Meet Shambrica Washington and some of her creative leadership accomplishments: After overcoming an abusive broken marriage and homelessness, Shambrica Washington Shaye Damus moved back to Colorado Springs and continued to pursue her dream of owning a one-of-a-kind internationally known children’s boutique. In 2011, she established Tiny Toes and Tiaras, and since then the store has been nominated for the Gold Daisy Award for the best baby boutique in Colorado Springs and has gained international attention. Piccoli Couture has since been featured at New York and Paris Fashion Week. The brand has gained attention from Forbes, Vogue, and countless other media outlets. See extra info at Shambrica Washington.
Innovative Designs: Our goal is to put the “fun” in functional fashion. We know that looking stylish can make your whole day better; that’s why we’re committed to being your source for the newest trends. We design clothing you love so you can focus on your child looking great!
Nestie Luxury Baby provides Custom Furniture Designs for children soacestheir award-winning Luxury Nursery, and Children’s Custom Furniture Designs as well as Interior Design Services. We have been in business for over 10 years and are trusted by families near and far. The intricate design details on our furniture and Bespoke Bedding and Bespoke Nursery Designs are incomparable. We pride ourselves on functionality, luxury, and safety.
There are a number of easy ways you can do your part to support Black-owned businesses: You may not know where to find small Black-owned businesses. Apps such as Nextdoor and community boards like Craigslist can be an easy way to learn. Create a post where you ask who in your neighborhood or city could use some extra business, and wait for the replies to pour in. It’s also a great way to spark a conversation about the value of helping each other out. Another option is to use a sourcebook as a way to spend at Black-owned or operated businesses. The Official Black Wall Street directory is a comprehensive directory with which you can search for a vast array of products and services, both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar. Start making a list of all the places you would like to shop from, and for which products and services you’d like to purchase.
Why supporting Black-owned businesses is important? Although Jim Crow laws were deemed unconstitutional in 1954 and the civil rights movement of the 1960s forced the end of segregation, unfair banking practices persisted. It wasn’t until 1977, when the federal Community Reinvestment Act was passed to fight racial discrimination in lending, that these practices became illegal. Challenges remain. Statistically, securing capital and investors is more difficult for Black-owned businesses. Crunchbase reported that venture funding for Black startups in the U.S. took a steep drop in the second quarter of this year, at $324 million, after showing signs of growth in prior quarters.
Tiny Toes and Tiaras, a 100% Black-owned upscale online children’s boutique, introduces a new handmade couture sleeper for babies, the Nestie. Available in many beautiful patterns, the baby mat or bassinet can be converted for sleep time, nap time, tummy time, co-sleeping, and floor play. With Nestie, babies not only dress in the best styles, but they also sleep in style.
“Fashionable baby items do not have to be limited to just clothes,” said Shambrica Washington, Owner of Tiny Toes and Tiaras. “We’re changing the luxury baby goods game with our new baby mat, the Nestie.”
The made-to-order Nestie may be customized in different colors, or ordered in one of the pre-designed combinations of fabric patterns. The multi-use sleeper is reversible, trimmed in beautiful lace, and comes with cute decorative pillows.
The Nestie and other special items from Tiny Toes and Tiaras may be browsed from the comfort of one’s home, and promptly delivered worldwide. The boutique offers coordinating outfits available for portraits, holidays, weddings or other special occasions and includes hard-to-find details. Its unique flower girl dresses have been featured in Brides Magazine UK London.
Tiny Toes and Tiaras will officially release and showcase the Nestie at the Children’s Club tradeshow in early August with Barney’s New York, Neiman and Marcus, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, and many more major retail buyers in attendance.