Baby specialties put Pike mom in business

SHOHOLA - “The baby business is booming,” says Alison Moore owner of babyobaby.com. Moore has been embroidering baby gifts for family and friends since the late 80s. She was inspired by those who received her custom-made items to turn her hobby into a business. All her business comes in via internet sales and word-of-mouth recommendations. Working out of home in Matamoras since 1997, she decided to move to a more scenic area and purchased property in Shohola with a house and two small buildings. She set up business in the finished basement where 10 embroidery machines were stitching away when the Courier reporter arrived. Her shelves were stocked with a myriad of baby goods in pastel colors of yellow, pink, blue, and green. Customers choose from 20-plus designs which she embroiders onto receiving blankets, nappies for shoulder burping, bath sets, hats and a few other baby specialties. The baby’s name and birth specs are added to make the item extra special. “It takes me about an hour to create a custom-finished product,” she said. The embroidery machines range in price from $2,400 to $12,000 which she sometimes purchases through eBay auctions. The custom design and baby name personalization are set up on her computer, copied to a memory card, and then sent to one of her machines. Moore sets up the gift item on the bed of the machine and the embroidery process begins. Most of her work is designing and then watching the machines to avoid errors. Moore originally hoped to be selling about 15 items a week by her third year in business, and is now selling over 50 items a week. They are all wrapped in her signature red and white gingham gift wrap and shipped to customers around the world. Prices range from $17 nappies to $48 crib blankets. Moore said when she gets overwhelmed with work she raises her prices a bit. She works six hours a day, five days a week. The rest of the time she spends driving her two young sons to the many activities they are involved in and taking care of the usual household chores a single mom might have to do. The price of her goods includes custom designs, personalizing, gift wrap and gift card, an e-mailed photo of the finished product, and shipping confirmation. “The entire process is of great care and concern. When I do work for someone I feel that I am also giving that gift.” Moore has appeared before the Dingman Township Supervisors seeking a “conditional use permit.” She would like to use the smallest 600-square-foot structure on her property, which is visible from State Route 6, as a gift shop for retail sales of her gift items and items made by other “crafty” business associates. Approval is pending. “I make a good living and I am able to be here for my two boys when they need me. That’s the most important thing for me,” she said. Her Web site is www.babyobaby.com. Or call toll free at 877 491-4424.