Name of Business: Jennifer's Jumpers

Name: Jennifer Thompson

Location: Baton Rouge, LA

Type of Business: Handmade girls pillowcase dresses (Jumpers)

What does your business do? I make girls pillowcase dresses(jumpers)from size 6 months to age 10. I sell my dresses at retail prices and wholesale prices to work at home parents, flea market sellers and clothing store owners.

When and why did you start the biz? I started this business January of 2004. I started this business so I can one day quit my day job and be self employed.

What's the toughest part of running your biz?The toughest part was admitting to myself that I have to sew what is popular. I have to stay with the trends in fashion and colors, but I have my own ideas as well. I'm over it now. I have actually learned to love polka dots! I now take custom orders, so that does somewhat satisfy my need to be different.

What's the most fun part? There are many fun parts! One if them is when I put a finished dress on a hanger for the first time and take a good look at it. I love to look at a new dress. I also love it when I can complete a special order for a customer. It's great to see the look on someones face when you have made exactly what they described. The best part of all is when I sell a dress to a customer for half of what they would have had to pay to get it out of a boutique store. It's great when you go back to a Market or a yearly sale event and customers are there looking for you because they have enjoyed your product and knew it was a great deal.

What's next on the horizon for your biz? The next thing on the horizon is to expand sales to work at home parents. I think these dresses could be sold from home, even by someone who can't sew.

What advice do you have for others? Don't be upset or discouraged if it takes longer than you think it should to get your business up and runnning. If you pick a busines model that you can work alone, don't be upset if you family and friends don't support you. They will support you when you are profitable and taking care of yourself! They are just concerned about you and don't want to see you fail.

If you can, price your items lower than your competition(but still make a nice profit). I know that is why I have repeat customers.

Prior jobs or business or education?

B.S. in General Management from Louisiana State University

Is there any one person or event in your life that led you to go into business for yourself?

I realized how trapped I feel holding a 9 to 5 job. I am tired of filling out leave slips just to have a life. I am tired of the politics of a corporate work environment. I love giving the customer what they want without having to go through a committee to do it.

Contact Info: P O Box 73391., Baton Rouge, LA 70807, 225-205-5887
Website URL: www.JennifersJumpers.com

Email: jennifersjumpers@yahoo.com