Fuzzie Dot
Yorba Linda, California
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Kristin Oxnard: Fuzzie Dot
Photo Courtesy Tashombe Berry
Whether as a mother raising my own (4 now adult children) or working as a mother-baby nurse, helping moms form a special bond with their children has been my life passion. This is what inspired the creation of Fuzzie Dot.
After noticing a lack of well-designed, high-quality children's blankets, I decided to start Fuzzie Dot out of my home with a sewing machine and my own two hands. Although I started by making children's blankets for friends and family, I started receiving interest outside my immediate circle, and even started sewing blankets for adults!
All Fuzzie Dot blankets are circular and hand-made from high-quality 100% polyester Minky. Each children's blanket is in the form of an animal and adorned with colorful ribbons which make them fun and interactive.
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
Throughout my life I had always loved to create and enjoyed working with my hands. I came up with the idea for making soft circle blankets for children and the name wasn't too far off Fuzzie (soft) and Dot (circle)! Nothing too complex there.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
I think my signature style is the round plush blankets with ribbon-styled accents. I just think that there aren't any other products out there like it. I'm even excited to say that I recently patented my design! I wanted to create something unique that conveyed a personality, just like children each have their own personality, there's a Fuzzie Dot to match!
What makes your business unique to the industry?
Other than the variety of different animals and colorful designs, I think the most unique part of my blankets are the quality of the materials and attention to detail.
Over my many years as a nurse and raising four children, I understand the specific needs of children, which is reflected in every aspect of my designs. For example, I designed the blankets with interactive pieces like ribbons and animal ears, to stimulate the child during playtime.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
I think the biggest roadblock is for people to be able to perceive the quality of the products digitally. That's where I pivoted to participating in artisan shows/fairs so that people can physically see the quality and feel the softness of the blankets. I even made my business cards out of the blanket materials such that people can remember the softness and even share with their friends afterwards!
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid- 19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
With the lack of artisan shows/fairs going on, I've definitely had to shift to a more digital focus for marketing efforts, which can be a challenge since the quality can be difficult to convey online. I'm still working through some of the kinks, but I think I'll try using other platforms other than Shopify, maybe Etsy or Pinterest. Be on the lookout for more from me on those platforms! I'm always open to suggestions from the community, so let me know!
What is your favorite part of what you do?
I absolutely love hearing stories and seeing photos of my blankets from happy customers about how they enjoy the blankets. It's so heartwarming to hear that a blanket can bring so much joy and comfort to a child, and there are always funny stories to go along with them too!
What is your *must do* local activity?
Anaheim Packing house is a favorite place for me to visit as it is a collection of many small business all under one roof.
Where to find Fuzzie Dot:
Online: fuzziedot.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuzziedot/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FuzzieDot/