Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmine Balderrama.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jazmine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Becoming pregnant at 19 was no easy task. I was pursuing an education degree at UNT, and I was not prepared to be a mom at that time! Everyone knows a baby completely changes your lifestyle, however my baby girl also helped me find my hidden talent. Hailey Isabella was born January of 2017 and gave my life a purpose larger than I would have ever imagined. After going through a crazy labor experience… (that included a care flight to a different hospital and 13 doctors fighting for our lives) she was born, and we were released a week later; sent home happy & healthy. I was blessed to have the opportunity to be a stay at home mom, this was something I had always envisioned for myself. I was not prepared to be broke, though. Being young and unprepared, financial stability was hard for us. I wanted everything for my daughter, including her to be in the cutest trendy clothes, but this came with a price; and we were far from it.
I had always been a DIYer so I figured, “this can’t be that hard!” The next day I showed up at hobby lobby with not having a clue what I was getting myself into; I picked up fabric, elastic, a needle, and some thread. I didn’t even own a sewing machine at the time, but I was so determined and was going to do anything for my daughter, I hand sewed what resembled a badly stitched romper. I was ecstatic! I took some pictures and of course announced it to the web. I received a couple of messages resembling, “I want one,” or “can you make me one?” and that is where SweetPea Customs™ began. After a while of sewing different pieces completely by hand, my dad bought me my first sewing machine. This is when I decided my new dream was to start a business, and I began promoting my clothing pieces on Instagram. I joined the insta-baby fashion community and built a following with mamas who were just like me. As my business grew so did my family, turning my family of three into five in just a couple years. Now, I officially have a website for all my beautiful pieces to be just a click away.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I strongly believe in the phrase, “If there is a will, there is a way.” So many people will quit their dreams because of the obstacles throughout the experience, but that is not an option for me. I have children who look up to me, and setting the example is my priority. This journey was actually a fun and creative outlet for me when I started, but as I began to grow, learning how to manage time and finances for my new business was easier said than done. I had no experience in business management, I basically had to google everything and ask lots of questions to be where I am now! Asking questions is not hard, but after you ask so many, people can start to shut you out. Discouragement is normal, but not permanent. I advise to keep in mind this too shall pass; one day you will be on the flip side of those questions. Patience is key. A year after having my second child (and being pregnant with my third) I hit my biggest obstacle, I was being attacked and criticized by my own mind. I had fallen into a depression. I did not have enough recovery time from child after child, all under the age of three, still trying to manage a full-time job, being a wife, and finishing the housework. I was overwhelmed and did not know how to cope anymore.
At this point, I slowly started letting go of my business, I stopped creating new items and being excited about my work. Thankfully, I realized it before it was too late. I owned up to needing help and shortly after announced I would be taking a break from my small shop. I find it is very important to communicate instead of just disappear. It is all about perspective, people don’t want to feel as if they were just left versus an explanation they can relate to. After all, we’re all humans, and we all have our own struggles. After recovering for six months, I decided to re-open. After being away for a while everyone tends to find others to fill the void. It was like coming back from a blooming spring to a dead freeze. I had to rebuild what I started, ALL OVER AGAIN. I continuously advertise reaching out to my previous customers just to check-in and interact with potential new ones. Although it’s still not where it was before, it truly feels amazing to get back to what I love!
What should we know about SweetPea Customs? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Coming into this community before becoming a small shop owner, I prioritized customization, quality and pricing when placing an order. I believe authenticity is important, which is why I try to apply my own personal signature to each piece I create. This is what I specialize in, custom orders! We start with a one on one conversation to create something original. I put my whole heart into achieving my clients’ dreams by listening and taking the time to discover their style. This process does take a little longer, but I strive to have every detail to make perfection.
My shop also goes beyond custom orders… I as well have my own creations of costumes, holiday apparel, designer inspired sets, sport-based sets and more. I mainly work with baby and toddler patterns, but I will not turn down the opportunity of making teen/adult clothing as well. Over time, I have learned the importance of quality in an item. I went from the girl who sewed by-hand crooked stitches, to perfectly lined, hidden stitches. People want the experience of knowing it is handmade with love, but have the feel of perfection. I desire and take pride in making that possible. With all this comes a price, I put great effort into thinking both realistically and fair when determining prices. I have to remember where I started and where I am now. How much time and patience I put into each piece.
As well as handpicking each fabric and focusing on the details, all of this adds up. But then I stop to think back when all I wanted was a handmade piece, but could not afford them. My solution to this was to have fair prices and support my family, but also make sure to have giveaways of each new item. This way someone can enjoy my piece for free without the burden. With all this being said, I am most proud of being a one mama shop. No way this is facile, but as I continue to grow and learn, I will improve.
For a good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Women have a way of figuring things out. Especially as we get older, we see all the standards and statistics set for us, and start to crush them. I believe woman are powerful in that sense, not letting anything or anyone holds them back. We live in a world made for mankind, but every day we as women are breaking the glass ceiling further and further. Nobody will just hand you success, and if they do, you still must work for it to succeed. We are hard workers because so many people are negative towards our success, or even belittle our abilities to shine in what seems to be a “man’s world”. Little by little, we are conquering and becoming equals here. This is what I hope to carry on to my children, and why I believe it was so important to follow my dreams. I am a role model for them, not only as their mama but as a strong determined woman who can conquer anything I set my mind to.
Pricing:
- Leotard $22+
- Off the shoulder top $12+
- Bloomers $15+
- Designer Inspired Sets $45+
- Ruffle Socks $4
- Dresses $25+
- NFL Gear $16+
- Ruffle Tank $22
- Pom Add Ons $3+
- Lace Add Ons $3+
- Costumes $30+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sweetpea-customs.myshopify.com/
- Email: sweetpeababycustoms@gmail.com
- Instagram: sweetpeacustoms
Image Credit:
Photography by Nadine, @girlsinfrills
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