Red, White, & Blue.

Hello Little Miss Sassy Pants

Im working on fall and Black & White is striking my fancy. It's not only classic, but gender neutral which is very important being that my little baby boy will be modeling along side Liv. If I must be honest, design for boys is MUCH harder than designing for girls. This must explain why the variety of styles for boys are so limited. Im trying my best to transition into designing for the little hipsters and  have a couple things in the works. Wish me luck, I'm going to need it!

Desk Essentials | Your Motivational Must Haves...

My office/studio is undoubtedly my second home. It is where I spend 15+ hours of my 24 hour day. Being so, I like to surround myself around things that are not only pretty to look at, but motivational to keep me going on those not-so-breezy days. Often times, just looking at something positive and inspirational can turn my mood around completely. Take a look at some of my favorite must haves for your desk!

1. Amanda Catherine Designs  | 2. BKR | 3. Mulberry Press Co | 4. Girlboss | 5. Candelles | 6. Grown Alchemist | 7. Pixel Paper Hearts | 8. Mi Goals | 9. Kate Spade |

Olivia | 19 months later...

Olivia turned 19 months actual, 15 months adjusted on the 13th. I can't believe it's been 19 months that have seemed to just fly by. She's a completely different baby. She has now found her voice, and is very vocal about all the things she likes, and especially the things she dislikes. Since having two older brothers, she's taken more to the destruction side. Throwing all her toys and laughing hysterically as they fall. She's rumbustious and stubborn, but can be very quiet and reserved when she wants to. Her brothers are her world and anything they do, she laughs with such love and amazement. She's starting to talk more saying "her" words at random times and gives the biggest wet kisses imaginable. I often wonder how she'll take to her baby brother that will grace his presence in a couple of months. In the mean time, I'm soaking up all the one on one time I can get with her. Things will definitely be challenging come November and I just can't wait! 

Friday Favs: Mama & Mini - Small Biz Edition

Mama: Love Joy Create | The Meraki Company | Lucky Sage Shop

Mini: Caged Bird Blog | Zuzii | Luna and the Boy

There are so many great products out there, but to me, the best are made from small businesses right here in America. With so many things being outsourced today, its hard to financially afford to produce items domestically. As a small business owner myself, it is a constant challenge -- but one I take with great pride. 

LMD | Building An Empire - Insight

As of late I've been getting a lot of requests to share some advice and insight on how to get into the business of making homemade goods. It's such a hard question to answer really. I mean I too am looking for that detailed answer of how to run a successful business that profits... but after 9 years of working in the fashion business, the answer is undoubtedly hard work.

Many may not know that I have went to FIDM in Los Angeles where I received my Fashion Design Degree when I was 20 years old. I then interned with a Fashion Company where I learned more than I could have ever imagined. I moved up to be the Director of Operations over the next 6 years where I overseen and managed a multi-million dollar company. It has always been a goal to own and operate my own Label since before I started Fashion School. It was in 2012 where I finally took the plunge and did a soft launch of my Women's Contemporary Label, under my own name, TIFFANY DESSA. Shortly after I found out I was pregnant with twins and after the complications started to arise at 17 weeks gestation, the rest was history. The dust settled in mid 2013, and it was then that I finally realized that children's clothing was where I was destined to start. I had the perfect model, the message, and the skills to launch a children's wear clothing line. My life was turned upside down yet I managed to come out of it--on top with the strongest faith imaginable. It was time to put in the hard work, yet again.

Too many it would appear that the ever growing success of LMD happend overnight, but the truth is it didn't. It's truly a learning curve that you have to be willing to dive right in head first.

The thing is, when I was in the business, I ran it from a much larger scale. I had employees, contractors, & vendors who I would outsource most things. I ran the logistics of putting all the pieces together  like a puzzle with design, production, sales, marketing, etc. Running the logistics of a homemade business is VERY different. You are one person who is ultimately doing it all. Even after being in the industry for so long and working 16 hour days back to back, I am finding it much more challenging to run a homemade business. (Get ready for a long post folks... lol)

A couple of things that I personally find challenging is time management. When I worked for a company, I left my home in the early morning and had 16 hours of non interrupted time to get things done. Now I have pick ups, drops offs, dr appts, etc. Lets not forget working from home is difficult because I am a Mother first and foremost so Liv & the boys get my undivided attention when need be. It's becoming more challenging as she is getting older and is mobile but I am trying to get a schedule down.  Then theres that whole "I work from home so when that door is closed you need not to interrupt" that my family is barely wrapping their heads around. I have always been available and now I simply am not. Laundry is now being done by the hubby because he simply can't take not having clean underwear anymore and meals are being cooked by my lovely mother. Yes, there are major sacrifices being made. Which leads me to my next subject --sacrifice. 

For me, this is not only my life, but my livelihood. 

As a business owner there are so many sacrifices that have to be made. From personal to financial as your business should always come first. At least I believe that's what ultimately creates a successful company. For me this is not a hobby, it is a life style brand that I am building. It entails so much more than a children's clothing line, as this is just the beginning.

