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Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Titty City Design was created to be more than just a body-positive, breastfeeding, and breast health brand. It was designed to be a communi-Titty – a brand, company, community, and lifestyle.
We are a mom-owned and operated business based in southern California. As a company, we believe that every Boobie is beautiful and should be celebrated. One of the main goals of Titty City Design is to celebrate motherhood and breastfeeding milestones. To shine a light on the benefits, joys, and struggles of breastfeeding and pumping. Also, to break down the stigmas around breasts and celebrate what they are meant to do – feed our babies.
Titty City Design is on a mission to bring unique, fun, and proud products to all the mamas of the world and spread self-love and body positivity through our one-of-a-kind apparel, accessories, and homeware that are all designed by our founder and owner, Jessy.
We also have a blog filled with helpful articles and advice related to all things breastfeeding and Boobs – from tips on breastfeeding and how to support new moms, to what to expect at a mammogram!
As a brand, designing and creating products and gifts that celebrate new moms brings us so much joy. And as our communi-Titty grows we’re able to expand our message of positivi-Titty around the globe.
To spread the love even further, we’re proud to donate a portion of our proceeds to help support postpartum people and breast cancer patients.
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Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Hi, I’m Jessy, the Tits behind Titty City Design. And I’m on a mission to celebrate new moms, and their breastfeeding milestones (because it can be SO hard), and to spread self-love, body positivity, and community through our unique products, social media, and “Let’s Talk Titties” blog.
So. Why did I start Titty City Design?
Let’s go back in time a bit. I’ve been an entrepreneur and artist since I was a little kid growing up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign to study graphic design and fell in love with the industry. So, I followed my intuition and passion to sunny southern California, where I’ve lived and worked as a designer and creative director for nearly 15 years!
Boobs have always been a love of mine. For as long as I can remember, I have been an advocate for boobs and breast cancer awareness. In 2020, I became a mama for the first time. Not just any mama – a pandemic mama! And when I started my breastfeeding journey, my love and respect for all things boob took on a whole new meaning.
Going through quarantine and transitioning to motherhood felt even scarier than usual. There were no local mommy and me classes, no meeting up with fellow moms and friends, and no physical support other than what I got at home from my partner and doggy.
The new mom struggles were real, but I found inspiration and strength in my breastfeeding journey, which led me to start Titty City Design in November 2020 with an Instagram handle @tittycitydesign.
I was pumped to start creating unique designs that celebrate moms and breastfeeding. In April 2021, I launched my online store, tittycitydesign.com. Just over a year later, in June 2022, I left my 9-5 job as a creative director to embrace the 24/7 life of a full-time business owner. Work that I am super passionate about and incredibly proud of that has enabled me to build a community to support mamas, celebrate their awesomeness, and break down stigmas around Titties!
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What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
The Tits-piration for Titty City Design came to me as I started my breastfeeding journey.
I lovingly joked how I was “Titty City” to my baby! He was always on the boob – for feeding and for comfort, and after experiencing pretty much every breastfeeding struggle there is, I realized just how incredible and strong mamas are. My baby and I overcame the struggles together and continued our journey.
But, as a pandemic mama, there was little help available.
It was frustrating and lonely at times, and I needed an outlet. I began to channel my creativity and admiration for breastfeeding through design. I started painting adorable Titties on ceramics when my little one was asleep. It became a form of self-care, helping me to relax and get back in touch with my creative self. Becoming a mother is a whole other identity that takes time to adjust to and can make you forget the person you were before becoming one.
And, as I painted, my mind would drift to all the other moms out there who might be experiencing the same thing. I wanted to reach out to them. Hug them. Let them know they weren’t alone.
This inspired me to create a brand that spoke directly to those mamas. A brand that encourages them with love and positivity and showers them with praise and support.
When I became a mom just weeks before the pandemic began, I felt scared and alone.
None of my friends nearby were moms, and I didn’t have anyone I could talk to about breastfeeding. It felt lonely and isolating. Like most Americans, I didn’t even get much support or advice during my 12+ prenatal appointments. And I, like a lot of other moms, just figured this whole breastfeeding thing would come naturally.
But, of course, it doesn’t always happen like that.
Breastfeeding can be REALLY hard. You’re exhausted, uncomfortable, and recovering from giving birth, and it’s so easy to feel like a failure when it doesn’t go as well as you were expecting. Your baby needs nutrients to live and it is scary to not know if they are getting the nutrition they need.
I was inspired to create a brand that lets parents know they’re doing a great job and it’s OK (more than OK) to feel exhausted and in need of help. Because it’s a hard and demanding role.
The thing is, I never heard people talking like this. Normalizing how hard being a new mom and breastfeeding is. That’s why I work tirelessly to build a community and brand that normalizes talking candidly about Boobs, what our amazing bodies go through, and celebrating every step of the breastfeeding journey, whether it’s hours or years.
Titty City Design is here to cheer you on and support you no matter what your journey looks like. Because every mom, and every body, is amazing.
