When I first met Renee, she was already well on her way to opening Earth Baby. As we chatted about her plans for the store, I could tell how passionate she was about truly helping the families in our community. Renee knows first hand what it's like for those looking to make the change to cloth diapers but not knowing what steps to take. Thankfully, she brings all of her hard work of research and experience to the table to help those around her.
Walking into Earth Baby, you will immediately feel the difference from other baby boutiques. You'll be welcomed by smiles with hearts passionate to listen to your unique situation with an eagerness to help! Renee and Jennifer really make shopping at Earth Baby a wonderful experience for everyone - whether you are a crunchy mama or not!
Here's a bit from my time spent getting to know Renee and Earth Baby a bit more...
Tell me a bit about yourself...My name is Renee Kennedy- Powers. I am a mother of 2 boys, Gavin 7yrs old and Tannen 15 months old, and am married to Brian and a cloth diaper lover! I like to call myself a " half-crunchy" mom. I am not perfect, or the most healthy, natural mom but I really try with my boys.
What made you decide to open Earth Baby?
My son Tannen was highly allergic to disposable diapers. We tried about 11 brands of different disposable diapers and each one made him have an "abnormal" horrible reaction which resulting in going to the hospital on numerous occasions. One of his doctors advised I looked into cloth diapers ASAP or my son could have male issues later in life. I looked at him as if he was crazy! I knew nothing about cloth diapers! I was thinking the old diapers my grandma would talk about with the pins and thought "there is no way I could do that!"
I started researching online and could not believe the chemicals that disposable diapers were filled with and soon discovered there was a whole world of "cloth diapers and natural parents" out there. I also could not believe what the savings each year could be with cloth diapers! There were so many brands of cloth diapers and different styles. It was actually very overwhelming and kind of discouraging at the time. I looked up cloth diaper stores and there was nothing within 2 hours of my home. I wanted a brick and mortar that I could just walk into..hold and touch the diapers and be educated on what to do, the types of diapers, prepping and washing the diapers etc. I was worried if I ordered online, I would have no idea what I was actually ordering and if I was doing the whole "cloth diaper" thing right. I did not want to just order anything and it not work and waste all that time and money.
Here we are..now helping families at Earth baby!
What makes you so passionate about cloth diapers?Here at Earth Baby our greatest mission is to create a caring judgment free place where people can comfortably come and learn, share and buy the things they need to create a green and happy lifestyle for their families. For us going green was a path we just found ourselves on one day. What we found was a huge eye opening but overwhelming world of products and information. We want to help make your path simple and easy. Regardless of whether or not you are the crunchiest of granola greens, or a newbie to the green scene, we are here to help! No question is too small, and every little step makes an impact.
From the initial ideas for selling cloth diapers, how has your store expanded? We also sell baby carriers, Organic baby and mother body products, Organic clothing, Eco-friendly toys and other items, natural laundry care, feeding items, and lots of other organic and eco-friendly parenting products. We personally have used and try everything we sell. We really stand behind our products! Be sure to stay tuned, as we have more great products to come!
I know you plan on having classes for parents, what topics will you cover? We will have a wide array of classes, from Cloth diapering 101 to Babywearing! Essential oils, Holistic medicine, Baby music, Post and Pre-natal fitness and nutrition. Mommy and Me yoga, Hypnobirthing and even Organic Baby food making classes!
So far, what has been your favorite part about opening Earth Baby? I really enjoy helping the parents. I feel like so many come in unknowledgable and stressed out because they are so confused but want to cloth diaper. I love walking them through all the diaper options and explaining the process of cloth diapering. It's amazing how relieved they are when they walk out with their first purchase of cloth diapers. It's all about the education...I love the phone calls and facebook posts of how switching to cloth has been the best decision for their families and how they love cloth diapering!
Do you have any fun classes or events coming up? Yes! We have Post-natal fitness with Birgitta Lauren coming up this weekend. We also have a fabulous class for Babywearing with Laura Brown. We will have the baby wearing class on the 2nd Friday of every month!
Where are you located & what's your contact information? Earth Baby is located at 13454 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks. Our phone number is 818-917-6193
Are customers able to purchase products online?
Yes! We are always updating our website with new fun inventory. www.earthbabyboutique.com You can also register right on our website for classes anytime.
Any fun last words for people who have yet to come check out Earth Baby?
Earth Baby Boutique is LA's premier cloth diaper boutique! We carry the largest selection of cloth diaper brands as well as babywearing, organic baby and maternity care, baby feeding products and unique eco-friendly toys. Earth baby was born from the idea that the internet shouldn't be the only place to find the cloth diapers you're searching for, we know that every family has a preference and unique situation. Let us make finding the right cloth diaper solution easy with in store education & product selection assistance.
We cannot wait to meet you and help your family come to the Greener side of life!
Thank you Renee for spending a day showing me around and allowing both myself and those reading this post to get to know you and Earth Baby!
