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Published: May, 2009

KAREN SPAEDER • FULLERTON
Mother of a 6-year-old son

Business: Rain Frog Apparel

Product or service: Bamboo fiber apparel for ladies and children

How did you come up with the idea?
Rain Frog Apparel came about when my son recited the “Pledge of Allegiance” one day. He innocently replaced the last line, saying, “With liberty and justice for frogs.” The idea stuck with me, and I structured my entire company around environmental awareness and philanthropy.

What did it take to get your business launched?
For Rain Frog Apparel, I have not taken out any loans, other than a personal loan through my credit union, and the rest has been through credit cards. Startup expenses ran me roughly $50K. Because I am home-based, I do not have a lot of ongoing overhead — just the basics like business insurance, marketing/advertising, sales and some outlay for event staff.

What is the size of your business?
I doubled my sales in my second year of business and am on track to do it again this year. I have brought on an independent contractor who will be assisting at events and in representing my line to potential accounts. I would like to add one more contractor this year.

What are your plans for the business?
I would like to expand my children’s line and continue to focus on a retail/consumer audience. My mistake in the past has been to try to do it all (retail/wholesale/e-commerce), and I’ve discovered that for a new line like mine, reaching out directly to consumers has been the most effective strategy.

Are you able to work around your children’s schedules?
I do to an extent, though I do take advantage of the after-school care at my son’s school. I will admit that I am a workaholic, but I love what I do while also looking forward to the day when I can sit back and enjoy the fruits of my labor.