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What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
My first piece of advice is to make sure that you are working towards something you are truly passionate about. Building a community, brand, and company takes a lot of work, so you must care deeply about the cause. Second, build on the side if possible. Having income from another source while you build your empire will help relieve the financial stress of starting something new. And finally, there will never be the “perfect time” to start, so don’t wait. Just start!
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What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Enthusiasm, commitment, and resilience.
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How many hours do you work a day on average?
Short answer: A lot!
Long answer: When I started building Titty City Design, I worked a full-time job. After my parental leave ended, childcare was only available for 2 days a week, due to the pandemic and lack of childcare availability.
I had my baby home with me 3 days of the work week for 13 months until more childcare became available. I worked late, late nights on Titty City after my job and mom duties were complete.
I was incredibly exhausted, although I was supercharged to build this. I barely remember sleeping, but my unstoppable passion and the communi-Titty I was building kept me going.
Since leaving my 9-5 career, I have put in countless hours. I typically start my day by posting something to Instagram from bed and engaging with my communi-Titty. Once my son goes to daycare, I try to get a sweat in and then open my laptop and begin working around 10am.
I work straight through until pick-up time at 5:30 pm, when I put the mom hat back on. After I put my son to bed at 8 pm, I continue to work many nights during the week for another 1-2 hours tackling things on my to-do list and prepping for the next day.
On some weekends I have local pop-up events where I leave my home around 7 or 8 am and usually get home after 7 pm. It is a busy, busy life, and I truly am grateful to do this work and for the support from my partner that allows me to build this.
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To what do you most attribute your success?
Consistency. I keep showing up. I keep doing the work. I keep coming up with ideas, and I keep looking for new ways to grow and reach mamas that need the support and love that Titty City provides.
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How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
I have been successfully focused on my Instagram community. This is how I got started and how I continue to get the word out and connect with mamas. I have also been building a group of VITs (Very Important Titties) so that I can connect with my community right in their inbox. I am always looking for new ways to get my message out and I will be focusing on that in the coming months.
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Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
To date, I have funded 100% of Titty City Design and have reinvested my earnings. I am currently looking into IFundWomen and applying for startup grants.
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What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
I am not sure what the best way is, but I think it comes down to breaking down your goals into smaller sprints to get things done. It is also important to delegate and outsource the work that drains you or you simply do not have time to produce. Use your energy on the parts of the business that you truly love to do.
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Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Wow. This is a great question. I see Titty City Design having a full-time staff of dedicated employees, a warehouse for fulfillment, and our products on shelves in stores and other online retailers. I see our products celebrating postpartum, supporting new moms, and helping to change the way our society treats mothers.
I see Titty City Design being more than products. I have a vision to also be services that offer support. I see Titty City teaming up with lactation consultants and designing retreats for moms and their babies where they can meet their village. I have big ideas and plans for Titty City and I cannot wait to keep building and growing.
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Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
I am so impressed with companies like FridaMom that show the real side of motherhood that is not shown nearly enough. I was so grateful to see one of their commercials showing accurate truths about postpartum. I also admire a lot of mom-owned businesses and love a female-owned empire. Some of my favorites are Goop, Honest Company, and Savage X Fenty.
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What motivates you?
My family. I am highly motivated to provide for my family and be a leader and role model for my son.
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How do you generate new ideas?
So first off, I call this boobs torming. And it may seem silly, but a lot of the time, the ideas just come to me. I cannot turn it off. Sometimes ideas come in more like a Titty tornado and I can barely keep up. I usually voice note/talk-text them to my phone and let the idea flow. Once I have it all out, I re-read it, type it out more clearly, and start to explore how to make it come to life.
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What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
I get to inspire others, create products and experiences, and work on things that I am truly passionate about.
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What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
This may seem silly, but about 6 months after I started my Instagram account, I was at O’Hare airport wearing a face mask and my Titty City Design zip-up hoodie, when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and she asked me, “Are you Jessy from Titty City Design?”
I could not believe it! I was shocked and surprised, and I am not even sure what I muttered back to her. However, I remember her telling me that she loves what I am doing and that her mom group is obsessed with Titty City.
That right there was a moment when I knew that I had to keep going. And each week, getting messages from members of my communi-Titty letting me know how Titty City has impacted them always inspires me to reach more mamas.
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In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Gratifying
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What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
Ok, when I am not working, I am usually with my family and closest friends. I live really close to the water and love spending time at the beach, alone, or with others. I enjoy traveling and seeing the world. I have been to many countries and visited many cities within the US. I am always looking for my next trip to explore.
Fun fact: I listen to Justin Bieber almost every day because I am a huge fan of his music and his story. I even toyed around with naming my son JB.
I consider myself an extroverted introvert. I really love to be at home where I created a very cozy beach environment. At night, I love to be snuggled up on my couch with my other half and my fur baby streaming the latest movies and tv series.
Business Info:
Website: https://tittycitydesign.com/
Business Name: Titty City Design
Email: hello@tittycitydesign.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/T1ttyCityDesign
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TittyCityDesign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tittycitydesign/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd8qKn8_MBzhfQ2BaJ_H4KQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TittyCityDesign/