Meet Katie Danzer | Owner, Seamstress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Danzer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I started my company not only as a way to be creative, but to meet other parents in my community so that we can support each other- whether that means to chat about postpartum, breastfeeding, or where to take our kids to do something fun! Starting a business based on monetary value only, is not going to bring you the joy and happiness that you get, when you start something to fulfill something inside of you that creates a sense of support, friendship and then a type of success that you can really be proud of.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started my business one day, when I was home with a newborn. I remember waking up and telling my husband that I wanted to buy a sewing machine and start making stuff for our daughter, that we can’t find any where else, something unique. I remember him smiling and encouraging me to do so (probably not totally thinking I would). The next day I did some research and ordered a $200 sewing machine on Amazon. Over the next few weeks, I taught myself how to make headwraps and a few more weeks later, matching shorts. Skip to a few months later, and I was making outfits and accessories for my daughter and a few close friends. About 4 months into this, I was told about a local market, and immediately signed up- I sewed for weeks to have inventory in stock, and next thing you know, I sold out at that local market. I think it took me over a year to get my clothing and accessories up and going, and that’s when my husband helped me get into a retail location in Phoenix.

I ended up opening during the pandemic, and although my launch day went great, I didn’t make a sale again for nearly 6 months. I thought I was going to have to close up shop, and sell everything. This was not easy for me. I did a little research for a few weeks while we decided what to do, and came up with a few free ways to advertise in my community and online- I was working 18+ hour days trying to advertise my business and myself as a whole, and little did I know, all it took was 1 person to come in and love the store and getting to know me, to start spreading the word!

My gender neutral products speak for themselves, but it’s my open arms, networking, hard work, and community support that really jump started my business- and it took time. I feel like, when i stopped trying to always sell, and genuinely started getting to know parents and their needs, was when it really took a turn for me! Two years in, and we are finally up and running, and are busier than ever!

I also think it’s an added bonus that I am able to create everything in my shop, so while customers shop, they can see me in action- whether that’s sewing something from scratch, making a piece of jewelry, or painting toys!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I often have family come into town, since we don’t have family living here locally! Some of my favorite things to do in the city usually include hiking at Dreamy Draw, visiting Land of Pangea & Odysea Aquarium (especially during the summer), Fashion Square Mall is always a fun experience, usually a few farmers markets (there’s one right down from our store on Central and Camelback), Postino’s & Rusconi’s are ALWAYS a must for food, Shea 32 is a MUST for all things coffee and happy hour, and then of course we are huge lake people, so we frequent Roosevelt and Lake Pleasant!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I always have my family to thank. If it was not for my daughter, who inspires me each day to work hard and create new things, I definitely wouldn’t be here, or where I am in life. My daughter is a lot of the inspiration behind new items, whether it be clothes, toys or jewelry that we make in house. Also, I wouldn’t have my retail location, or my ecom knowledge if it was not for my supportive husband too! And lastly, the community of women around me, that make each purchase special. I have met so many strangers through my business, that I am so happy to call friends, customers, and even family.

Website: www.shopbabyish.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shop.babyish

Facebook: www.facebook.com/babyishdesigns

Yelp: Babyish

Other: 4532 N 7th Street, Suite B Phoenix, AZ 85014