Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Archuleta.
Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started This Boy Mama Sews a few summers ago on accident, really. Sewing was always a fun outlet for me, I use to make scrappy blankets for my boys and as gifts for friends. I was mostly a “trial and error” type of sewer, but I enjoyed the process! The more I would sew, the better I became and I started to branch out on more than just blankets. In May of 2016, my best friend asked me to make a matching kimono set for her and her daughter to wear to her son’s pool party. I instantly was all about it! I started searching through the internet and Pinterest for the best DIY kimono tutorial. When I finally found one I liked, I whipped up a couple but wasn’t loving the outcome.
So I played around with the pattern and finally came up with a better version that I preferred for myself. My friend and her daughter looked adorable! After that, I had a ton of response to sell them. I created an Instagram and Etsy account, not putting much thought into my name other than the obvious, This Boy Mama Sews, I’m a mom to three handsome and wild boys and I was sewing! I never thought that little thing would turn in to what I have now. I have made Kimonos, Swaddling sets, bridal Kimono sets, Hair accessories and of course my first love, blankets! It’s been a huge blessing to me in so many ways!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My biggest struggle has Probably been myself, I think I’m my own worst critic. I never went into this thinking or even wanting to make it “Big”. As most creatives know, there is a ton of people, similar to you, doing the same thing! For me, I’ve always wanted to put my style into everything I make. If it’s not something I would wear or put my own kids in, then it’s not something I need to create. And with that, I have to understand that my style isn’t everyone’s and that’s ok!
Time management has also been a struggle for me. I’m a wife and mother, I’m also working part-time and managing my own little sewing shop. Most days I feel like I’m juggling so many jobs and not doing any one of them well lol. But I think that’s life and part of owning your own business.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the This Boy Mama Sews story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in Custom Kimonos, Baby Essentials, and hair accessories. If I had to pick one thing that my shop is known for it would be my kimonos, that’s where it all started. My Kimonos are customizable to fit every person. My general “one size fits most” kimono has a loose and flowy fit, which is the style I prefer for my self. Over the years I have made matching mother and daughter kimono sets, Kimonos to match my swaddling sets, I call them “Coming home sets” and bridal party sets, which are custom matching Kimono/Robes.
My swaddling sets have been just as popular for me, I search out stretchy, buttery soft fabrics to make perfect swaddling blankets with matching beanies and head wraps. I also make a variety of bows and hair clips, as well as fabric hair ties and scrunchies. My favorite part about this little shop is being a part of someones special day! Knowing that my customer choose me to create something for their wedding day, the birth of their baby or any special occasion they may have is just crazy to me. Its been the biggest blessing to see an items I made on!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t really believe in “luck”, I believe God gave me this adventure of earning an income doing something I love, in this season of life. I have such a strong faith in knowing God will guide me in the direction I need to be going and he has opened an amazing amount of doors for me through this whole process of having this shop. I have definitely had times of feeling like “what am I doing with this”, or self-doubt but I have met the most amazing, uplifting people through social media and in person. I have no doubt God put those people in my path. I also have a crazy amount of support from my friends and family, I don’t think I could juggle everything I do without them.
Contact Info:
- Website: thisboymamasews.etsy.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @thisboymamasews
Image Credit:
Lorie Chambless Photography (loriechambless.com), AmandaGail Photography (amandagailphotography.com), Jennifer Pishinsky-Varner Photography (jvarnerphoto.com)
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