Meet the Maker: Why Handmade & Shopping Small Matters

Hey there! I’m Mindy, the hands, heart, and hustle behind Milkweed Baby—a small but mighty handmade business creating embroidered hats, custom patches, and unique accessories from my Prairie Village, Kansas studio.

I didn’t exactly set out to start a business—it just kind of happened. I’ve always been a maker, never without a creative project in the works. But when I started dating my husband (a natural-born sales guy), he saw something more. He encouraged me to put my work out into the world, and before I knew it, what was once a personal passion became a full-fledged business.

Why Handmade? Because It Means More.

In a world where mass production is the norm, handmade pieces tell a different story. Every hat, patch, and embroidered design I create is made with care, skill, and a whole lot of personality—things you just can’t get from a factory.

Here’s why shopping handmade is the best choice:

💛 Handmade is Personal. When you buy from a small maker, you’re not just getting a product—you’re getting a piece of someone’s creativity, time, and passion. I personally design, embroider, and stitch everything that leaves my studio. My hands have touched every single piece.

✨ Quality Over Quantity. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my work. If it’s not top-notch, it doesn’t ship out. Unlike mass-produced items, handmade goods are created with attention to detail and craftsmanship that lasts.

🌱 It’s More Sustainable. Fast fashion and big-box production churn out goods that are often poorly made and disposable. Handmade, on the other hand, is about small-batch, intentional production—which means less waste and higher quality.

👩‍🎨 It Supports Real People, Not Corporations. When you shop small, you’re directly supporting artists, makers, and their families. Your purchase helps keep small businesses like mine alive, fuels creativity, and makes it possible for makers to continue doing what they love.

The Story Behind My Work

My love for embroidery started young—taught to me by my honorary grandmother when I was just four or five years old. Over the years, I picked up sewing, crocheting, and even painting (which I studied in college). Creativity has always been my outlet, but it wasn’t until the end of 2023 that I really found my groove with embroidery.

I lucked into an affordable embroidery machine another maker was selling, and I threw myself into learning. Now, I blend machine and hand embroidery, sewing, heat pressing, and graphic design to create unique, high-quality pieces that I love—and that my customers love, too.

One of the best parts of this journey has been seeing my daughter get involved in my work. She’s started learning embroidery, helping with designs, and coming up with fresh ideas. Sharing this creative process with her has been an unexpected and beautiful bonus of running this business.

A Safe Space for Creativity & Community

Milkweed Baby isn’t just about handmade accessories—it’s about community. I create pieces that speak to me, and I’ve found that my customers are the people who resonate with that creativity, too.

This space is welcoming to all—except for hate. I actively support small, women-owned businesses and choose American-made materials whenever possible. When you shop here, you’re supporting an artist, a mother, and a business built on passion and purpose.

Thank You for Being Here

Whether you’re here to shop, follow along, or just check out what I do—I appreciate you. Supporting small businesses and choosing handmade truly makes a difference, and I’m so grateful for every customer, share, and kind word.

If you love unique, handmade accessories with bold designs, top-tier craftsmanship, and a little bit of attitude, you’re in the right place. Stick around—I have some exciting things coming!

👉 Want to see what I’ve been working on? Shop my latest collection here.