For awhile now I have been mulling over the idea of starting a small business. It would be a continuation of the fundraising projects we did while trying to raise money to bring Katriel and Louise home. In part, I love the creative outlet and I love making things for other people. It was the most wonderful thing knowing that there were Congolese kiddos just home to their new families, wrapped up in one of the blankets I made. In part, we can certainly always use a few extra dollars in the grocery account. And in part I wanted to find a way to do more fundraising for my favorite organization Our Family in Africa. So for the past few weeks I've been designing and sewing and planning and, drum roll please, today is the grand opening of my new Etsy store online at
(click the logo above to go straight to the store)
MORE LOVE MAMA
"Shop where your dollar makes a difference. At More Love Mama we sell handmade items featuring Congolese and Chinese fabrics, kid stuff, adoption related items, and whatever else strikes our fancy. Best of all with every purchase you make 10% will be donated to Our Family in Africa, a humanitarian aid group that provides housing, food, medical care and eduction to the orphans of DRCongo. So spend more and give more." I am so excited. Brian ran a small business years ago, but I've never struck out on my own to do something like this. I'll be making a variety of items for kids and adults. I'm starting out with some of the same things I made during our fundraiser like blankets and applique t-shirts made from Congolese fabric. I brought home some beautiful fabric on our last trip and I can't wait to sew it all up. I will also be adding things like purses and bags, dresses, and African print Christmas stockings. I have a few other ideas swirling around my brain so be sure to visit the shop often to see what's new.
So what I need from all of you is to shout it from the rooftops "The More Love Mama Store is now open". Because the more t-shirts and blankets I sell, the more money I can send over to Congo. So more formula can be purchased and more mosquito nets can be hung and more children can wake up each morning feeling a little more hope, a little more love.
Also, if you have any ideas for products you would like to see in my shop please don't hesitate to send me your suggestions. I would to bring your ideas to life. I will be creating a tab on my blog that will show you a selection of the fabrics that I currently have in stock. If you see one you like and would like to have something custom made just let me know. I will also be posting new fabric choices and products on the
(when you get a chance stop over there and give me a "like")
Below are some pictures of "The Sweat Shop" where all my creative juices are flowing. If you look closely you will see it is really just my garage with a special section carved out for me. And since we live in Houston, this time of year it literally is a sweat shop! But it's all mine (when I can keep the kids out) and I have high hopes that it will be a place where lots of fun happens and lots of funds are raised for Our Family in Africa.
Pictures of Mama at the sewing machine compliments of Haven!
