Christine
2024
FL
Our new Featured BossMama is: Christine Delaney, Founder of Little Sumo.
Learning more about Christine…
Meet Christine, a wife and mother to a son named Kai, she embarked on a creative journey that turned into a successful Etsy business - Little Sumo.
Driven by love, Christine made the move from Toronto to Gainesville, Florida. Soon after, she and her husband eloped, and their family grew with the arrival of their son Kai. As a parent, Christine found that children's clothing often reflected their unique personalities, and she desired Asian-inspired designs that were different from what was available.
As a one-woman show, Christine's biggest challenge lies in managing the demands of both motherhood and her business. Recognizing that online stores require constant attention, she prioritizes critical tasks like order fulfillment while maintaining a weekly schedule. This organized approach allows her to tackle necessary business tasks without compromising quality family time with her husband and Kai.
About Little Sumo…
Unable to find the specific styles she envisioned, Christine decided to take matters into her own hands. Fueled by her passion and a desire to create something special, Christine embarked on a journey of research, acquired equipment, and experimented with the heat transfer process. Her son Kai became her muse, and she even started making shirts for friends. With encouragement from those around her, Christine took the leap and established Little Sumo.
Christine knew that initial sales from an Etsy store often take time but within a few weeks Christine received her first sale from a random internet buyer. It felt like a significant win that confirmed there was market interest in her products.
Running a small business from her living room, Christine has faced challenges. Operating with limited inventory and made-to-order products, there have been instances where tight deadlines and stock availability posed hurdles. Fortunately, her print and apparel vendors, conveniently located in Florida, have been incredibly supportive, ensuring quick shipping. To streamline operations, Christine is steadily building her inventory to fulfill orders promptly.
Christine's journey with Little Sumo is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From a mother's desire for unique children's clothing to a thriving Etsy business, her story is one of creativity, determination, and the ability to balance the demands of motherhood with entrepreneurial dreams.
Next Milestone
Christine is currently focused on establishing her Faire shop, aiming to partner with retail stores and bring Little Sumo products to physical storefronts, particularly in areas with large Asian populations like California and Hawaii.
Advice for Fellow Boss Mamas
