Entrepreneur to Watch: Martha Salazar of SquidKid Design

Martha Salazar is the owner/designer of SquidKid Design, a company that creates handmade items that are fun and comfortable for children to wear and play.

What inspired you to start your company?

My daughter has been my inspiration since day one. After she was born, I couldn’t find her nice little clothes that were locally made and affordable, so I started making her own stuff. After awhile, I just loved getting to pick my favorite fabrics, experimenting with colors and patterns and making clothes for her that I really liked. And that’s how it all started. Even now that she is older, we go and choose fabrics together for new projects.

What is your company all about?

Squidkid Design is all about creating handmade items that are fun and cute for children to wear. We are proud to be and stay local. Apart from our onesie and T-shirt lines which are designed in Canada, made out of organic cotton, sweatshop-free and then embellished in Vancouver with handmade appliques, all our clothing is made in Vancouver, BC from start to finish. And that would be me, making every single item special for every child, many times inspired by and with the help of my own little daughter.

What’s your vision for your company?

With Squidkid Design, I want to make childrens’ clothing that brings style into kids’ daily activities, knowing that every item was created locally for people who prefer the unique and one-of-a-kind for their kids.

What excites you about what you are doing?

I think my favorite part is going to baby fairs and trade shows. I love doing markets and being out there getting to know my customers and what they like or dislike about my products.

What are some early examples of success?

When, at shows or markets, people would tell me that they have seen other children wearing my products and then having them take one for themselves. That made me feel proud and kept me going.

What about challenges?

My items are one-of-a-kind, so it has been difficult to show it all online. I always have something in-stock or at the markets that is not on the website and I’m constantly trying to keep up.

What’s next for you?

I am launching a line of spring-summer dresses soon and an improved version of the Toddler Kitchen Set is also coming up. As well, I am trying new ways to connect with customers: I’m setting up a company blog which is a totally new adventure for me. I’m curious to see how that turns out.

SquidKid Design
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