Q. Tell us about your store! What made you decide to open up your own retail space?
A. Our space is our happy place! I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since we opened in 2014. My husband, Kevin, and I had taken our 9 month old son on a trip through Scandinavia one summer. We were so impressed with the designs, practicality and sustainability of the children’s stores in Sweden and Denmark; especially since our style of parenting+baby products were similar. We felt inspired and motivated to bring something similar to our hometown of Fredericksburg, Texas. Fredericksburg, Texas has a lot of things- almost 100 wineries, antique shops, women’s boutiques and excellent food. But, it was missing a place for parents to find organic, sustainable products for their babies and children. Fredericksburg needed a place for families to come and find joy in picking necessities and gifts for their sweet babes. We wanted to make sure we found the best products on the market that were non-toxic to take that stress of researching everything off of our customers. We opened because of my love of cloth diapers, baby carriers and wooden toys but we have become so much more than that!
Q. What is your favorite thing about running your store?
A. Wow, it may be too hard to pick one. First and foremost, my favorite thing about running this store is the team I run it with. I am the luckiest person in the world to have found a group of phenomenal ladies who care about the business and its customers just as much as I do. They have been with me for years and show up each day with drive and authenticity that make me want to be the best I can be. My store managers are the heart and soul of our store and they care SO MUCH. Seeing that and being a part of their growth is just amazing- plus we have so much fun together! Second, it is such a treat to be a part of our customers’ lives. We get to hear stories about birthdays, pregnancies, big sibling announcements and other milestones. We love meeting fresh parents and grandparents, proud uncles and aunts, and giddy kiddos. Our customers want to share these stories and experiences with us because we have seen their families grow. We remember their highs and lows and enjoy building relationships. It’s a treasure to be a part of their lives, even in the smallest ways. It makes every day feel like we are contributing to a greater purpose.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
A. Our typical business day has evolved so much over our 10 years of business. These days, our team gets to the shop around 8:30 (because they are all over-achievers) and knock out shipment, cleaning and restocking before we open our doors. After we open at 10am and our online shipments go out, our team is helping customers while simultaneously processing shipments and restocking throughout the day. If I’m not working at the shop, I help support the team’s day-to-day operations from my home office by placing orders, keeping up with correspondence, and working on store projects, partnerships or brand development. Our regular day is filled with visits from regular customers needing quick gifts or picking up something they need, talking to new customers visiting from another state, coffee runs to refuel, chats with UPS or USPS to see how their day has been, putting out new products that we have been excited to receive, redesigning displays because we like to keep things fresh, taking photos to post on social media, and so much more. Our tiny team does SO MUCH in a single day.
Q. How do you select the brands you carry?
A. We aim to carry unique, beautiful non-toxic products. First, we research product lines to make sure they are made with natural materials free from harsh toxins. Next, we ask for feedback or knowledge from our staff, family, and friends about potential product choices to get a feel for how they would be received. Lastly, we like to investigate where products are made, who makes them, how the employees are treated and how they are transported to us. I feel responsible for the impact of our business choices and how they affect not just our customers, but people around the world. We like to carry products that are fun and practical from companies whose values align with ours.
Q. If we had one day in your hometown, where should we visit?
A. Start the day at sunrise at Enchanted Rock State Park. It’s worth the drive and it's a doable hike to get your day started. The view is amazing. Next, head back to town for brunch at Woerner’s Cafe; a place the locals love. Next, head to Main Street for some shopping. Be sure to stop by our shop Fredericksburg Natural Baby+Kids, James Avery next door to us, Rustlin’ Robs for food tastings, Dogologie for all things dogs, and Der Kuchen-Laden for the coolest kitchen products. Include time to get to Hwy 290 to try a few wineries! Our favorites are Becker Vineyards and Grape Creek Vineyards. For dinner try the coolest Texas-German fusion food at Otto’s Bistro and finish with a nightcap at either Sage or Elk Store!
Connect With Fredericksburg Natural Baby + Kids:
Location: 203 E Main St. Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
Website: shopfbgnaturalbaby.com
Instagram: @fbgnaturalbabykids
