WAHM Jeramie Ritchie of Ritchie Rags

I am so excited to have Jeramie for the Work at home Mom feature this month.  Someone I know through personal acquaintances, I have gotten to see her work first hand over the past 2 or 3 years. When you see how beautiful her clothing is you will see why I am such a fan.  A Mom of 5(!) it's hard to imagine she could keep up with it all.  Her attitude and outlook are something that we all could use to get us through our day!

As a fun hobby, she began sewing by hand as a little girl at age 7.  Making doll clothes, and eventually even her own dolls. As she got older, her interest turned to fashion, which turned to sewing her own clothing, delving into more "funky" looking designs in college.  As she began to grow her family, she started to crave unique clothing for her kids.  Something that was quality in construction and materials, but unique and classic in design.

Jeramie makes all her own designs, and patterns, and hand selects her fabrics.  She loves to use organics, silks and Egyptian cottons. When she comes up with new designs she visualizes how it might look in a photo spread.  Would it be great for a portrait? But still be interesting and fun? Her pieces are very interchangeable, classic and well made, like something you would see in high end boutiques.  Capturing the innocence of a child, and the joy of youth.

Her children inspire her to look at life with more "vibrancy" and to see the "beauty that is everywhere".  "Younger kids," she says "especially notice details we seem to forget about."  "I love being reminded to watch the wind blow the trees...to watch the clouds...to crunch through crispy leaves...to smell all the flowers...to laugh more.  This plays directly into my designs."  Running her own business has been a "learn as she goes process" that she felt nothing could've prepared her for.  Five kids have certainly conditioned her to deal with stress along the way, and have taught her creativity and patience.  Family comes first, and keeping things low in stress helps her to continue to love her business and not let it overwhelm her.  She feel the point of design is to enjoy it, and keep it challenging and fun.


She met her husband at the University of Kansas where she attained a degree in Germanic languages and Literature with a minor in Russian and history.  A huge history buff her plan was to work overseas.  Now with 5 children;  Kieran 18, Sally 15, Parker 12, Sam 7, and Frank 3, here is where she loves, and never imagined she would be so content with.  As busy as her business and family keep her she still manages to find a little "me time" in simple pleasures.  Enjoying a mocha, which is made even better with a friend.  Watermark books, she calls a "jewel" and is her favorite place to pickup a great book and fit in some reading.  Currently she is reading The Wind-Up Girl.

Her husband and friends are huge supporters and open to hearing new ideas, and providing encouragement. Her business is steadily growing, and at a pace that Jeramie feels is working out the way it is supposed to be.  Running majority of her inventory through an Etsy site, she also has a webpage.  Her dream is to take her designs beyond local, and with a Rep. working for her in Europe, her aspirations to take it worldwide appears to be well on it's way.  Her best advice to other designers and entrepreneurs is to "enjoy it". Network and don't be afraid to ask questions or follow your instinct.  There is lots to learn along the way. "You can't control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it."  Great advice from someone who seems to be well in control, and enjoying every minute of it.


You can find Ritchie Rags at her website:  www.ritchierags.com
On Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/RitchieRags
and follow her on Facebook as well:  Facebook /ritchierags
There is also some inventory on display to purchase at Hannah Banana in Wichita.

For the remainder of August, Wichita City Mom readers will receive a special discount on online orders with this coupon code!  20% off, enter WichitaCityMom at checkout!

Thank you Jeramie for sharing your precious outlook on life and reminding us to slow down and love the life we live!