Loree Mayer
Lil’ LJ
info@lillj.com
Pittsburgh (Robinson Township)
Education / Background
"Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Visual Communications Program
I work full time at a marketing agency in Cranberry Township and have been there for 16 years!"
FamilyTell us about your family!
"I come from a long line of creatives from my Grandfather to my parents and a few cousins! My parents are the owners of CreativeCakes, a truly creative bakery in Robinson. My husband, Christian, and I have twin daughters, Emma and Madelyn who will be four in September."
Tell Us about your business and why you created it!
"I created Lil’ LJ in 2007 while my husband and I were going through infertility. Being a designer for so long, I had been wanting to branch off into something on my own. I made a few shirts for friends and family and wanted to do more. Meeting so many other couples going through our same struggle, I saw a nitch for infertility shirts like I’m a Miracle, Answered Prayer and Worth the Wait. In 2008 we finally had our miracle x 2! My girls were born 2.5 months early and were NICU graduates after 63 days. In turn, I started creating NICU grad shirts, and shirts for multiples. I spent many days sitting in the NICU coming up with new ideas. And now NICU grad is one of my most popular shirts. We also donate a portion of our yearly sales to our March of Dimes team.
The name Lil’ LJ is derived from my husband always referring to our future lil’ one as Little Loree Junior."
What challenge(s) did you find most prevalent as a mom running a business?
"The super-mom syndrome. Not only do I want to be the best mom to my kids, I want to be the best wife and the best small business owner and the best employee. We moms can be very hard on ourselves. The key is finding balance, which I’m still working on!"
What do you love about having your own business?
"I love the satisfaction I get from customers. I’ve had so many people reach out to me either after receiving my items as gifts or giving them and sharing how much they loved them. It’s also amazing the connections I have made with other mom’s that have gone through infertility, preemies and/or twins!"
When did you know it was going to WORK!?
I" still don’t ïŠ I set low expectations for the first few years, thanks to my husband keeping me in check and I have been really surprised by how fast things have taken off. Most of my marketing has just been word of mouth."
Did you ever want to quit, throw in the towel!? What kept you going?
"Yes!! Full time work, owning my own business, being there for my kids and my husband is definitely challenging at times. I keep going because I truly LOVE doing it and I see so much potential for future items! It’s a very satisfying job!"
What Advice do you have for other moms looking to make it happen at home? Looking to have it all!?
"Set realistic expectations, but also be optimistic. If there is something you love doing, try to find a way to make it happen! With social media and Etsy, there are so many more opportunities for small businesses to really take off."
Any other information you' d like to share. Is there a part of your story we missed?
I’m so excited to be expanding my business. We are revamping my original Lil’ LJ site, and until then, I’m using Etsy and loving it! (www.etsy.com/lillj9208) I am now selling childrens’ stationary and will be offering personalized nursery and children’s art as well. Enter coupon code: MKRROCKS and get 20% of your next order!!
Follow me on facebook.com/lilljbaby to keep up new designs and products! I’m constantly adding and updating! I also have another facebook page with additional design items at facebook.com/loreelovesdesign
And I’m so proud to be selling my personalized nursery art on Minted.com.
http://www.minted.com/product/custom-art-prints/MIN-01E-NCA/roar
We found inspiring Loree Mayer in 2010 when we first started. Her designs were not only adorable and graphically astonishing-- they were witty as well. After hearing her "start up" story we were inspired as well and have never forgotten about her. We're proud to showcase her today as a Mom Who's Made It Happen.
Debby P Editor, Macaroni Kid of Pittsburgh LLC
