BOBA my BFF

December marks the birthday of BOBA. A year ago this time I officially registered the company which essentially made the idea come to life. The year has been a crazy ride. I have seen BOBA grow and develop into something that I never imagined it would and personally I have grown. I have played the juggling act with my time shifting between my day job, my social life and a tiny bit of personal time while developing BOBA. This was usually not an easy task; however I quickly learned what I was good at and what I wasn’t.



I also became best friends with my business and what I mean by this is that starting a business is like forming a relationship with someone new. There is a period of utter bliss when you are first getting to know each other, there are rough patches which sometimes result in a bit of time apart and then there is the overall realization that we are in this together! I hit the overall realization stage a few months ago when I had an Ah ha! moment and realized BOBA was meant to be and BOBA will be something powerful in the very near future. I started the company with the purpose of helping others and in 2010 this officially kick off as I practice the belief that giving back is good business.


As I think about my final weeks at my day job I get so excited over the idea that soon I will be able to put all my love and passion into BOBA. BOBA was conceived through the love I have with my creativity, my family, and the phenomenal experience of becoming an auntie. As I ask other entrepreneurs about their great leap from full time employee to full time business owner I get the same reaction – it is a scary thought but once you make it happen it is the best experience ever.


About a month ago when I was really coming to terms with leaving my day job I decided to write the story of my life for the next 5 years. For the first time in my life I could see the light. I could completely visualize where I will be with BOBA. For anyone who is struggling to see the light, if you write it, it will come. I think it is amazing how powerful putting thoughts onto paper can be. A perfect example is Stephanie Meyer and her Twilight series, which came to life after she had a vivid dream and began writing about it. And need I say more!


So with all this I am excited to say that my BFF BOBA will be walking into 2010 with some fabulously fun and flirty fashions for the blossoming bellied fashionistas.


Many people have shared their thoughts with me about what they would like to see in maternity fashion and here is what I promise BOBA will produce – Canadian made garments that are not only fashion forward but affordable and available in sizes Small to 3X-Large.


Please continue to send me comments and I will consider all ideas that fly into my inbox – write me at info@babyonboardapparel.com

For the love of Fashion and a big Happy Birthday to BOBA,

 Xoxo


aLi m.

BabySteals.com | Quality, name brand baby and maternity products, one ultimate deal at a time until it's sold out!

BabySteals.com | Quality, name brand baby and maternity products, one ultimate deal at a time until it's sold out!

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Holiday Sale!

The other day I saw a sign for a retail shop stating they were extending their hours for the holidays! I shook my head and couldn't believe it was happening already! I guess it is closer to the end of November than the beginning. So I decided to get into the Holiday Spirit and offer a great sale on BOBA Tee's. Until December 31/09 all tee's online will be selling for $30.00 plus taxes and shipping - buy.  This is a great deal! If you know anyone who is expecting wrap up a BOBA tee to put under the tree.                                                                      

For the Love of Fashion
xoxo

aLi m.

The Bump Culture

I have recently dived really deep into "The Bump Culture." Exploring Mom Blogs, Bump Blogs and Baby Blogs. I love the honesty, the humor and just the overall voice of the blogs I read.
Check out The Bump it is a fabulous blog that has everything from birthing stories to names.
Another one that I love is Baby Makin(g) Machine I highly recommend checking this blog out, especially if you are a 30 something and feeling the pressure to have a baby.
Most of us are all to familiar with the family questions of "so when are you next?"
My sister is on baby #2 and I am perfectly satisfied at the moment with the role of being the best Auntie Ali I can possibly be!
Have a blog I should check out? Send me a note or leave a comment with the link.

For the Love of Fashion,
aLi m.

B is for BOBA

October has been a really exciting month. I went back to Saskatchewan for Thanksgiving and got to spend a few days with my family and my amaizing little nephew - Bryton. I also got to see my sister sport her BOBA collection because she is expecting again! She's looking so great and it was fabulous to see her wear BOBA.

BOBA also entered into the Calgary market - get your BOBA at Baby & Me.
The next few weeks will be focuessed on getting BOBA into Ontario stores.
I will be offering the new t-shirt the V-Tee in Made with Love and UltraSound to stores before adding it to my website.

Email me if you know a store that would be a great fit.

For the Love of Fashion,
aLi m.