Etsy has been an amazing marketplace to allow women to not only be creative but turn a profit. So many are doing just that. Whether that be small to a larger scale, it all depends on what you want?  Its a starting point. Ask yourself a couple of questions: What are you willing to sacrifice? What are your trying to accomplish? Is this a hobby? Figure out what you want, and start.

For those who want insight on how to get started it seems many are doing the headbands and leggings thing. Let me have a moment of honesty here. As a Director of Operations, I know how much I can physically handle when it comes to sewing. The simpler the sew, the better for a one man operation. Of course  as the business is growing and I will be having seamstresses sew, my plan in the coming months are to add more styles like dresses, skirts, etc. but to start, sewing 2 styles such as leggings and headbands were manageable with my already hectic Mom schedule. This is why everybody is doing it. Its feasible and you can find many legging patterns online. Just type in "baby legging patterns on google." Of course you have your babies to be your fit models!

 LMD however is different for the simple fact that I design and create my own fabrics. This is where my design background comes in. Therefore no one will be able to duplicate what I offer as I am the sole designer behind it so my advice is to create one of a kind pieces that you can't get anywhere else. Whether that be headbands, bibs, leggings, or whatever your heart desires to create, make it original.

No matter what you do, as long as you enjoy it, just take one task at a time and it will fall into place. I believe strongly in that. Some of those most successful people have no education background so don't let that stop you. It's ultimately up to you and how bad you want it!

A common question I've been getting is "How do you get your product out there?" Well this is hard for the simple fact that everyone is doing it however, you will appeal to someone. You've got to have faith and believe in yourself no matter what. Your style and design esthetics will attract those who like it but it will take time. Be consistent in putting out your products on social media, photographing it in creative ways & engaging with your followers.  Oh and lets not forget the craze we call giveaways! Its a great way to gain awareness of ones brand. I mean come on, Everyone likes FREE. 

If you have specific questions that  you want answered, please leave a comment and I'll be more than happy to answer to the best of my ability!

It's been a rather long day and the bed is calling my name! :)

LMD | Building an Empire!

As I sit here with a million things to do, exhausted, and in need of yet one more cup of coffee, I realize I am building my empire. It was only 4 months ago that I decided to embark on this journey. Crazy how time is flying by and my dreams are becoming a reality. Slowly but surely.

I've always been a go getter. Your work hard-hustle harder type of gal. So working 16 hour days is easy. This is what I know. It's a bit more challenging with a baby, two growing young boys, a household, several doctor appts a week, and all the other wonderful things life throws at you. God help me as I am managing. Barely, but I'm getting the hang of things.

Regardless of the exhaustion, as I sit here looking around my studio, I see my empire growing. From one sewing machine to three. From one foldable table, to a pretty swanky one from ikea that wraps around half of my studio. {and by studio I mean my extra bedroom that has turned into my studio. Ha!} From 500 followers to 3500. Slowly but surely I am laying each block of my foundation & Im so excited to see what the future unfolds.

Here's a little sneak peek of my studio. {what you don't see is the Bermuda Triangle that is the other part of my studio! lol}

OOTD | Freshly Sweet!

Top | Old Navy - White

Leggings | LMD - Parisian Bloom White Print

Headband | LMD - Parisian Bloom White Print/ Pink & Metallic Silver Polkadot

Moccasins | Freshly Picked - Chrome

Liv has a major sweet tooth. Is that even possible for a 15 month old? Thanks to her daddy, he sneaks her all types of goodies and she LOVES it. So much to the point that I tell her I'm giving her chocolate as I am giving her daily meds. The insane thing is she'll open her mouth right up for it -- then spit the medicine right out once she realizes it's nothing sweet! Ha. Needless to say she'll be seeing a dentist early on in her childhood.

Since her doctors appt got cancelled, I took an opportunity to snap some photos of her outfit for the day. I must confess. Liv has a lot of shoes. probably too many for age really. Lately though, I've noticed that I am constantly grabbing her moccs. Ever since we got them in the mail from Freshly Picked, they've been our go-to shoe. They go with just about everything and more importantly they stay on. Most shoes she ends up trying to eat or kick them off. These however, must feel like second skin to her because she forgets that they are even on! I've seen Freshly Picked Moccs are all the rage these days, but i'm going to have to jump on that band wagon and agree. They are indeed what they are rumored to be -- Absolutely fabulous. Super soft, great quality, fashionable soft sole shoes for your littles! Yes they are pricey, but worth every penny. Let me tell you, I am as cheap as they come when it comes to certain things, but these are defintely investment pieces. 

OOTD | J' adore

Sometimes I stare at her and it doesn't feel real. That may sound strange but my past still haunts me at times and if I think about it long enough, it will put me out of commission. Nobody's got time for that so I just keep, keeping on. God saved her life for a reason. Although I wish desperately that my Abigail was still here twinning it up with her sister, it wasn't our faith. Every day I understand why this was necessary. Liv has changed my life in so many ways, and I thank God every chance I get.

