Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Baird.
Kristin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hey Kitty Rae actually started under a different name, Kit’s Crafts, and as a blog. I needed an outlet that was all my own while being a new stay-at-home mom. After a couple of years, a friend told me about a local makers’ market I could sell at, so I went for it. At the time I made things from paper as well as knit/crochet items. Not too long after this venture started, my husband’s job took us to Rome, Italy, and Kit’s Crafts was put on hold.
When we moved back to the states, I pivoted what I was making and started things back up. At first, I made these really simple stuffed animals that were basically pillows with ears and a face. Then, I changed the design a bit, but kept the overall concept. At this point, I changed the name of my company from Kit’s Crafts to Hey Kitty Rae. I soon realized that one of my favorite things about sewing was getting the fabrics and seeing how designs come together. This led me to complicate the overall form by adding limbs to create rag doll bunnies out of various patterned fabrics. After a few months, I had a request for some kitties so I added those to the collection as well. Meanwhile, I kept getting asked if I would make actual dolls, but I didn’t like how most handmade dolls have stationary hair that can’t be changed.
Last year, I came across a method for adding hair to a doll that lends itself to being played with. I couldn’t resist, so I created a new pattern based on the one I had been using for the bunnies and kitties, embroidered a face, and added hair. I was so thrilled with the result, I kept making them. At this point, I’ve made 53 dolls and 611 animals.
Alright, 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?
No, it has not been smooth. When I first started to sell my handmade items I felt that I had to make money or I shouldn’t bother. I read lots of blogs about what I should make and how to start a business. I learned that I needed to find a niche in order to make any impact so I tried to guess what people would want to buy. In the beginning, I sold some stuff but didn’t really stick with anything because, although I loved making things, I didn’t always care for the end result.
Honestly, it wasn’t until our family was in Italy and driving at night with the kids asleep in the back that I changed my point of view. My husband asked me why I don’t just make what I want and not worry about sales. I remember being so confused and responding, “but what if I spend more than I make or no one likes it but me?” He basically replied that as long as I was happy it didn’t matter. We had quite a few more versions of this conversation before it really sunk in. Today, I can truthfully say that I love what I make, both the process and the end result. I also thoroughly enjoy the response I see to my dolls and animals from kids and adults alike.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
There are two things I hear about my dolls and animals more than any other. First, “I love the fabrics you choose!” and second, “My grandma made me one like that when I was little!”. My dolls and animals have a nostalgic silhouette but are created with bright, modern fabrics and high-quality cottons. There are lots of doll makers out there, but what I’ve found is many of them lean toward monochromatic tones for skin, clothes, and hair. I like to add color and creativity to my pieces and never do the same thing twice. I’ve used all colors of the rainbow both for hair and skin as well as big floral prints and stripes. So many handmade dolls are actually art dolls and intended for decor instead of play. Although I love this idea and own a few, I hope to eventually see one of my dolls or animals well-loved and played with.
We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking?
As far as my business is concerned, I don’t really feel that I’ve taken any major risks because there hasn’t been a need. However, in my personal life, the riskiest thing I’ve done was moving to Rome with my husband and 2 young children. I knew a little Italian, but not much, however, my partner is fluent. Our older daughter went to a little Catholic school where only one teacher spoke English, but she was from Russia. I’m so glad that we allowed ourselves to be uncomfortable and immersed in a completely different culture and we hope to take that plunge again. Ultimately, I think that being open to risks is the only way to experience something amazing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heykittyrae.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heykittyrae/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heykittyrae/
Image Credits
Jeffrey Baird
