24
January 2016
Business
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Local mom grows her handmade-in-the-U.S.A. brands BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON
Each successful business owner has a “how I got started” story. For Gilbertbased mom of five and entrepreneur Katie Hughes, it all began when she started making headbands to sell to friends in 2009. Fast forward to today and Hughes and her Utah-based sister Ginny Winters are co-owners of two thriving national brands—Vintage Rose Wraps and Flipped Bird. “I used to hand address wedding invitations for customers so I’ve always had some sort of small business going in addition to being a mom,” Hughes said. “In 2009 I began making headbands to sell to friends; then I began selling them at East Valley holiday boutiques and they’d always sell out. It was then that I figured I had a hot item on my hands, something unique.” Hughes named her new business venture Vintage Rose Wraps and brought Winters in 2010 (the business’ first official year). “It almost helps that we’re sisters,” Hughes said when asked about the dynamic of working with her kin. “We’re both co-owners; Ginny is more into production and I’m in charge of the marketing efforts. Our husbands are also extremely involved and
supportive; they handle finance and web efforts in addition to their day jobs. Our older kids are involved, too. We grew up with a family operation so it’s normal to us.” When Vintage Rose Wraps first started, the company’s main focus was colorful headbands, all made by hand. Then, each season, the company added more products. In addition to headbands, Vintage Rose Wraps now also offers earrings, belts, leather cuffs, boot cuffs and ruffle bags. A priority to both Hughes and Winters is that their company’s products are handmade in either Arizona or Utah. “We’re all about helping other moms,” Hughes explained. “Our products are handmade in the U.S.A. by women—many of them moms who sew and work for us as a way to balance working and motherhood.” So how did Vintage Rose Wraps get its “big break”? Hughes said it began with connecting with big name stores like Apricot Lane that bought their products in bulk and began selling them at shops nationwide. Vintage Rose Wrap products can also be found in Valley stores like Designer Blvd. and It’s a Girl Thing Boutique. “We’re champions of brick and mortar shops but also offer products
on our website,” Hughes said. “I’d say right now that we’re 95 percent wholesale and 5 percent retail on the site.” She added that the company’s most recent news is the acquiring of Flipped Bird, a similar brand that is now part of their business. Flipped Bird specializes in handmade reversible bags, hair ties and accessories, and more. “We bought Flipped Bird from a close friend—it’s a complementary brand that helps us to build our brand motto of ‘Handmade Happiness,” Hughes said. Both brands are housed until an umbrella company called Vintage Mother LLC. When asked about advice for other moms turned entrepreneurs, Hughes said that others should follow their hearts. “There are a lot of creative outlets for moms that can help them earn income while preserving family life,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing when you can make it all work, so go after it.” Hughes credited her East Valley roots with her company’s success. “I think the company grew the way it did because it was started in Arizona,” she explained. “There’s something
In addition to headbands, Vintage Rose Wraps now also offers earrings, belts, leather cuffs, boot cuffs and ruffle bags.
Ginny Winters, left, and Katie Hughes, right, are sisters and owners of Vintage Rose Wraps and Flipped Bird. Photo by Jamie Lynn Hutchings
unique about the East Valley; we’re a haven for a variety of wholesome products. I have a lot of gratitude for the way things have turned out.” To learn more, visit www. vintagerosewraps.com or www. flippedbird.com.
The headbands are handmade in either Arizona or Utah.