Today was crazy hectic. Liv was more clingy than usual and seems as though a little cold is surfacing, yet again. Its extremely difficult when you have two other kiddos in elementary who bring home the germs. Although I have a strick policy of having them shower the moment they walk through the door, the germs still manage to sneak in. At least will be knockin' at our doors.

 Liv will be turning one (adjusted age) on the 13th & I'm finding it harder to get things done as she is sleeping less and moving more. All wonderful things, except when I have a ton of orders to go out and only two hands that Liv refuses to leave. On the other hand, she is at a very fun age -- at least for me! The proof is all in the photos. I don't think I can take too many pictures. Nope. Theres no such thing!

Shirt | Old Navy 

Leggings | LMD - J'adore Bunny

Headband | Little Hip Squeaks - Onyx Stripe

Moccasins | Freshly Picked - Chrome

Spring Dreamin'

 As Liv is getting older I must confess that we have fun shooting these mini photo shoots. I let her do her thing and she seems to enjoy it...at least for now.  As much as I don't want my baby to grow so quickly, I am excited for the vibrant little girl she is becoming. Her personality is showing more each day and I find myself marveling at her often. 

We haven't felt anything remotely close to winter here in Cali, except for today. The cold and rainy day inspired my Spring Dreamin' outfit of the day.  I am so looking forward to RSV season being over and Spring right around the corner. We are anxiously waiting for the amazing adventures we are sure to make outdoors! 

Sweater | Gap - Silk Powder

Leggings | LMD - Parisian Bloom Orchid Print

Headband | LMD - Parisian Bloom White Print/ Pink & Metallic Silver Polkadot

Moccasins | Freshly Picked - Chrome

Fedora Hat | Gap

Oh Motherhood, pity me.

The pressures of motherhood are one to reckon with. This silent gut feeling that is ALWAYS present, yet no one really talks about. As I look in the mirror, I find myself looking at a mother who is overwhelmed. I am constantly criticizing myself for all the things I haven't had a chance to do. Yet the list continues to grow.

I find myself looking at other mothers, with jealousy. How do they do it? How do they look like the mother of the year and still manage to look, dare I say perfect? While I'm here struggling to keep all my ducks in a row while looking like the hot mess that is, me.

I'm not going to lie. this week was trying. In great ways, but challenging. Yes, challenge builds character but sometimes enough, is enough. As a mother, your job never stops. As a business owner, your job never stops. So when exactly does mommy get the time to do it all. She doesn't. She prioritizes what is high priority, and what is next week priority. At least thats how I solved it this week. Except there are still those dagger like moments that make me feel like I'm a horrible mother. Like the time I had scheduled two doctor appts back to back in different cities and when rushing to take Liv's carseat out of the stroller, the entire stroller decided to flip with Liv in tote. I nearly flipped my shit with Liv screaming her head off out of pure fear and me crying with her out of guilt. I was rushing and didn't keep my foot on the stroller to keep the balance of the weight. Yes. this happened Wednesday. All while my two boys watched me cry and consoled me  for the following 10 minutes saying "Mom, your not a bad mother, your an amazing mother!" Now whose the adult and who's the child. God help me cause this week was all kinds of challenging.  We won't even talk about how I had to rush to the next appt 30 minutes away for them to tell me that they don't take Liv's insurance. Wonderful.

So after this long week of what I like to call "Pity me", It was when I sat on the bed with my kids laughing & playing that it clicked. In that very simplistic moment, everything seemed so perfect. Yes dinner was not made yet. Yep there sure was 3 loads of laundry staring at me. Yes my list of things to do is overflowing. Yes I should be sewing my orders, but instead I took a moment to see that even though I may not have it all figured out…it's not as bad as I allow myself to believe it is.

I have to remind myself that I am the best mother that I can be. How do I know this? Well if there is one thing for certain, I am trying my hardest. In fact there was not a time in my life prior that I have ever tried to be a good mother, wife, sister, friend, and successful business owner. God sees this, and showed me that moment as a reminder that all will be okay.

I just have to inhale the challenge, and exhale the faith that it will.

Oh yes, I also dressed my daughter as a boy to model the boys clothing line, LittleMisterDessa. You think she'll be mad when she's older? My oldest asked me why I am encouraging her to be a cross dresser so young. Ha! Oh the mind of a 11 year old, never fails me.

Cheers to the bloody weekend! oh wait, that really doesn't mean a thing! :)

xx,

T

My Muse...

Olivia has brought so much to my life. More than I could have ever imagined really. I'm not sure if it was the 6 hour long skin to skin kangeroo sessions in the NICU, or the fact that I am with her 24 hours of the day, but we are inseparable. This kind of love we share is not only one of a kind, but so inspiring. She has opened my eyes to so much and has been the the driving force that is Little Miss Dessa. A dream that has been in the works for over 8 years. Although it has taken several routes to get where we are today, I have never felt more sure of how bright the future looks.