The Biz: The Grapevine

Sticky Fudge, a South African clothing company, provides families with pieces that encourage and enhance layering. It aspires to become part of all that is good about childhood, thanks to strong demand. “We had a very successful Spring/Summer 2013 Season,” explained Cheri Kroeger who handles marketing for Sticky Fudge. The company has its origins at an Organic & Natural Product market in Stellenbosch, South Africa; demand for the clothing outstripped the on-hand supply, so Frinette, the designer and creator of Sticky Fudge, expanded the business to meet customer needs. Almost every piece in the collection is crafted in Cape Town, South Africa.

Although there are many trials in life, “waiting patiently” for something big to happen is surely in the running for the top ten. Many moms will agree that counting down to when baby is due might be one of the most joyous, yet suspenseful times in a mom’s life. Kim Weiner’s Windows & Wishes brings moms a calendar that celebrates the last month of pregnancy. The Baby Countdown Calendar was birthed from the idea that moms would like a truly different gift to mark the time until baby’s arrival. What better way to celebrate the last month than with uplifting encouragement designed to inspire the expectant?

Being on-trend and in style are more than just adjectives decorating the “About Us” page: these words form the foundation of successful children’s businesses. Rapidly changing attitudes and tastes mean that companies need to be innovators. Which suits Florian Berger’s Donkey Products just fine, as the company is “always ahead of the curve – always on the hunt for the new and the different.” The German company is known for developing unique pieces that surprise and delight. As a family business, there is a strong focus on fostering the creativity in design that captures the imagination.

For some girls, collecting hair clips is practically a hobby. While fancy hair clips are fun to buy, they can run a few dollars more than many moms and dads are comfortable with paying. Florida mom Nabetsi Torres and her friends found this to be true, and they wanted to do something about it. In 2010, Nabetsi founded Three Bears Hair Bows, a company that sells reasonably-priced hair bows that are as cute as anything you’ll find in stores.