Julie is the maker and then designer behind Mon Petit Shoes. She set out on a mission to fill a need that many moms know all too well - finding stylish shoes that don't fall off of your children's feet! And she has done just that. Her sophisticated vintage shoes look amazing on any child with any outfit, and they are definitely high quality! Meet her at our July 13th Pop Up Shop and see her items in person! But for now, get to know her a little bit better from the interview we had with her!
Why did you start your company?
I had been making shoes for about 5 years prior to actually starting the business, and finally my sister and my husband pushed me enough to get it going and that is when mon petit shoes was born!
Tell me about the journey of your company?
When my oldest was born in 2010 I wanted a classic style of shoe for my daughter but I wanted it soft and easy to put on and off, but also something that would stay on! I couldn't find anything that met this need for me so I started playing with designs and patterns and finally created my oxford shoes. Shortly after I started my company, I had lots of inquiries for a strap shoe and came up with my t-strap patterns. Both styles are unisex and both stay on your little one's feet!
What has been the most satisfying achievement so far?
I would say the first bit of satisfaction came when I saw my shoes on a strangers feet. I had been making shoes as gifts for so many years, but to have people that I don't know buy and appreciate the shoes feels like my greatest achievement.
What has been one of the most difficult parts of starting and growing your business?
Just that, growing it! Growing a business is a long tall roller coaster! We go in waves of being SUPER busy and barely keeping up with the demand and then slower times, but all in all it has been a positive experience.
What advice would you give to other parents/moms trying to start their own companies from home?
Just keep going! There are going to be times (maybe a lot of times) that you want to give up because quite honestly, this is hard work! But keep going!
What makes Mon Petit stand out, what makes your products and brand different?
Though our shoes are soft soled leather shoes, the style and function is unlike any other shoe out there. When I created the T-strap there were no other soft soled t-straps on the market that I was aware of, so I was creating an original. Our shoes stay on your babies feet and we try to do right by our customers. If there are any issues or concerns we try to fix it ASAP!
What have you learned about parenting and family as you’ve started your company?
Sheesh, this is a tough one. Over the course of the last couple years doing this, my husband has quit his day job to help me with our children and our company. This has become our sole income and it has been great to have him home with us during the day. Our girls have definitely benefited from that. When my husband is doing a side job somewhere and is gone, my girls count down the minutes to his return! Prioritizing time with our kids is the most important thing to us and we feel very thankful that we have the opportunity to be able to do that more now.
What do you wish you had known when you started that you have learned?
The biggest thing is the amount of time it actually takes to run a business!
What is your favorite thing about owning your own business?
Being able to do things in timeframes that work for our family.
What are some of your favorite activities to do with your children?
We love to spend time in our community at the library, going swimming, bike riding, and out to eat together. We try to take a family vacation at least once a year and we LOVE that!
What advice would you give to first time moms?
Just go easy on yourself! Truly, it is hard to do, but you just created life! Enjoy it, and go easy on yourself!
If you had to describe your company in 3 words what would they be?
original, high quality, detailed