Aloha, and welcome to my blog, The HANest Truth! Allow me to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about my family, the inspiration behind Chicky's Closet, and what I hope to achieve with my small family business.
I grew up on an island in Hawaii. I'm a nurse, an amateur DIYer, someone who's childhood ambition was to travel the world as a Food Explorer (yep, I even came up with an official title). I'm a savvy shopper (finding unique gems in life is in my blood), a dreamer, a wife, and a mother. When people find out I'm from Hawaii, they always ask, "how on earth did you end up in Minnesota?" If they're over 65 years old, they ask if I followed a boy up here, so cute! The truth is much less romantic. I moved to Minnesota to pursue my career as a nurse specializing in peri-anesthesia medicine. I will admit that after surviving my first winter in the Midwest, it was a boy who kept me here! I met my husband, Daniel, by the pool one summer evening. He asked me if I knew how to salsa dance. I confessed that I didn't, but that I was a quick learner, and we've been dancing together in life ever since.
My advice to all my gal pals out there...don't rush, don't stop pursuing your passions, don't be scared to change your mind or your goals, and don't ever think it's too late for you. Nursing was my second career. I met my husband when I was 37 years old. Had my baby when I was 38, and now at 39, I'm puttin' on my gloves and pursing a new dream of being a small business owner.
My daughter, Chicky, and the challenges I faced when shopping for special occasion outfits to mark milestones in her life, is the inspiration behind my children's boutique. If you only knew what I went through, lol! Stories for another blog post, but from those experiences came my mission to source and bring to the Midwest the quality, hand-sewn, age appropriate yet stylish, clothes and outfits I know parents want to dress their little babes in. I didn't think there was that much of a difference between children's clothes from Europe and the stuff we are accustomed to here in the states until I found these beautiful pieces in person. The fabrics, the details, how the inside seams are sewn so that only the softest part of the material touches their skin. In the US, we are so used to the concept of consumerism and fast fashion. When I started buying clothes from Spain and Portugal for Chicky, it clicked how much better sustainable slow fashion is. Not just on your wallet, but it's a positive mindset that really simplifies your life.
Don't get me wrong, we still love our Target! It will always be our go-to for my daughter's basics, home-clothes, and novelty items. I can't wait to put her in our family's matching glow-in-the-dark Halloween pajamas! But let's be honest, there are times I need us to change out of our pj's and look a little more put together, lol! Here's the thing, I know that one day, she's going to grow up and only want to wear ripped jeans and a cropped t-shirt (God help me), so while I can I want her to dress like a little girl, and I want her to be comfortable. I used to buy cheap children's clothes that looked cute, but they would leave marks on her delicate skin, make her itchy, or were just plain uncomfortable. One time we were in a restaurant, and I had to change her into her emergency outfit (you know, the one we have in our diaper bag incase our kid decides to have a blow-out), because she was so uncomfortable in the dress I had her in. Chicky is the easiest baby ever, but she definitely has a strong will and when she doesn't like something...she lets you know it.
When I decided to start Chicky's Closet, it wasn't just about the cute clothes and pretty dresses. Yes, I saw a need that I knew I could fill, but I also saw an opportunity to be of service to the families within our community. They say when you're a parent, the days feel long but the years are short. My hope is that Chicky's Closet helps other families create their own core memories. Yes, in part through the beautiful clothes their children will wear, but also through the community focused initiatives we plan on rolling out as our business grows. I have ideas, and I'm really excited to make a positive impact in other people's lives.
For now, I'm happy to just be in this space where you guys can get to know me. The name of my blog is a funny take on an everyday phrase. My friends always say they can count on me to tell them the honest truth, even if it's not what they want to hear. I learned so many valuable lessons during my first year as a new mom, and if they can help make the lives of other new moms a little easier, then I'm more than happy to share:)