Temi and I chatted about diversity, business, vision for the future, sales platforms, languages, the importance of understanding that beauty is intrinsic rather than something acquired or consumed, wholesaling, and much more!

We talked about the importance of bringing diversity to children's toy boxes - including diverse races, skin tones, heights, abilities, and more. Seeing ourselves reflected in the stories around us is vital at every age, because it helps us feel more seen, which helps to build a sense of belonging.

We talked about how vital building a solid foundation of identity in childhood is, so that when we experiment with our looks and our style later on it comes from a place of fun rather than a place of fear. It's too easy to end up changing your identity to fit in if you aren't yet solid on who you are. 

As always, we also chatted about business and ourselves a bit. Temi currently knows 5 languages! She also shared her top 3 tips for outsourcing production, in case you want to make the shift to being a designer rather than a maker-designer. The importance of market testing and market research cropped up a few times in our conversation, too.

We chatted over delicious Shirley Temples, which was the first time either of us had made one. Since we recorded this in April, the drink become a firm favourite in Temi's household! To make your own, mix 4 parts Sprite and/or ginger ale plus 1 part grenadine, garnished with maraschino cherries.

Highlights in this episode include:

* The vital importance of celebrating diversity of many sorts to lay firm foundations for your children's development.

* How learning from past failures means you don't ever really fail. Take sensible precautions in the planning, but don't be afraid of failure.

* Things to consider when choosing sales platforms for your business

* The importance to Temi of trying to understand others - through her language studies, market research, and throughout life.

This is episode 9 of my Cocktails & Chat series, a community-building project for makers and artisans to share the highs and lows of business and making and make it a bit less lonely. 

1:28 Introducing Amaris & Chaya

3:24 The genesis Amaris & Chaya

8:26 The importance of celebrating that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes

11:38 Why it's important to bring racial diversity into children's toy boxes

16:12 Temi's vision for Amaris & Chaya

18:47 Temi's history of entrepreneurship

20:06 What do you wish you knew before you started your business?

21:59 A discussion about wholesale and research

25:10 The importance of surrounding yourself as an entrepreneur with a strong supportive networking

27:28 Temi's top 3 tips for outsourcing production

30:43 New clothes and dolls in the works - and the value of listening to your customers

32:20 What popular products have surprised Temi

36:28 Choosing sales platforms for your business

41:08 What Temi loves to read to unwind

42:10 Temi, the up and coming polyglot!

48:45 The importance of family to Temi

49:45 How do you know when a piece is finished?

51:04 Future plans for Amaris & Chaya

Amaris & Chaya Website

Amaris & Chaya Instagram

Complete show notes