Mommaprenuer: Jessi Harris, Bratsacks Babyware

Tell us about yourself: I’m a work-at-home mom of two little boys, ages 2 and 4 and wife to a wonderful understanding husband.  I live in the same town that I was born in, and have lived here all of my life.  I have owned a dog grooming business for about 14 years now, and more recently began Bratsacks, almost by accident.

How did you start creating your artwork? Well, I have been sewing since I was a very little girl.  My grandmother taught me to use a needle and thread when I was barely more than a toddler, and taught me to follow a pattern, use a machine and make garments by the time I was 7 years old.  I used to sew corduroy clothing, bags and hats so that I could follow the band Phish on tour in the early 90’s.  I hadn’t sewn for money in YEARS when, one day I needed a gift for my friend’s 2 year old boy and decided to make him a backpack out of corduroy scraps and a pair of old pants.  That was the first toddler size Bratsack!  The rest is history.

How did you make the decision to pursue your art career and work from home? It wasn’t too hard, as I had been running my dog grooming business from home for several years.  I had moved that business home when I got married and decided to have a family.  Bratsacks has grown from a sewing machine in the corner of my bedroom, to a full-size sewing studio with four machines and a large cutting area.
How do you balance work and family? What is this word “balance” that you speak of?  Its a learning process, that’s for sure.  When my babes were little I would wear them on my back in a sling while I worked sometimes, or just sew during naps.  Now that they’re older and my oldest is in school, my youngest stays with Grandma a couple days per week and goes to preschool for just a few hours as well.  It is important for me to make sure that I work on WORK days, and spend plenty of time with my children on non-work days.  Sometimes something happens; snow day, sick kiddo, and I have to resign myself to the fact that I won’t be working that day.  Setting realistic deadlines and goals and giving myself plenty of breathing room keeps me sane.

If you could go back in time to the beginning stages of your venture, what advice would you give yourself? Like I said above:  Set realistic goals and make sure that your customers have realistic expectations.  I would tell myself that, when setting up a custom order with a client, give them a time-quote that reflects the fact that MOST weeks, something is going to get delayed due to life as a Mom.  Also, know how to say NO! Don’t let customers bully you into creating something or taking part in business practices that you are not comfortable with, or that will make you feel stress.

Tell us about your average day: I definitely do not have an “average” day.  Both of my children are special needs, so there are doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions.  I still groom dogs for select clients so some “work” days are split between grooming and sewing.  My schedule is decided on a day-to-day basis, and there is never any order, I just get things done when I can.

What do you love most about owning and operating your own creative business? I love the freedom to make decisions.  I enjoy the opportunity to learn from my mistakes, because my entire life has been built upon trial and error.  I love being able to do my best for my kids without being pressured to turn over their care to people I do not know.

Besides your work and family, what else do you enjoy doing? I enjoy cooking, camping, kayaking and canoeing, gardening but most of all I love LIVE MUSIC, especially Phish and bluegrass.

Why do you think consumers should shop handmade? Even in the days when I wasn’t pricing my work well and was charging too little, at least I was working in a clean environment, healthy work conditions, I was fed and I could be with my family every day.  I am appalled by the situations that people in mass production over seas have to deal with.  I challenge my friends and family to find handmade or made-in-America alternatives to everything they consume.  I want our children to have safe toys and clothing items, and I want to see others like me supported in doing something that isn’t just a job, its something that we believe in.