When I say this Mom and I go way back, I mean way back.? In fact, she was the very first “official” photo shoot of “Surprise Photography.”? My husband referrers to the oldest daughter as the “Butterfly girl.”
So when I was invited back to shoot the 2nd baby, it was truly and honored. When I arrived, I looked at this sweet sleepy baby on the bed an I sad, “What is he wearing?”? This? is when I was introduced into the world of cloth diapering.?? Kristy gave me a private tour of her diaper collection but I have to admit,? I was so overwhelmed.? When I started to do my research, there? was this whole underground world of cloth diapering I was unaware of. ? After what I researched, I was hooked. At the time I was? pregnant with Kieran and? I talked to my husband about? the possibility of cloth diapering.? I was actually surprised, no pun intended, of how supportive he was. In fact we both grew up with cloth diapers. For me it was not just about the cost of cloth vs disposables diaper, but the cost on the environment.? So we finally made the big switch to cloth, and I have never looked back.? So,? for April being a month in which we celebrate “Earth Day,” why not celebrate Tickety? Bu and their first anniversary in business.
In the honor of being “Green,” I proudly introduce, KristI Ashley, owner and? creator of ” Tickety Bu.”
How did you come up with your name?
I wanted something that had a loose reference to bamboo since that is my main focus, but wanted nothing that was a literal lift from that word. Tickety Bu means “everything’s alright” which is meaningful to the reason I use cloth diapers and started the business. Plus, I like the sound of it.
How long have you been in business?
I opened my shop April fool’s day, 2008.
Please explain a little bit about your product/business and how you developed the concept behind it:
I started cloth diapering my daughter right before she decided diapers were not for her. So, I started cding in earnest when my son was born in January 2007. I tried just about every kind of cloth diaper you can imagine before trying prefolds and falling in love. It’s just the best system for us-so easy to use, easy to wash and they work well. I use cloth primarily because it’s eco-friendly, but I believe that you can be kind to the environment and not have to sacrifice product efficacy or ease of use.
I have sewn for a long time (over 19 years of sewing, and about 5 years of sewing regularly) and wanted to try bamboo, so I made my own. I wanted a prefold made the old-school way, with no side serging, but also wanted to be in control of the fabrics used since I wanted maximum absorbency while still being super trim. I finally made the perfect diaper for us, It was all the reasons that I use cloth-a sustainable fabric, a more effective diaper than others, and easy to use and care for. I have friend’s who also cd who wanted some, so it wasn’t long before Tickety Bu was born.
What makes your product/business so unique and why can’t I live without it?
It’s the only WAHM prefold made with no side seams or serging, so it’s just yummy bamboo next to baby’s skin. Also, I use only organic bamboo, bamboo/organic cotton blends and wool, so the fabrics I use in my products are as kind to the earth as possible. You don’t have to sacrifice; you can have both, a better product that is kind to the earth. Plus, bamboo and wool are better for the body and work better than the alternatives.
Do you have a store front/website/etsy?
I have a store on Hyena Cart and am part of two congos there as well.
TicketyBu.com
http://hyenacart.com/venusvanguard/
Store front location or where can we buy your products:
Coming soon to Waddle N Swaddle!
What are some of your short and long term goals with your business?
My short term goal is to have fun, keep building a solid customer base and help the bottom line in our family. Long term, I’d like to see my products in local retailers as well as grow my online presence.
Is there anything exciting in the works that we can look forward to?
I’ve just added some home d?cor to my line, accent pillows. I’m always branching out, I’ve increased my product line throughout the last year and don’t see that stopping anytime soon.
What is the hardest part or has been some of your struggles starting your own business?
Not overdoing it. I’m a very driven person and have a hard time turning off, I could work all day if it was possible. But, it’s important to balance work and family and I’m determined to do it!
About You:
Tell me about your family, kids, hubby, pets.
I have been married to Michael for 12 years now. We have two nine year old dogs, Maddie and Beene. And, the joys of our lives are Lorelai (5), Magnus (2) and Xander (new).
Our kids are very inquisitive, way too smart for their own (and our) good, and full of energy and love. They teach us something new everyday, which is amazing and wonderful to experience.
What is your ideal thing to do on a lazy weekend with the family?
It really depends on the season. In the fall, Sundays are sacred football days. We make a big “picnic” that sits out on the coffee table most of the day and we munch, watch some games and play all day. We take breaks to play outside and for naps, but that’s about it.
In the Spring we like to take day trips around the area to see things we haven’t seen before. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of this area, and it satisfies our love for travel. In the summer, our perfect weekend day is spent lazing around the house, playing outside and at the lake.
Favorites:
Reality Show:
Top Chef. I hate to cook, but I love that show!
Favorite online shopping:
It changes, but right now I’m in love with Starving Artist Bazaar, Alfabette Zoope and EllieBelly.
Can’t live without item:
This changes too of course. In my business it’s a good pair of scissors. In my personal life it’s my pillow, I love snuggling up to my pillow for some much needed z’s.
How do you balance your business and your family?
I keep a schedule for work and stick to it. I work when Lorelai is at school or when Michael has his alone time with the kids on the weekend (he takes them to breakfast every Saturday and then to the park). I have a sitter come twice a week so I get a big block of work done and I sew when Magnus and Xander are sleeping. I keep afternoons strictly for family time and the mornings when I don’t work are for all the household things that need to get done. I’m lucky, Magnus loves to help with the household chores!
What is on your Ipod or CD player: Right now it’s Xander’s birth music which is a mix that Michael made. It’s got a lot of Coldplay on it.? (Can I say, I LOVE Coldplay, tell Micheal I have tix to the concert in Hartford 
)
If I were to look in your diaper bag/purse, what would I find: Tickety Bu diapers and wipes, Earth Muffin lotion (I’m addicted to it), Fruitabu for the kids, Burt’s Bees lip balm (also an addiction), my business cards, a toy penguin, my wallet and my car key.
I was lucky to have a private tour of Tickety Bu’s office.? Here is a behind the scenes sneak peak:
Ok Surprise Photography Blog Stalkers, here is your chance to save some $$ $, just visit: TicketyBu.com and get a 10% discount with the coupon code Surprise10.
Interested in finding our more about our “Momtrepreneur” feature,? get more info: HERE.