RA RA SIS BOOM BA!

www.danajilldesigns.com

Our web site is finally being released...phase 1 that is, and I am still a little bit apprehensive. I am worried that there are glitches in the site even after endless hours of testing and debugging. I am worried that a customer is going to encounter something with the functionality that I didn't think of (that is the true project manager-virgo-insanely stressed out mother-in me talking). But I think actually saying the words outloud, THE SITE IS LIVE makes me feel the same way I suspect I will feel when Maya goes to college, or maybe pre-school. Ok, so in case you missed it on our site, here is a little bit about where Danajill Designs came from:

Company History

I have heard that the best things come to those who aren’t expecting it, and this is certainly the case! Danajill Designs began as an idea in my basement while creating a present for one of my girlfriend’s babies. For the party, I wasn’t sure what to purchase as a present because honestly, these days, we mommies have everything we need!! Coincidently, I was talking to another girlfriend about my dilemma, and she said, “Why don’t you make her custom-made onesies as a gift”. I thought to myself, sure, that would be cute! I went to the store to gather the supplies and I created a few onesies. A few days later my girlfriend said, “I loved those onesies, where did you get them?”. I mentioned that I made them, and she said with excitement in her voice, “Oh you could sell those!” Well, that is all I needed to hear.

I was on my way to creating Danajill Designs with my daughter Maya, and all of my friend’s babies in mind. I started slow by purchasing products and making them one-by-one. I got out there in the mommy community and signed myself up for local events and functions. I networked, and met several wonderful “mompreneurs”. I cautiously shared my idea and passion with others. With the amazing support of my husband, family and friends, and not to mention long working hours into the wee hours of the morning, we have developed a name for ourselves, and we are moving forward with new and amazing ventures each and every day.

...As our journey continues, expands, goes-up-and-down, and through-the-woods, I would like to give my acceptance speech now. Here it goes in no particular order (honestly)..!

Thank you to:

• Maya for giving me a reason to go on this crazy ride, and for watching me sit hovelled over the computer hour-after-hour while paying peek-a-boo with the computer laptop screen, pathetic I know.
• Sandy for giving me unconditional support for the endless hours of "do you mind if I bounce this idea off of you", or "are you busy, I have looked at this code for two hours and can't seem to find the problem"---GREAT, you found it in two seconds! Also, thank you for not grimacing (or at least in front of my face) as I spend our savings for DJD.
• Lauren for being my official #1 fan and enthusiast. ALL hours of the DAY and NIGHT. And I am not kidding. She is constantly brainstorming, networking, helping, smiling, supporting and pep-talking--amazing.
• Hilary for being my official pick-me-up-off-the-floor, RA RA SIS BOOM BA you can do it Chief Operating Sister. She listens to me talk aaaaaaaaaaaallllllllll day about DJD, and is genuinely interested.
• Scott who has listened, stuck with me, explained things over and over again, put up with my get-your-poop-done way of working, sat through call after call, built pages for the site, redid them, offered patience and many stressful nights and weekends to my life. I couldn't have done it without you.
• Kerin who stepped in and ran the house with editing our beautiful product images that you see on the screen, both small and large pics, uploaded the copy, listened to my concerns, and didn't complain at all! Best of all, she is my friend, and we love to see chick flicks together (hey, I do need a break for a good movie)!
• Mom & Dad Bloom for being excited, supportive and open to my crazy business ideas, and letting me talk-talk-talk-talk-talk about it. My mom brings food to Virginia since we work around the clock and don't have time to cook. She keeps us well fed, officially known as the Chief Operating Cook, and my dad listens to all of the business aspects, and provides me with guidance and support.
• Jamie for editing the site, and leting me no what propper grammer is at. HA! And most importantly, for just being ME, or wait, I am her, but no, I'm thanking her...in NYC.
• Amy for helping so much with giving our site the sew sassy girly touch it needed with her bows and boxes and frills. She is patient and kind and is amazing at meeting tight deadlines.
• Patches for being my bad breathe, stinky dog who loves me OH so much even when I am in a bad mood, and mad at the world.
• My pregnancy group for making my pregnancy such an amazing journey, and giving me the entrepreneurial and GO GO GET UM, spirit.
• My friends who are ALL SEW excited, and have offered to help in anyway possible...most importantly who have supported me through my teeny tiny idea that has exploded (you know who you are), thank you.
• To my customers who have stuck by me during my get-ramped-up-crinks..as we have had several, and I appreciate your loyalty and patience.
• Finally, all of my fellow mompreneurs who have provided me an amazing network of resources, hope, and a reason to do this every day!

I will accept my award now, in my comfy pants, baggy top with spit-up dried up on it, and fuzzy brown blanket wrapped all around me....and that is the way I like it--djk