Home Town Proud

Recognition at the local level.

When we embarked on this Apronique journey, we soon realized that if we were going to be taken seriously, it would not be by those who knew us best. I'm reminded of the scripture passage in St. Mark 6:4-- Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” (New Living Translation) After contacting some local merchants and businesses, I could not deny the smirks and quick dismissals--except Patricia Ann's in Cape Girardeau! (Thanks Jo!) ...and how could we forget the negative 'disencouragements' of---they know who they are?

So..in order to establish some credibility and validation, we focused our efforts outside of our immediate area. The first shops to purchase our products for resale were in TN, AR, IL, LA and TX. The first businesses to purchase our products for their employees to wear were in OK, TN and TX. We opened a small showroom at the Dallas Market.

After months of working hard to establish ourselves as designers and manufacturers of high quality, on-trend, not your grandma's apron apparel, we recently received print recognition via the local Cape Girardeau MO newspaper. (Thanks Callie!) Kristin and Stella are on the front cover of their Winter 2008 issue of SHE. An accompanying article appears on pages 18-19. The online issue of the article can be found here.




We want to thank Dr. Judith Wiles of Southeast Missouri State University, and her Fall 2007 Integrated Marketing Communications Class. These young people worked hard to present to us a successful marketing plan. They offered several beneficial ideas, and one included increasing our exposure locally. Hopefully this SHE article will be the beginning of this increase.

"Cutting Edge" Baby Dining

With Kristin's almost-one-year-old Stella, and my two granddaughters, Alaina-5 1/2 and Alyssa 2 1/2, we swap little girl anecdotes quite often.
Below are some baby/child products that I think are "on-target" and "I wish I'd thought of that" types. Because Apronique is very much about dining, I am limiting my mentions to that department. Check out the websites for other fascinating products, also.

Calling themselves "a different kind of baby company," One Step Ahead is a company that subjects its products to tough, hands on testing, by both professional merchandisers and an independent Parents' Panel. One that does the comparison shopping upfront, and then offers only the top performers. One that tracks down innovative, hard-to-find helpers—and when they can't be found, has its Design Team create them from scratch.



Snacks, (healthy ones, of course)are sometimes the answer to quieting a child, whether it be in a vehicle or while shopping in a store. However--the spilled trail often left behind is quite messy. One Step Ahead offers the Snack-Trap solution. Their claim is No more spilled snacks! Tired of chasing Cheerios®? Our spill-proof Snack-Trap keeps munchies from tipping and spilling (keeps snacks clean, too!). Tots love it: the soft, split lid tickles little fingers. Included is an extra snack-trap lid, sippy cup lid, and stay-fresh travel lid. Quite an impressive review list!



Then there is the child like Alyssa, who thinks she must have actual silverware, but grownup utensils are much too large for her to manuever. One Step Ahead's answer--My Very Own Flatware Set! I don't THINK...she'll notice the smaller size, but she is quite sharp!




How do YOU cool the hot food quickly--no instantly! for that impatient--no inconsolable! toddler? Sometimes I throw in an ice cube, (and Alaina wrinkles her nose) or place the food in the freezer for a few (but long) minutes. The girls still hate the wait. What is the One Step Ahead solution--Mac and Cool Quick Cooling Dish. They claim that the food will be cooled in 60 seconds. I was a little skeptical, but there are 11 positive reviews on this product.



Finally, check out this product that I read about on a friend's blog. Called a kaboost this is quite innovative. Watch the demonstration--a great idea. I detest germy restaurant high chairs and booster seats. According to a recent account told to me by a certain business partner, they aren't always reliable either...



And of course--while you are doing all of your mommy-type feeding chores, look amazing in an apron from Apronique. With the stain armor finish, most spills just roll off, or, when laundered, they are more easily removed than with normal fabrics.