I am really enjoying this series and getting to know local business owners in the area. It is making me feel more connected to Tallahassee, for sure!
Meet Marlo – she’s the owner of Little Speckled Frog (by the way, don’t you just love that name?), an online children’s boutique specializing in organic and responsibly produced merchandise. We are now “friends of the frog” too – hoorah!
Without further ado – here’s Marlo and the Frog!
Hi Marlo!
Where are you from and how did you end up in Tallahassee?
I grew up in Apollo Beach, FL, a small town located on Tampa Bay. I moved to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University, where I met my husband my senior year. We were married 4 years later and have been here ever since, raising our two amazing daughters!
How did you decide start Little Speckled Frog?
Little Speckled Frog grew out of my desire to provide my daughter with the healthiest, most natural childhood I could. I’ve always been a bit of a worry-wart, but after the arrival of my first child, I became obsessed with phthalates-this and BPA-that. There also seemed to be a new toy recall every other day! Eeek! This led me to do a lot of research to find safer products to use with my baby and in my home. I found that there were companies out there that valued children’s health and safety by using organic and eco-friendly materials, but most weren’t “mainstream”. Many were small mom- or family-owned companies and their products were hard to find and certainly not all in one place. The stores I did find that carried a variety of “organic” and “eco-friendly” products were a little bland for my taste. Too much beige! Thus, I created Little Speckled Frog so that other natural-minded parents could find healthier products for their children without sacrificing style.
Who is your biggest influence/inspiration?
Hands down, my mom. She inspires me to be a great mother and woman, and for this I am forever grateful! I named my company, Little Speckled Frog, as sort of a tribute to her. If you aren’t familiar with the children’s song “Five Little Speckled Frogs”, here are the lyrics (feel free to sing along!):
Five little speckled frogs
Sat on a hollow log
Eating the most delicious bugs (yum, yum!).
One jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool
Then there were four little speckled frogs.
As the oldest of five, I watched my cloth-diapering, baby-wearing, extended-breastfeeding, home-cooking, mainly stay-at-home mom raise five little babies the best way she knew how – with never-ending love and commitment. She worked hard to prepare “five little speckled frogs” to one by one “jump into the pool” of life as respectful, thoughtful, courageous adults. Because really, isn’t that what its all about? About preparing your child for their life ahead, making sure they grow up healthy and happy and with good values, ethics, self-worth? About committing your life to the betterment of your child’s? Well, I think so, and I think my mother was a great example of this. I only hope that I can become half the women she is!
What is your go-to favorite product you market?
I love, love, love, love, love the bamboo clothing line from Kicky Pants. It is one of my best selling lines because it is so soft, cute, and comfy. Babies love it and adult wish it came in their size!
What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?
To tell you the truth, I am still working on this one! I am the kind of person who thinks I have to do it all and to perfection. Unfortunately, there never seems to be enough hours in the day. I am often up all hours of the night finishing “business stuff” that can’t be done during the day because of the kids. I know that soon the kids won’t be so “needy” and I will have more time to devote to the business, but for now, the scale is tipped in favor of family. I work hard and do the best I can for Little Speckled Frog, but my number one priority will always be my family!
What does the future hold in store for Marlo and Little Speckled Frog?
I’m really hoping the future holds more sleep for me and more growth for Little Speckled Frog! My intentions are to try and reach out more to the local Tallahassee community and make sure I am meeting their needs. I also hope to add more handmade products and products from small, mama and family owned companies, as well as more toys, clothes and gifts for older children.
What are your favorite things to do with the kids in Tallahassee?
I am an outside kinda girl, and luckily so are my little ones. We are blessed in Tallahassee to have amazing parks and when its not so blazing hot outside, we try and frequent them. I also adore the Tallahassee Museum (Jr. Museum). We always find frogs there! : )
What are the three words your spouse/partner would use to describe you?
Caring, Nurturing, Perfectionist
Lastly – what would you advise others just starting out as a businesswoman?
First of all, make sure you have the help and support of your family and friends. Running a business is a huge emotional, financial and time commitment and you will need all the encouragement and assistance you can get! Secondly, do what you love. There is no sense in putting so much effort into something you don’t love and believe in passionately. Best of luck! : )
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