Interview with Susan Peterson, Founder of Freshly Picked Moccasins
We are constantly inspired by small business and entrepreneurs. One company that we have been following is Freshly Picked. Created by Susan Peterson, Freshly Picked features some of the cutest, most comfortable moccasins for young children that not only look adorable but are durable, well designed, and most importantly: stay on your child’s foot. Made with only the best quality material for your child, each pair is crafted with 100% genuine leather. This includes favorites like the Coral Moccasins, Camo and the fun Heirloom style.
To learn more about the company, we recently had the chance to interview Susan and learn more about how she got started as well as what the future will hold for Freshly Picked.
Momtrends: How did the idea for Freshly Picked come about?
Susan Peterson: I started making baby moccasins in 2009 after becoming frustrated by the lack of well-designed baby shoes. Using my second child, Gus, as a mocc-tester, and a bag of scrap leather she picked up at a yard sale, she began experimenting with designs. Working at my kitchen table, on a shoestring budget, I persisted through some disastrous attempts until I created a pair of moccasins that not only looked adorable on Gus’ chubby little feet, but stayed on his feet as well. Here is the link to Freshly Picked's story and how it get started - http://freshlypicked.com/pages/our-story
Momtrends: What were you the most surprised about with kids shoes before you started your company?
Susan: I was surprised that kids shoes did not stay and were not very attractive.
Momtrends: How are your shoes different than what is out there?
Susan: Freshly Picked moccasins are different than what's out there because they stay on, they're cute and attractive, they come in several colors, great for walkers and toddlers and kids love them because they are soft!
Momtrends: What did you learn during the first year of business?
Susan: During the first year of business I learned to work hard, treat people kindly and to hire slow and fire fast.
Momtrends: How do you find your balance as a mom and business owner?
Susan: Balance is a myth and she really does not think that it exist for working moms. My focus is on my choices and whether or not something that she is doing outside of work is taking her away from my family or not.
Momtrends was not paid for this post. We were given samples for review.
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