Baby Boom in the 21st Century

Recently I have noticed an increase in pregnant woman. Sometimes I wonder if it is a sign that I should start thinking about slowing down my life and settling down. But then I have a one to one with myself and come to the realization I am not there yet. My plate is full and being a bit of a late bloomer into the "career world" I have a few things I need to take care of before I can really consider changing diapers other than my nephews. I am ok with this and I will tell you why.
A year ago when I first began thinking about starting my company I predicted that the recession would bring a baby boom just as it did in the 1940's. History always repeats itself and I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't this time? Well, it somewhat has. Stats Canada has reported a mini baby boom. The Globe and Mail has called this an echo of the echo.
The article is fascinating but the element I most appreciate and possibly because this is the route I have chosen for my life is that more women are giving birth later in the "fertile years." These years being 30's to early forties.
We are postponing having kids until our thirties because we want it all. And why shouldn't we have it all. We want the great career, financial stability and the amazing life experiences before we decide to start having children.
So all you ladies out there who have left their 20's and still plan to have a family one day but haven't yet don't worry you are part of the majority not the minority. We all have our reasons as to why we have waited to have children later in life but I think at the end of the day it is safe to say it's because we want it all.

For the Love of Fashion,
xoxo
aLi m.

ps. My new t-shirt styles will be on my website within the next few weeks. The shirts are amazing - sleeves to the elbows, V-neck and extra long. They will be available in The Ultrasound Tee and The Made with Love Tee.

Change

I have always thought of September as a month of great change. In the weeks leading to the 9th month I always begin to analyze my life - what's working, what needs to be improved and what has expired.
This year has been very exciting for me - Baby on Board Apparel was launched - a dream that turned into a reality, I was able to experience my nephew's first year of life. Seeing him turn from a tiny little baby that loved to be held to a little boy of one year that is so busy climbing onto anything and everything and figuring out ways to sneak into the pantry to play with whatever he can find.
I have recently made some changes with BOBA that include taking more of an environmental initiative. On a go forward I will be printing shirts with inks that are PVC free and Thalate-free. I have also included plus sizing and a new V-neck t-shirt design.
Change is good. We have 1 more quarter of left of 2009. I am looking forward to finishing the year off strong and positive.
Stay tuned for the new t-shirt styles expected to launch by September 15.

For the Love of Fashion and change,
xoxo
aLi m

Life as a small biz...

Although I have been slightly awful about keeping up with my blog I do think about interesting things to write about. Finding the time and sitting down is the tough part. In all honesty I love BOBA, it is first and foremost in my mind. But working a full time day job that I also love (most days) and which also pays the bills provides little time to be a full time with BOBA. Here is wher I am lucky.....I have a fan base. I have amazing friends that remind me why I love BOBA and why I put my blood, sweat, and tears into it. My ultimate goal, which many people don't know is to build a foundation that will help provide baby formula to women in need.
I spent 2 years living and teaching in Asia. When I finished my contract I took a few months to travel SE Asia. Cambodia was my favorite country it was also the country I met the most amazing baby girl. I visited her everyday. She was either sitting with her mom on the corner begging for money or with her brother who was about 10 selling books on the street. Her father was a landmine victim, lost a leg and his vision and no longer able to work. Her mom was my age at the time, 26 with 8 children....
After a week I became friendly with the mom and fell in love with the baby. Whe it was time to carrying on my travels I asked what I could do, the mother asked me to purchase formula for the baby girl who touched my heart.
It took me a few years to realize why I fell in love with this little girl, but now that I know I am so excited and passionate about building a foundation to help women.
Children are our future and I think it is so important to provide them with every building block they need to build their life in a healthy, positive manner.
If you have interest in knowing more message me.
info@babyonboardapparel.com

For the love of Fashion & children,
aLi m.

Style'N it up with a blossoming belly

BOBA has had a great month. We have landed our first retail location in none other than my home town of Regina, Saskatchewan. The boutique is called Stella & Sway Boutique - check them out!
They will be opening a part of their fabulous boutique up to a maternity section. I think it is a fabulous idea and much needed for the booming and blossoming City of Regina.

Speaking of blossoming in Regina one of my greatest friend's is 5 months pregnant. It was so exciting to see her with her little belly.
That is her in the pictures. After we had a bit too much for dinner we dressed her up in some BOBA tees (she is my official Saskatchewan Model) so I could style her up a bit to show that just because your belly is growing you don't have to forgot about all the other fabulous treasures in the closet.

I think all pregnant women agree that at least 1 pair of maternity denims are a must. So these must have maternity jeans go perfect with a BOBA tee. And Have a big belt with a bit of stretch in it - pair it with a tee either around the waist, under the bust or on the hips...trust me it will look hot - especially if the belt is a bold color! Bold colors are in this season!

My next collection - The Blossom Collection is coming along nicely. I have just changed materials for the t-shirt and I think all you blossoming bellies will be quite pleased. SImple, elegant, chic & most important functional.

I am all eyes and ears. Have something you want to share - please do! I love to hear it all.

For the Love of Fashion,

aLi m.

