This month our Small Business Shout Out goes out to Lisa Cohen and her shop humanKIND, where she sells handmade custom apparel for nice people. It’s always a pleasure to chat with Lisa, she is kind, calm and seriously funny. Without further ado, here’s’ Lisa!
.png)
What’s your business and the story behind it?
When I was a kid, I loved to go to the ‘Skokie Transfer’ and make custom shirts as gifts. Best friend shirts were a big thing back then. I mean- we didn’t have social media to make our other friends feel bad about how close we were, so we had to make best friend shirts instead.
After working for more than 20 years as a pediatric physical therapist, it was time to figure out a way to be home more. I took a ‘break’ from working outside the house, and I decided I would make the favors for my daughter’s upcoming bat mitzvah. I bought the equipment and started practicing by making shirts for family and friends. Little by little I started getting shirt requests and custom orders. I decided to set up a shop, and sales quickly exceeded my expectations.
I love designing shirts. I love helping people make something special for themselves or as a gift. I love that I have my own ‘Skokie Transfer’- we just call it humanKIND.
.png)
What’s your favorite product you sell/make/offer and why?
That’s the fun part: it changes constantly! I think about new designs all the time: something in the news, in the lyrics of a song, a line in a book- anything can inspire my newest favorite design.
.png)
What is your advice for moms who want to start a business of their own?
Find your tribe. When I started this business, I spent time talking to other women who started their own businesses. We helped each other out and promoted each other. My tribe has slowly grown to include this amazing network of smart, talented, generous, wonderful women who support each other. I feel very lucky to be a part of it.
What are 2 of your go-to small local businesses and what do you love about them?
Jessie Hearn Photography- Jessie took 12 strangers who had volunteered to model for humanKIND and made them look like best friends. Jessie is so much fun to work with and makes her subjects so comfortable. She captured the heart of humanKIND so that I can express that on my website.
.png)
Wilmette Pet is a really special place. First of all: they do not ‘sell’ pets- they work with rescues to find homes for shelter pets. I used to take my girls there when they were little to see the animals. There is a special woman who works there, Sheila, and she makes the kids (and their parents) feel very special. Everyone who works there is wonderful.
What are some tips that help you (try to) achieve work-life balance?
I am still trying to figure that out. The problem with working from home is that there is no end to the workday.
.png)
What’s a typical day like for you?
Wake up.
Coffee.
Drive the girls to school.
Feed the dog/ walk the dog (lying- I usually let her out in the yard).
Get to work! I get to work in my pajamas and listen to podcasts while I press shirts. I work while the girls are in school and try to wrap up when it’s time to pick them up. Seems like there should be time in there to go for a long walk and cook a healthy dinner, but there almost never is. I typically spend a little time feeling bad about that and then try to be present in spending time with the girls (when they are not busy with homework/ friends/ afterschool activities).
.png)
What’s your best “mom-hack” you think other moms could benefit from? (We all have at least one time or sanity-saving tip that everyone would want to know…spill it!)
Don’t think of them as night sweats. Think of them more like exercise alternatives.
What are 2 things you could not survive without?
Podcasts and chewy, fruity candy.
Exclusive offer for Jessie Hearn Photography readers!
.png)
Use code JHP15 for 15% OFF all orders through February 29, 2020. Click here to start your order!
If you are interested in participating in the monthly small business shout out, or you know someone who might be, please click here to fill out the Small Business Shout Out nomination form and I will be in touch! Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!
