out of this life John and I have created. Becoming a mother has changed me in so many ways. I now look at life differently and I find myself enjoying so much more. My priorities have shifted. I put all of my energy into people that care about my family as much as I do theirs. Rather than worrying so much about what people think of me, I worry about the quality of my boys’ day. This includes a messy house, a crazy outfit or roaring laughter at a restaurant. Rather than worrying so much about what I could be doing, I get down in the dirt with the boys to see who can find the best treasure. I live in the moment now. Overall, I think I just feel free to be myself. I feel like a kid again and it’s pretty awesome to have my boys as my teachers.
MCbJ: What advice do you have for new moms with dreams of having their own business?
MT: Don’t think so much… more doing, less thinking. I had a full time job for 12 straight years. Not a day went by when I didn’t daydream about having my own company. I have three business plans filed away and about 8 business ideas stashed in journals. I was constantly overthinking it. I wanted it too badly. Little Fry came about two years after I left the working world. I wasn’t planning or sketching this time. I found something that I really enjoyed and the pieces organically fell into place. The best advice I can give is to dive head first into the things that make you happy and that feel good. Before you know it, you may be putting a website together and opening up a business account.
MCbJ: What do you love about your job?
MT: Everything. I really just love it all. I love the challenges that I face on a daily basis. I love sewing. I love picking out fabrics. I love designing the packaging. The most rewarding part is seeing the accessories on kids at the park, in pictures, or on the streets. My heart explodes. A great part is that my kids are here with me the whole time. They have both learned to sew, get to be my models and most definitely give me their honest opinions. It’s fun to watch them run downstairs to grab a different belt each day.
MCbJ: How would you describe your own personal style?
MT: To pick one word, I’d say Bohemian. I have always been a very natural, laid back and casual girl. I don’t like a lot of make up. I feel my best in a pair of jeans, a loose top with a good leather belt, some fun jewelry and most likely a hat.
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Little Fry is offering an exclusive discount to MCbJ readers – enter code ‘mommychic‘ for 20% off your entire purchase.
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