Mini Monograms: Monogrammed baby gifts, clothing and more…

Looking for the perfect baby gift? Want to create a special treasure for your child? These days, baby gifts and children’s clothes are all about the extras. Choose your own monogram, ribbon, thread color and type style for anything from bibs, clothing, towels and blankets to stationery and invitations, and Mandy Vick, owner of Mini Monograms, will do the rest.”I provide products that are original and unique that cannot be found in dozens of stores,” says Mandy. “We carry a variety of specialty items with one criteria… each gift is personalized.”

The idea for Mini Monograms has been alive for quite some time. “I have always dreamed of owning my own business and being able to create things that interest and inspire me,” said Mandy. “It was the birth of my son that brought me back to my dream. With the support of my family and friends I am making my dream a reality.”

Clever Parents caught up with Mandy Vick to learn more about burp cloths, bath sets and personalized cookies for birthday parties:

Clever Parents: What is your background? How did you come up with the idea to start Mini Monograms? Mandy Vick: I have always appreciated and enjoyed art. As a child I always took art lessens and enjoyed creating things. Art was always my choice activity for entertainment and expression. Upon graduating from college I worked at Taylors of Raleigh as the print shop manager. I designed and printed wedding invitations, programs, invitations, stationery and much more. I had many very talented co-workers that taught me so much about the art of personalization!

Eventually my love for children led me to pursue my teaching degree and Master’s in Education at North Carolina State University. After teaching for four and a half years, I became pregnant and gave birth to my first son, Andrew. Anything and everything baby- related became my new passion. With my background in personalization and my love for children it became very clear what needed to be done … it was then that Mini Monograms was created!

Clever Parents: Tell us about your products.
Mandy Vick: Currently we offer personalized bibs, burp cloths, clothes, towels, blankets, invitations, stationery, announcements and other specialty items. Basically I am in the personalization business… any goes!!! I have a lot of fun finding items to carry. I think that personalized gifts are the most fun to receive. Especially when you blessed with a new life. There is nothing more exciting than receiving something with his or her name on it. Each gift that we customize is handled with love and care. As a new mom, I try to include items that I think are aesthetically pleasing yet at the same time useful.

We also offer gift sets including bath-time, bedtime, mealtime and college sports related themes. Mini Monograms works closely with Hugh’s Room, its sister business, to create one-of-a-kind gift sets. Owner, Ashley Peay-Bettini creates hand-painted accents that match my embroidered products. Ashley is a very talented artist and her hand-painted touch adds the finishing touch to my line of gift sets. I also have a “For the Grown-ups” line that has proven to be popular as well. Coming soon…we are getting ready to add a line exclusively for Grandmothers!!!

CP: What are your biggest sellers?
MV: So far my biggest sellers have been bibs, burp cloths and towels. Gifts sets including a combination of bibs and burp cloths are a big hit! Each gift set can be accented with ribbons and/or embroidery. I try to change my ribbon selection often so that each customer can have a unique creation.

Another big seller in the “For the Grown-Ups” line has been bath towel sets. Bath towels and pillow cases make great wedding and graduation gifts. I find that people love seeing there initials or name on just about anything. One interesting part of my job is all the millions of possibilities!!!

CP: How do you outfit the a baby on the beach?
MV: With summer just around the corner, I just had to create a summer line. My summer line is called Beach Baby. My newest addition is monogrammed bathing suits–they are adorable. Customers are also getting a lot of beach towels monogrammed for gifts. You may also add a personalized sand bucket to your “Beach Baby” gift set.

CP: Tell us about your personalized cookies for birthday parties.
MV: My friend and local baker, Hunter Rion, is the creator of these adorable cookies. Together we decided that personalized cookies would be a creative idea to include at birthday parties and baby showers. Hunter actually made a batch of cookies for my baby shower. It was so much fun to see Andrew’s name and the cookies were delicious!!! To top it off each guest took a cookie home for a party favor.

CP: How can people place orders?
MV: Mini Monogram orders can be placed by telephone or on-line. The website is created with Pay Pal capabilities. To order on-line you simply need to submit an order on the Contact us page. To create the order I need information regarding the item, the monogram or type-style and if you will be adding any accents or embroidery. I will review the order and send a confirmation email. I also include a proof with each order. On the website you may choose from type-styles, monograms, ribbons and embroidery to create your own unique gift. I really want the customer to have a hand in the creation process. Together we can work to invent the perfect gift. In June, my work studio/ consultation office will be open and ready for business. It will be located on Glen Eden Drive in Raleigh, NC. This location will be open to display samples of my work and meet with customers to discuss printing and monogramming details. Mini Monograms offers delivery to customers in the Raleigh area and we ship to customers everywhere.

Visit Mini Monograms at www.minimonograms.com.