After being a successful hairstylist in the film industry for 20 years, why would you stop styling Tom Cruise and Jennifer Lopez's hair to open your own children's boutique? According to Terrie Owen, owner of Sparrow, a green baby boutique in Los Angeles, its because educating yourself about children's products can open your eyes to what the world really needs and highly motivate you to do your part to help it get there.
Terrie recently answered a few questions about Sparrow and her life as a mompreneur. Sparrow is located at 3266 W. Cahuenga Bl. Los Angeles, Ca. 90068. Examiner.com readers can have a 25% discount online or in-store. Just mention this article when you go to the store or online, use the discount code coolmom25 to get the discount.
Examiner: What is your business all about?
Terrie: The Sparrow philosophy is fun, fair and green! The "reduce, renew, recycle" mantra may be getting old for some, but really, it is the only way to continue helping to clean up our environment. I do this by choosing to work with businesses that use sustainability in their everyday practice - whether it's using organics, fair trade labor, vintage materials, or products that are hand made or produced locally. When you shop at a business it like a vote for them and what they stand for. Do you really want to support child labor, unfair wages, perpetuating the circle of poverty and support companies that pollute our planet? This is why I don't shop at Walmart, Target, etc. One can't possibly think that when you buy a radio for $5.99, it doesn't come at a much bigger expense in terms of human and planet suffering. [Terrie recommends checking out The Story of Stuff to find out more about the value of sustainable business practices].
Examiner: Why did you start your business?
Terrie: During my pregnancy, I attended a seminar by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Environmental Working Group (EWG). I was overwhelmed by all the information I received regarding the products I was using and exposing my unborn child to and the effects they had on my health and the health of the planet, like how the runoff of the production of these products ends up in our drinking water etc. It made me upset and highly motivated me!
Examiner: What are some products at Sparrow that you would like to highlight?
Terrie: I love everything I sell! If I don't love it, I don't buy it. It's hard to pick just one product to highlight. We have added to our line of wood toys with toys from a new wood toy company from New York called Kid O. And of course, all our organic and or handmade kids clothing is beautiful.
Examiner: Are the products sold in your stores manufactured in the US?
Terrie: About 90%are made in the US. Some like Plan toys are made in Thailand and Melissa and Doug products are made sustainable and in compliance in China.
Examiner: What thoughts would you like to share with other parents about balancing your family and your business?
Terrie: Make sure you put your kids first. The business and work will always be there.
Examiner: What advice do you have for other parents who want to start their own business?
Terrie: Do your homework. Really learn about whatever it is you want to do, stay true to your mantra and be passionate!
Examiner: What do you do for fun with you kid(s)/ family?
Terrie: We are really into being outdoors. Camping at the El Capitan in Santa Barbara, and going to La Costa are our favorite vacations, or even just being at the park, beach or gardening in the back yard.
Examiner: Would you like to add anything else?
Terrie: I believe it's important to support small, local and green businesses. I've been in cities where there are no local owned business left and it's truly sad. It brings everyone's quality of life down.
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