Shop Small Spotlight- Ahoy Amigo

Here at Bannor Toys we truly believe in small businesses doing big things!  Each Monday we will give you the chance to get to know one of our favorites.  Today we would like to introduce you to Stacie of Ahoy Amigo.  This mama and small business owner has a wonderful perspective on why her shop works and it all begins with being happy!  Everyone please say hello to Stacie of Ahoy Amigo...

Name: Stacie Downs

Who's in your family:  Me, my husband Joey, Madison (6.5) and Caiden (4.5)

Favorite way to spend your free time:  With the family: at the park or eating ice cream. Alone: reading a book

Age when you started your business: 28

(That's Stacie and her family!  Aren't they adorable?!)

Tell us about your business in 3 sentences:  Ahoy Amigo is a children’s clothing brand that makes fun threads that both parents and kids want to wear.  We make our clothes to be comfortable and easy to have fun in! Everything is made ethically, from the eco friendly inks we screen onto our US made fabric to the tees!

What made you start your business, what did you leave behind: I was a substitute teacher before I started Ahoy Amigo, allowing me to stay home with our two young kids.  I’ve always had a creative side and starting a business was just the next step.  I started on Etsy to learn the ropes but quickly branched out to my own domain. I started Ahoy Amigo because I was tired of buying Madison tees out of the boy section! Characters and myself don’t get along and I just didn’t want her to feel like the only options she had were pink and glitter.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers/expanding your audience:  Social Media! It’s a great interactive tool for any business! 

Single most important decision you've made for your business:  moving away from just graphic tees! We’ve expanded our collections and I couldn’t be more happy!

Something about you not many people know, business or personal:  I’m VERY shy until I know you! 

If you could go back to the day your business started (whether it was intentional or by accident), and have 15min with your former self to communicate any lessons you've acquired with the intention of saving yourself mistakes and heart ache, what would you tell yourself?  To not stress about silly things like followers on Instagram and comparing myself to others!! 

How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?  We use quality materials that stand up to the wear of kids and are also some of the softest you’ve ever felt! That right there makes both parents and kids happy!

Best piece of advice you've gotten that you still follow?  Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.

My favorite quotes is… Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light.

The biggest lesson I have ever learned is… positive thoughts = positive outcomes!

My favorite business tool or resource is… Pinterest!

If I could go back in time 10 years ago I would tell myself…   to stop stressing! Life happens regardless.