It Takes a Village
Now that it’s 2009, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the best of 2008. I wanted to introduce you to a Mama in the Biz that had it all… something for you, something for the kids, reasonable prices and products that just make you feel good. With all of those requirements, one business came to mind and that is Tatutina. I LOVE their stuff!
They make happy painted products that are both fun and functional. I am a huge fan of their Takeout Menu Boxes. I have one for myself and give them as gifts. There are many styles and certainly something for everyone.
Since I have two boys, I am always at a loss for little girl gifts, well, Tatutina’s Mini Bins are perfect for jewelry or hair accessories and always steal the show. Both of these items are under 30 bucks and they are all wood. Tatutina’s great quality combined with the fun paint job and affordable prices make them a no brainer in my book. Some more of my favorites are the Children’s Medals for only $5 and the Little Boxes (gift cards fit perfectly inside). Check out their holiday sale section and stock up for the year on gifts… you won’t believe the prices!
Located in Attleboro, MA, Tatutina is a complete family affair and run by three Mamas – Barbara Ottmar, Artist and Founder, started the business in her basement where her three daughters, Roberta, Georgia and Caroline grew up surrounded by her artwork. Roberta O’Neill, mother of three and Business Manager, and Georgia Florena, mother of two, and Artist/Product Development went on to work with Barbara in the business. These ladies are having a blast and it shows in their product lines that are guaranteed to make you smile.
I chatted with Roberta and here’s what this happy painting Mama had to say…
PP: How did your business begin? How long have you been in business?
RO: Our business began a couple of times: In 1979, my mom started painting on kids t-shirts and infant onesies. She would sell her things to stores in Boston, as well as having sales out of our basement. Then, in 1984, she opened a retail store in Attleboro, MA and my sister Georgia joined the business after college, in 1989. Together they painted on wooden things, more t-shirts and canvas for their original art. I joined in 1990 and the 3 of us have been working together wholesaling and the retailing for the past 19 years.
PP: If you knew then, what you know now, what would you have done differently?
RO: Oh so many things! While we have adapted and changed our business structure, plans, etc. we have also spent too much time and money on things and events that we were told would be successful. If we listened to ourselves instead of other people trying to tell us what to do, things would be different today for us.
PP: Since there are three of you running this family business, how do you settle the disagreements?
RO: Fortunately, we rarely have disagreements. We really have an amazing relationship. Of course there are things that some of us want to do and one of us does not. Here is how we settle it: do what you think is right for our business, go with your gut for what you think you should be doing. This way we are all accountable for our actions and if we are doing the right thing, our business will grow. IF we are not doing the right thing, then we know pretty much right away. We give each other freedom and we talk a lot about what we should be doing.
PP: If you wrote a book about Tatutina, what would the title be?
RO: We really want to write a book about Tatutina! We actually started to put together some notes and a small story board! We would call it “Tatutina.” Very original. I envision our story kind of like Star Wars, where we start in the middle and then go back to the prequels. So far we just have the middle and that would be called The Tatutina Story.
PP: What has been your best business moment so far? Your worst?
RO: The best business moment was meeting with Alan Hassenfeld, President and former CEO of Hasbro. We had a long meeting with him to discuss Tatutina, our company, our vision, and our future. His words were so kind and positive, it made us feel like we were doing the right thing. The worst was taking out a business loan that was much too big for our small company.
PP: What is your magic secret to balancing it all?
RO: For me, the secret it to put the kids and family first. Then with every waking moment that you can fit in with any sort of business work, I plow ahead. During school, babysitters, camps, grandparents etc., I work as much as possible. Trying to fit a full time job into part time hours. When I travel, that becomes the real juggle, however it is a necessity in this world and I fortunately have a very supporting husband. I try to plan out as much as possible, I make lists and I keep a daily journal. A Blackberry, laptop and remote access to the office is real plus.
PP: Who are you? Crunchy or Plain? Red or White? Books or Magazines? Lipstick or Lip Gloss?
RO: Hmmm. I wear Jeans and Uggs almost every day here in New England, but I don’t consider myself plain or crunchy. I must wear comfortable clothes, no nylons, no cubicles and no sports car (still in a minivan). But I love the good stuff and I love to buy good things. Either one is fine, but I love Corona with a lime. Inc. and Fortune Magazines only and any book about business and making money. Lipstick
PP: What is your New Year’s Resolution for 2009?
RO: Hmmm, another good question…make more money, no don’t print that, even though it’s the truth! I don’t know, maybe get another job, only kidding again…lose 10 pounds…write the Tatutina story. THAT’s it!
Run, don’t walk to www.tatutina.com and check out their many fun product lines. Tatutina is offering Peekaboo Picks readers 15% off ANYTHING on their site using Coupon Code PB08. Buy yourself something fun to ring in the New Year with a smile! Happy 2009 Mamas!
Linda Shapiro is the Co-founder of Moms-for-Profit, now Hybrid Mom Consulting & Media Group, Hybrid Mom magazine and www.hybridmom.com and she is the Director of Operations for http://longislandny.citymommy.com where hip Long Island moms meet. Linda lives on Long Island with her husband and two boys. She loves spending time with her family, the beach, children’s laughter, a good shoe sale, planning parties, and the thrill of the chase!
January 15th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
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