Today we’d like to introduce you to Lívia Woodcock.
Lívia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m originally a Chemist and worked in the Oil & Gas Industry for years in Brazil until we moved here when my husband was transferred in 2015. I’ve worked in a few different jobs since then, including in Oil & Gas, but after I had my daughter, I decided I didn’t want to go back to a job that didn’t make me happy instead of being with her as much as I could. She was little and needed me as much as I needed her. During that time, I started making teething toys and necklaces and thinking about starting a blog, so I could write again. When she was nine months old, I decided it was time to get back to work and tried a few things, but it was only on her first birthday (December of 2017) that I really decided it was time to start my business.
I then started making teething toys, baby accessories in general, paper crafts, and party supplies. Everything I make is custom-made and only repeat items if customers request the same thing. Usually, my pieces have different details, even if it’s the same product.
Recently, a friend suggested I should not only make the supplies but also decorate the party. At first, I thought it was too much for me, but decided to give it a try. I did my first party decoration last Saturday; a small and simple Gender Reveal celebration. Mom and Dad to be were thrilled with the decoration and to find out they are expecting a baby girl.
The past six months have been a bit overwhelming with all that is going on plus being a mother of an 18 months old girl, but I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of what I’ve done so far and the road my business is taking. I have decided to focus my business on maternity and children because my baby girl is the reason I’m doing all of this.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s never a smooth road. It’s very hard to start a business being a new mom. Financially speaking, having children is expensive and so is starting a business. Can you imagine doing both at the same time? Not to mention sleep deprivation and time management. Sometimes I feel like a juggler trying to keep up with all that I have in my hands without dropping anything.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ma Petite Alice – what should we know?
Ma Petite Alice specializes in the infantile universe and offers a variety of products in Decor, Paper Crafts & Party Supplies, and of course, we still offer some Baby Accessories, such as Teething Toys and Necklaces.
I am proud that I had the courage to start this business in a moment of so many changes in my life. It has not been easy, but God gives me the strength to keep on going. I am proud to offer great quality services and products, to listen to customers’ wishes and needs, and to put love in everything I do.
I believe my creativity and style sets me apart from others. Not that I am better or worse, but everyone is different, and there’s a piece of the market for each one of us entrepreneurs out there.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
A lot of people helped me along the way, and they all deserve credit.
My husband, Adam, who always helps with ideas and sometimes even helps me in production.
My parents, Suely and William, and my sister, Júlia, for always supporting me in all my endeavors, even from a distance.
My friend, Carla Ferraz, who coached me on my transition from being a new mother to going back to work and do something more meaningful to me instead of just going back to my old job routine.
My dear friend, Fernanda Cesario, who helped me a lot throughout the whole process, from idealizing the business model to executing it. She is not only a great fiend, but she is the best mentor I could have.
My dear friend, Thaís Bertholini, who helped me choose the name of the business long before it became a business when I was still brainstorming.
My friend, Paula Lucas, who gave me her used silhouette machine and all the supplies she had, so I could make things for Alice’s first birthday party, and encouraged me to use it for my business.
My friend, Welyngton (Neno) Pereira, who always helps with carpentry and everything that I need. He is a big supporter.
My friend, Galiana Le Diagon, who designed my logo that I am grateful for. She is a true artist!
My friends and clients Ana Paula, Gabriela, Jana, Gisele, Leticia, Yasmin, Glenia, and Alciana, who are big supporters.
Pricing:
- Party Decor & Supplies: 15% off through Summer
- Teething Toys: 20% off through Summer
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mapetitealice.com
- Address: Cypress, TX
- Email: contact@mapetitealice.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mapetitealice
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mapetitealice
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/MaPetiteAliceShop
Image Credit:
Adam Woodcock
Marcelo Lucas
Sergio Osiro
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
