Raising Kids, Sewing Costumes, and Stumbling Upon a Business Idea
As sisters, we embarked on the journey of raising our children together, sidestepping the traditional male role in parenting. In this shared experience, we discovered our mutual passion for crafting costumes for our little ones. Starting with a whimsical cow costume, our repertoire expanded to include fierce tigers, majestic dinosaurs, rugged cowboys, and ethereal princesses.
Our educational background in German literature seemed to offer limited career prospects, leaving us with a lingering question about our professional paths. It was then that a friend’s brilliant idea sparked within us: why not turn our costume-making hobby into a rental business?
Back then, the convenience of online shopping was yet to emerge, and many parents found themselves pressed for time to create elaborate costumes for their children. Yet, the desire to showcase their children in something unique remained strong. Our solution proved to be a resounding success, with our rental services quickly becoming fully booked.
We opted for an hourly rental model, allowing parents to snag their desired costumes without the hassle of storage and cleaning. However, our commitment to customer satisfaction extended beyond providing pristine costumes – we also offered an express laundry service, ensuring that wet costumes were swiftly refreshed and ready for their next adventure.
With our growing popularity, the need for a dedicated space became apparent, leading to the establishment of our first store. Over time, we expanded our operation to two stores, combining costume sales with our rental and custom-sewing services.
While the carnival season remains our busiest period, our business thrives throughout the year. Abiturient motto weeks, the Schlagermove festival, and Oktoberfest generate significant demand for our rental services. Halloween, with its spooky allure, also brings a surge in rentals.
Our business cycle navigates the seasons with ease. While the "A" months (April and August) tend to be quieter, we anticipate increased activity during the remaining months of the year.
Reflecting on the Journey
Our business venture was not without its challenges. Balancing our responsibilities as mothers and entrepreneurs required unwavering perseverance and a supportive network. We also faced the inevitable hurdles of any startup, including managing finances, navigating regulatory requirements, and finding reliable suppliers.
However, the rewards of our labor far outweigh the obstacles we encountered. The knowledge that we have brought joy to countless children and families through our creative endeavors fills us with purpose and fulfillment. The financial stability we have achieved allows us to provide for our families and pursue our passion without compromise.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to continue expanding our business, offering new and innovative costumes that inspire imagination and bring smiles to the faces of children everywhere. Our journey has been a testament to the power of collaboration, the pursuit of passion, and the belief that anything is possible when driven by love and determination.
