A Stitch in Time: My 2025 Vision for L Kiddie Couture – One Month In

A month ago, I grabbed my laptop, wrote down my big, bold plans for L Kiddie Couture, and told myself, “This is the year.” Expanding my business, getting my clothes into retail stores, and creating jobs in my community—those were the goals. It wasn’t just another New Year’s resolution I’d forget by February; this time, I meant business—literally. I entered 2025 with the mindset that if I was going to dream big, I had to act big. No more waiting for the “perfect time” or second-guessing myself. It was time to make moves, take risks, and see just how far I could push my creativity.

Now, just 29 days later, I’m already seeing the first steps of that vision come to life. And let me tell you, it’s been a ride.

Small Wins, Big Lessons

The biggest game-changer? I managed to buy three second-hand industrial sewing machines. These beauties are a huge upgrade from my old setup—no more battling with slow, tired machines that act like they’re on their last breath. Now, I can speed up production, take on more orders, and improve the quality of my designs.

Of course, these machines didn’t come cheap. I had a whole conversation with my bank account, and let’s just say it was *not* happy. But growth requires investment, and I knew this was a necessary step.

First Major Partnership

One of my most loyal customers—the one who ordered 40 pajamas—recently started her own online kids’ boutique. And guess who she chose as her supplier? Me! That’s my first major partnership.

Her first order? Personalized pencil cases for kids going back to school. Now, before this, I had never made a pencil case in my life. But when she asked, I smiled and said, “Of course, I can do that!” Then I immediately went to YouTube, searching *how to sew a pencil case without losing your sanity*.

The result? Adorable. Even I was impressed.

*My Designs in a Store—Sort of*

I also found a local store willing to stock my clothes. Now, here’s the catch: they won’t be buying them upfront. Instead, they’ll sell on a consignment basis, meaning I only get paid when an item sells. Oh, and they’ll also take 15% of my earnings.

Is it ideal? No. But is it an opportunity? Absolutely. Getting my designs into stores gives my brand more visibility. And if all goes well, this could open doors to bigger retail partnerships.

*My First Hires (Yes, Plural!)*

One of my biggest goals was to create jobs, and I’m proud to say *I did it*! I officially hired *two* people to help with production.

Now, let’s be real—this isn’t some massive factory operation (yet). But this is a huge step for me. These are people who, like me, were struggling to find work, and now we’re building something together. Knowing that *L Kiddie Couture* isn’t just supporting me but also creating opportunities for others? That’s the best feeling.

The Reality Check

As exciting as all of this is, I won’t pretend everything is smooth sailing. The consignment deal is frustrating—waiting to see profits while still covering costs isn’t fun. There are days when I look at my expenses and wonder, *Is this business growing or just stressing me out?*

But here’s the thing: growth takes time. And patience? Whew, I’m still learning.

Why I Keep Going

Whenever I start doubting myself, I go back to *why* I started this in the first place. *L Kiddie Couture* isn’t just about selling cute clothes—it’s about creating something meaningful. It’s about taking control of my future, building a brand that lasts, and bringing opportunities to others along the way.

If I’ve made this much progress in just one month, imagine where I’ll be in six.

Here’s to pushing forward, learning, and stitching dreams into reality—one step at a time. 🥂