Focus on Therapist Owned Small Business – KP Designs Shop
I thought it would be interesting to focus on therapist owned small businesses. There are so many pediatric OTs and PTs out there who are super creative and hard workers. Many of you think outside of the box to provide unique products or services. Some of these businesses provide full time income and some provide vacation funds. This series will focus on taking a closer look at small businesses that are owned and operated by pediatric occupational and physical therapists.
Sorry folks but I do have to add in a DISCLAIMER here: This series is not meant to be product recommendations. I have not tested and in some cases even seen the products. It is just meant to provide you will some information on how other therapists are generating income while doing something they are passionate about. Your Therapy Source Inc will not be liable for any impairment, damage, accident or loss that may occur from any of the products or services provided by these small business owners.
Moving on….
Our first Q &A is with small business owner, Kelly an OT from KP Designs Shop.
Q: First just tell a little bit about yourself – job experience, years on the job, etc.
A: My name is Kelly and I am a pediatric occupational therapist. I am originally from Wisconsin but 2 years ago I moved to Illinois to work in a pediatric clinic. I have been in IL for about 2 years now and love it. I get to work with some pretty amazing kiddos and they are the reason I am where I am today.
Q: What made you come up with the idea of creating weighted blankets and lap pads in addition to being a full time occupational therapist?
A: I came up with the idea of creating weighted blankets and lap pads after recommending these items to several families. Each family came to me and said that they were too expensive and they were not sure what to order. Since I love to be crafty, I decided to take out my sewing machine and give it a try. I was able to make weighted blankets for several of the kids at the clinic and they all loved them. I started to think that other families could benefit from my OT knowledge in order to help recommend the size and weight for blankets, and also my sewing abilities. I began KP Designs and started making weighted blankets for several families throughout the United States. I also have orders for families in Australia and Canada! I make the blankets from start to finish. My favorite part of the process is collaborating with the family and discussing fabric options. All the blankets are custom so each individual gets to choose the fabric prints. Some of the most popular ones are Paw Patrol, TMNT, Princesses, and Chevron. I also enjoy the pictures families send me with their loved ones using the blankets and lap pads.
Q: Is it difficult to find the time to do both?
A: It can be difficult to manage working full time and maintaining a small shop, but I love what I do. I am so fortunate to do what I love.
Q: How you deal with liability and/risk when creating a product for children?
A: I use non toxic poly pellets and all the pellets are enclosed in the stitching. All blankets are top stitched for a finished look and to increase durability. Blankets should be used with caution, especially with younger children and developmental delayed individuals. Blankets for children under 3 years of age are not recommended. Supervision is recommended. K P Designs is not responsible for misuse of blankets.
Q: Where can we find your products?
A: My products can be seen on my facebook page, Facebook.com/kpdesignsshop. All ordering goes through there. Everything is made to order so I like to chat with individuals on facebook to discuss fabric, weight, size, etc. For those of you not on facebook, my email is kpdesignsshop@gmail.com and would be happy to answer any questions.
Would you like to share about your therapist owned small business? Email us and we will send you the questions.
