Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Ilagor.
Cynthia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Chocolate Milk Kids was born in April 2015, this was something I knew I wanted to start but just didn’t know how as most new and young business owners don’t know which first steps to take. Initially, I started this as a side hustle to make ends meet since I was a single mom. I’ve been blessed that I have been able to hold down a job and go to school, but I’m always wanted to give my son more than what he deserved. I was always into baby fashion and dressing my then 2-year-old in the latest trends.
Graphic tees and sweaters with phrases or lyrics is what caught my eye, but I was always struggling to find something unique and personal. I would pay other small shops on Etsy to make a tee, but it started getting pricey. Then I thought to myself, why don’t I make my own shirts for him? I vividly remember in April 2015, I couldn’t work for three days since I was out sick but felt good enough to do something with my obligated time off.
So what did I do? I took my toddler with me, got in my car and drove to this particular print shop that I would pass by everyday on my lunch near the preschool I worked at in Santa Ana, got off my car, went inside and asked questions. “Can you make this? Can you make that? How much would you charge me?” They had the answers to all of my questions. I was sold!
I went home and started designing by visualizing what I wanted my graphic tees to look like by choosing fonts, sizing and finding an esthetic-which was inspired by new and old school rap and hip hop. I made three shirts that same day, and I used my son as my model and shot the pictures in my apartment complex. I set up an Instagram account and started selling through the app. At first, it sounded like a good idea to meet up, pick up or drop off orders in person and exchange payment.
At one point to make quick money, I even drove all the way to Long Beach to meet up with a customer! But to be safe and secure, I knew I had to make some changes. I created an Etsy account later on that same year and added more designs and from then on my business just grew! I was receiving orders from all over the US including some from the UK, Australia, Italy, and even Japan!
Has it been a smooth road?
I will be honest, it’s been hard to run a small business and maintaining a full-time job, being a mom, making time for your significant other, family and friends and making sure everyone is happy, but through it all, you have to find that balance. I was even once told just to give up, that it was going to be impossible and that I had to choose. I either had to choose between being a working mom or go to school, but I couldn’t work, run a business and be a mom all at the same time, that there was no way. Instead of giving up, I manifested that negativity towards working 100 times harder towards my business.
Even if it meant waking up earlier, staying up later, making runs to the post office on my lunches, stopping by the print shop to pick up orders after an eight hour work day or driving to LA on Saturdays to pick up t-shirts with my little boy in his car seat sharing this journey with me. He’s watching me, he’s learning from me, he’s counting on me but what kept me motivated and moving forward was by praying and attending networking events and meeting other women/moms in business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Chocolate Milk Kids is a children’s apparel line of graphic tees, sweaters, and onesies. Mostly made up of phrases and lyrics inspired by rap and hip hop, such as Notorious B.I.G. and Drake.
I have added more variety over time by adding a Girls Collection as well as a Mom Collection that promotes girl power and women empowerment. It brings joy to see that children are wearing my line and that my customers appreciate and love the music of hip hop like I do!
What sets my company apart from others is that each tee that is designed is unique and original. Some of the designs came easily to mind and took minutes to create and or some took me hours of editing to bring it to life. They are also homemade so a lot of love, time and effort is put into it.
I am also what you call a “one woman band” I am the one who keeps track of all the finances, inventory, the orders that are coming in, making each tee one by one, packaging each order, shipping them out, managing all social media accounts, doing pop-ups solo and following up with customer inquiries.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes! I definitely would because of the exposure, opportunities and the people you meet. LA has been the only city that has given me the most success at my pop-ups.
Even though I am from Orange County, LA is my second home, I love everything about it: the environment, the people, the fashion, the city, buildings, lights, and the art! I always in the area finding hidden gems to do photo shoots at.
I’ve met some amazing people who are Los Angeles natives who also have a small business like mine and who have supported my vision and are always keeping me in the loop of what next event will be happening in the area to help my business grow and because of the support I receive, that is the most rewarding.
Pricing:
- Infant Onesies-$13.50
- Children’s Tees-$15.50
- Women’s Tees-$20.00
- Custom Tees-$20.00 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChocolateMilkCo?ref=search_shop_redirect
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Chocolate Milk Kids
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