My virtual tour

One of my favorite things to do is hit the mall and shop, not purchase but just look and feel what's new. I put on my iPod, grab a coffee and go in and out of my favorite stores. I think I have found a new favorite thing - visiting sites. I love to see what is being featured and what articles are being posted.
Having launched BOBA and a sister who had a little guy not too long ago I love to check out these sites and read what women have to say.
My good friend in NYC sent me the link to a fabulous website - http://www.mamaista.com/
I would say it is the Holt Renfrew of Blogs. Upon first entry into the site I instantly felt chic and part of an ultra cool club for fabulous women. This is the feeling I get when I walk into my favorite stores and fall in love with their color stories and new products. I "heart" mamaista.com and would highly recommend this site to anyone and everything who wants the daily dish on all things for Moms. Even if you're not a mom - have a read.
Another one of my favorite spots to visit on my virtual window shopping tour - is http://www.sweetmama.ca/ and it's Canadian.

Do you have a favorite spot to visit on your virtual tour? Send me a note would love to hear. info@babyonboardapparel.com

For the Love of Fashion,

aLi m.

Blossoming Bellies Everywhere

Wow! It has been awhile since my last post! Where oh where have I been???
Watching the bellies blossom in Hollywood! Not only is Rodeo Drive in bloom so are the streets of Toronto. It was a cold winter and the evidence is clear!
My childhood best friend just told me she is expecting! Very exciting! She will be an amazing BOBA model. I can hardly wait for her to strut her little fashionista self around the streets of Regina in BOBA tee's.
Speaking of Blossoming my new collection called "Blossom" is scheduled to Launch in mid-June.
I am so happy to say this collection will feature sizes from Small to 3 Xlarge.
The pattern is fabulous and the graphics will be a little more tame than what I offer now.

Stay tuned and I promise to write more!

For the Love of Fashion and all those blossoming bellies,

aLi m.

The Launch

The day has finally arrived! April 3rd the official launch of Baby On Board Apparel.
Tammy and I set up our booth last night at The Baby Time Show! It looks fabulous!
The entire show looks like it will be amazing!
Stay tuned for updates!

For the Love of Fashion,

xoxo
aLi m.

And the count down Begins...

Once again my inner cheerleaders are screaming! Less than 2 weeks to go till my official launch at the Baby Time Show!

Last weeks photo shoot was amazing and come Tuesday when my website is up and running full speed you will see!

Tell me what you think about maternity apparel!!

I want to hear it all!

For the love of fashion,

xoxo

aLi m.

Photo Shoot

A huge thank you to everyone who helped me out with the photo shoot. 

The photo shoot was the final step and an absolutely amazing morning!!!

The latest shirt is called Stork Stamp - available in Bubble Gum Pink and Navy Blue.

They have a fun retro feeling and I think will be a great hit for any blossoming belly for

 this spring! 

I have also done Baby Buddha in Chocolate Brown with gold and Sea-foam.  Also looking amazing and a great combination.

 

As of this Friday I will be starting to wholesale my shirts so if you know anyone with a Maternity Boutique looking for a fabulous new line tell them they need some BOBA!

For the love of fashion,

xoxox

aLi m.

Made with Love

Tick Tock...

Time is flying by so fast and deadlines for applications for the 

Baby Time Show are coming quickly.

However, as tight as time is everything is falling into place.

My latest and greatest T - "Made with Love" is finished. 

The shirts look fabulous and are available in Charcoal as seen here and also Leaf Green.

My website has been slightly delayed! However, I have landed a pretty fabulous fashion photographer and we are doing a shoot next Saturday. So early next week I will be 100% online...finally!

Stay tuned for more updates!!!

If you like this shirt you can be the first to have it - message me at - info@babyonboardapparel.com

xoxox

aLi m.

I see you!

Everything with Baby On Board Apparel is beginning to pull together >> Count down is now only a few days till the website goes live, merchant account is done, my fabulous printer is set-up, and I am starting to feel slightly overwhelmed yet so excited. All these emotions are wearing me out!

I have hit a few hurdles but have had many victories. This morning I had another victory...I saw my best gal Naomi tagged in a photo on facebook wearing a BOBA shirt!!!! 

And of course she looked amazing!

Thanks for your support Nomes!!! Here she is wearing the UltraSound T!!!! 

Off to Healthy Girl Seminar - a Women's Entrepreneur Event happening tomorrow afternoon. 

Check me out at The Spring Time Baby Show April 3-5, 2009. 

BOBA Invasion

As I browse through the Mat stores of Calgary I am growing in confidence. Not that I ever doubted myself, but fashion is fashion and it is very finicky.

I haven't be able to find anything quite like it!  This is very exciting.

As for my website it is coming together! I had a super late night yesterday preparing some images and content for the site! I forgot how much work it is! All worth it and very exciting!

Have I mentioned how excited I am??? Well I am!

xoxox

aLi m.

 

Getting Ready to Launch

The count down is on till Baby On Board Apparel officially launches! my website is scheduled to hit the World Wide Web by the end of the month and I have some hot new designs in the works.

If you know any women with blossoming bellies tell them to get on the BOBA train!!!


Check me out at the Baby Time Show on April 3-5th 2009.
www.babytimeshow.ca

xoxo
aLi M.