Mommaprenuer: Jill Chuckas, Crafty Baby

Tell us about yourself: I am a work from home mom of three – ages 11, almost 9 and 5. I have been sewing fun and functional creations for children for over 11 years now. In addition, I am Secretary of the Handmade Toy Alliance and have worked for the last year to ensure that small batch manufacturers throughout the US can remain in business despite federal regulations that were never meant to impact all of us in the first place. I love color and putting products together that make people feel good. And, I enjoy having my kids participate in the process.

How did you start creating your artwork? I have been sewing since I was four, so I guess I have always been creating. I started pursuing it more as a career when I was pregnant and wanted something for my kids that I couldn’t find in the stores. So, Crafty Baby was born.

How did you make the decision to pursue your art career and work from home? My educational background is a Masters in Social Worker. I worked in the school system for 10 years before devoting myself to my art full time. When it came down to it, as much as I enjoyed my work in the schools, it wasn’t making me happy. My business makes me happy. And that’s about it.

How do you balance work and family? Hmmmm…. That’s a tough one since it is a constant struggle. I love my work and I love my family and I always want to give 100% to both. Unfortunately, that can’t always happen. So, I involve my family where I can and try to budget my time. The schedule can get a bit hectic sometimes, but I’m making it work

If you could go back in time to the beginning stages of your venture, what advice would you give yourself? Not really sure. The growth of my business was a very organic process and I really couldn’t grow it any quicker than it did. Maybe, making a more clear business plan or separating business and personal finances from the get go.

Tell us about your average day: Gosh! I wake up, get the kids ready and off to school. Then back to my home studio to read and answer emails, check twitter and facebook, then start to sew. Often interrupted by phone calls or emails. Then, back out to pick up child #3 at preschool. Back for lunch and then into the studio again. A couple more hours of work before children #1 and #2 get off the bus. Get them going on homework, back in the studio – emails, then sewing. Stop to make dinner, eat dinner, clean up after dinner. Husband gets home and takes over with the kids, so I go back into the office for another 2-3 hours (at least) of work. Tired yet?

What do you love most about owning and operating your own creative business? The smiles I see on the faces of the children and their loved ones when they discover my line.

Besides your work and family, what else do you enjoy doing? I enjoy reading, yoga and shopping.