about on On a Whim Apparel

While making children's handbags as party favors for my twin daughters' first birthday party - On A Whim Apparel was born.... I discovered, to my surprise, that I had a talent for creating something from nothing. The purses turned out to be too expensive to give away and too cute to deny - soon enough friends and neighbors began buying the pocketbooks as gifts for their own children.

'Stay at home mom' boredom got the best of me and before I knew it I had made over 100 bags and spent way too much cash on my 'hobby.' I quickly began booking craft fairs to unload the pocketbooks before my husband could realize how much money I had wasted... Argh.

My first fair was a total bust - no thanks to the fact that there were more vendors than shoppers (I have since come to learn that this is an occupational hazard). Luckily, I am not one to be easily discouraged, so I kept chugging along - more determined than ever.

Thanks to an outrageously adorable pink sparkly ladder (don't ask) the bags began selling like hot cakes. Excited by my entrepreneurial efforts, but easily bored, I became sick of making the bags and decided to try my hand at clothing.

Oops! Did it again - hundreds of hours and dollars spent I believe I finally have a product worth buying - that is, if you are in the market for a 'one-time wear' shirt because once you wash it all of my dazzling designs end up sitting in a heap at the bottom of your washing machine... Argh again.

Determined to get it right, I spend weeks researching glues, designs, paints, garments etc... Too much time on my hands keeps me from giving up - not to mention the secret (shhh) credit card that I open in my name to fund my efforts ;).

Aha! It's all coming together now - I have the perfect apparel, fabulous designs and I've found a way to cut down on production time and cost (not to mention endless runs through the washer and dryer to make sure the products are holding up). In case you're wondering, they do!!!! Soon the phone starts ringing off the hook with potential customers who have heard about my clothing! I quickly realize that boredom has become a thing of the past - exhaustion is the new theme of the day.

Confident in my new line - I get the courage to make an appointment at a local boutique. Not expecting much, but hoping for the best I meet with the buyer who actually flips over my designs!!!!! My first official retail order! Woohoo!

I've continued to expand my business - selling at house parties, boutiques and fairs. I worked hard to make clothing that is trendy but timeless - affordable, yet rich in design. My aim has always been to make clothing that everyone can look fabulous wearing - from children to adults of all sizes and shapes. There's always something for everyone. If you don't see something you like feel free to contact me - I'm happy to accommodate custom styles and designs. I'm a people pleaser to a fault - if you're happy - I'm happy (I know, I know, it's something I'm working on).

Last, but certainly not least, I'm finally realizing my dream of creating a website (thanks, wwwebtek.com!) where customers and retailers can order and preview my latest designs. I hope all of you who have been begging me to start this site will enjoy it because as I mentioned my whole purpose is to make you happy :).