We are all in the middle of practicing physical distancing, and while this time is very challenging for everyone right now, it is especially difficult for small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we need to support them however we can, so every week we will be featuring some small businesses.
Small Business Sunday is back with All Tuckered Out Mobiles. Jenny Mitchell founded All.Tuckered.Out Mobiles in 2019 as a passion project while on maternity leave from her career in advertising. Born and raised in Alberta, she has a serious love for the mountains…especially if it involves skiing! Jenny is a mom to 3 kids (ages 13, 11, and 2) with the youngest, Tucker, being the inspiration behind her business name.
Jenny has always had a creative side. She learned to cross-stitch at age 8 and has continued with the hobby of needle point throughout her life. All her pieces are hand-stitched with high quality wool felt. With options to personalize colours or create an entirely custom design. her baby mobiles and garlands make wonderful keepsakes.
What is Unique About Your Business or What Made You Choose This Type of Business?
All.Tuckered.Out came to life after having my third child. With my husband being an avid snowboarder, and myself an avid skier (an unlikely match on the slopes) we knew we wanted the nursery to have a mountain theme. Only, we didn’t know the gender of the baby and we had the hardest time finding gender neutral nursery decor to match our vision. Being a hobbyist cross-stitcher, I decided to put my stitching skills to work and create my own baby mobile. I quickly re-discovered my love for creating and spent much of my maternity leave creating and growing my business.
What is Your Favourite Small Business (aside from your own)?
Where do I start? I love the ladies at Homegrown House & Pantry in my hometown of Airdrie. They showcase work from local artists and are so supportive in our community. I adore stopping in the shop to see what’s new from fellow artists and makers. Merry’s Mercantile in Bentley, Alberta has a perfect mix of old and new, and Bouncing Off the Walls in Cochrane, Alberta creates the most amazing wooden name signs and decor.
If You Had One Piece of Advice to Someone Just Starting Out, What Would it Be?
Networking with like-minded people is so important! It’s so easy to compare and feel like you’re not enough, especially if your business is a result of a personal passion. Developing your network is such a source of information, inspiration, and growth. Always remember, some one else’s success is not your failure. Learn from those around you and focus on your own growth.
What Are Your Long-Term Business Goals?
One of my main business goals is to give back to the community. I’m currently in the process of choosing a charity to align with to #craftforacause. Along with that, I’d love to expand my product line! I have so many ideas swirling around and would be thrilled to see them come to fruition.
What is Your Funniest/Weirdest/Most Memorable Experience With a Customer or Client?
My most memorable experience happened just recently. My hope is that every custom piece I create has significant meaning to the family and holds a special place in their hearts. However, I recently completed a request that had me in tears (and I’m not one to cry!). A couple reached out asking for a sports themed mobile for their soon-to-be baby boy. They had tragically lost their first son to cancer at a very young age. Along their cancer journey, they became close with two other families who also suffered an unimaginable loss. This brave momma asked that the jersey reflect the names of their first son, along with the names of 2 other little angels. In the centre hung a banner that reads ‘I’ll always be your biggest fan’ to represent big brother looking over his little brother. I’m truly honoured that they trusted me to create such a special piece for them.
If you want to see more amazing mobiles from All.Tuckered.Out follow them on Facebook here and you can also check them out on Instagram here. You can also shop products here.
Thank you, Jenny, for participating in Small Business Sunday!