Shop Spotlight: The Sweet Life Apparel + Giveaway

Got a sweet tooth? Good, because I have something perfect for you. Meet The Sweet Life Apparel, a clothing company designed with all things sweet and delicious in mind. Jen, founder and talented baker, combined her passions of baking and childhood obsession of fashion into a successful shop that well.. makes me hungry. Everything about her brand just makes sense and flows so naturally.

I was introduced to her brand about a year ago and loved that she combined her baking skills into her small shop, you can often find “The Sweet Life Apparel” swag in the form of custom cookies handmade by Jen. Staying true to who you are is the essence of Jen’s brand and it shines in everything that she creates. Now grab a piece of cake and enjoy getting to know Jen just a little bit better. Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win something from the shop below.

Cake Tee: The Sweet Life Apparel Photo: Julie Christine Photography

The Sweet Life Apparel: Small Shop Interview

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself
I am a happily married mother of two. Went to school to study Psychology and completed my undergraduate degree just to realize that it wasn’t the direction I wanted to go in. Right after University, I started working for a local hotel and so began my passion for sales & marketing. Most recently I was working in fundraising for the local college which I really enjoyed, but while on maternity leave decided to stay home with my kids. I cook & bake as much as possible, and when I’m not in the kitchen I’m enjoying the outdoors with the kids, or crushing some Netflix on my couch!

2. When was The Sweet Life Apparel established?
I started The Sweet Life Apparel while on maternity leave with my second child (2015)

3. What inspired you to start your own business?

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I was the ‘lemonade stand, babysitting, yard sale throwing child’ which turned into me having several part time jobs while in College/University, and then later into starting my custom baking & events business (which I’ve been doing since 2008) in conjunction with my full time gigs at the time.

4. What was the toughest obstacle to overcome when starting out?

My own confidence in launching something new, as well as learning to navigate an industry I’ve never worked in, and I’m still learning everyday.

Click to Tweet: “The hardest obstacle was learning to navigate an industry I’ve never worked in, and I’m still learning everyday.” @thesweetlifejen

5. What do you love the most about The Sweet Life Apparel and running your own business?

It’s exciting. I like waking up knowing that I’m in control. I’m the website developer, the accountant, the designer, the shipping department, the social media manager, etc… but the same things that I love about running own business, are the things that can stress me out the most.
But I love the possibility of greatness. You. just.never.know 🙂

6. Out of all of you products which is an all time best seller?

The children’s Bake Me a Cake tee, and the ladies CAKE tshirt most recently!

Cake Tee: The Sweet Life Apparel Photo: E Fraser Photo

7. What is your favorite product? and why.

Such a tough question! Each design is created by yours truly, by whatever had inspired me at the time, some are also hand sketched. My favorite might be the ‘Bake Me a Cake’ children’s tee. Because it represents ‘The Sweet Life’ for me. My life as a baker, and a mom.

8. When you were ‘growing up’ what did you always say that you wanted to be? Did you ever think you were going to be an entrepreneur?

I think I’ve always known I wanted to be my own boss, I don’t think that came as much of a surprise to my family (I’m also wildly impulsive so they never know what to expect lol) When I was a young girl I was fashion obsessed, and spent a lot of time drawing/sketching outfits & dresses, and pouring over magazines and awards shows just to see the gowns.

9. What is next for The Sweet Life Apparel?

I would like to start offering sizes for youth, as my son is almost out of my largest size, and I would like to always have clothing in my line for my own children (they are my only brand reps after all)! And one of my lifetime goals has always been to learn how to sew and create my own clothing using my designs, oh, how I wished I paid attention in Home Ec class ! So hopefully soon I can start creating my own unique cut & sew pieces

10. If you had to give someone starting their own small business any word of advice what would it be?

While I don’t feel qualified to offer advice, I’d say ‘just keep swimming’! I can’t be the only entrepreneur who doubts themselves on the daily, or feels like they don’t know what they are doing. I often wonder if people ‘like me’ or will ‘like’ the products I put out, but I can’t control that. What I can control is my outlook, and my work ethic, so that is where I focus the most energy. I’d also recommend networking with your fellow entrepreneurs. The women & fellow shop owners I have had the pleasure of meeting over the course of the last year has made this journey so much fun!

Click to Tweet: “Just Keep Swimming” advice given for new entrepreneurs by @thesweetlifejen

Follow The Sweet Life Apparel SHOP | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER 

Jen thank you so much for sharing some of your story with us! Thanks to Jen you all have a chance to win one item of your choice from her shop*, enter in the Rafflecopter form below.

*Max $40 value, doesn’t include shipping

a Rafflecopter giveaway

— FEELING SWEET? PIN ME — 

7 Shirts for Those That Have a Sweet Tooth | by The Sweet Life Apparel