Keri Kitto-Fast: Oh, how sweet it is!

Tell us about your business and how you got started. And of course, tell us about your family!

Having three beautiful daughters, I of course love to dress them up in petty outfits.  And what outfit is complete without something pretty in your hair?  I began making bows and hair clips for different events that we would go to, and started receiving many compliments about them.  People would ask where I got the bows from, and were very surprised when I said that I made them.  I had many people ask if I could make them one….and so it began.  Through word of mouth, Facebook and Twitter, Sassy Sweet Pea expanded to where it is today.  I think the draw to my products is the creative, made-to-order component; I make everything with my full heart! I love it!

How long have you lived ‘in the hills’? What brought you here in the first place?

I was born in Mississauga, and we moved to ‘the hills’ when I was three.  I and am very proud to call it home.  We live in such a beautiful part of Ontario.

What has been the biggest challenge in operating your own business?

Of course the biggest challenge is finding time to run the business, while at the same time being a mom of three young girls and a baby on the way.  As we all know, being a stay-at-home mom is already a full-time job!  I try to run my business during the day while my older girls are at school and my youngest is napping.  I also do a lot of my work at night once everyone is tucked into bed.  I love what I do and wouldn’t change the hectic days for anything.

Is your family involved in your business? What do your days look like?

My daughters especially are always involved in my business by helping me create new designs and giving me their feedback, and my husband can’t help but be involved as my workspace is in the small alcove tucked in beside our family room and kitchen. Our days are pretty busy. Everyone gets up and ready for school, once I get home from walking our older girls, Haylee and Kylie, to school I give our toddler, Emmie, her toast and answer emails and Facebook messages.  After that, it’s mommy and Emmie time.  We hang out and play until naptime.  Then the work begins!

Once the girls are home from school we do dinner, homework and baths and bed.  Again, that is when I get my work done.  Cleaning takes place somewhere in the middle…

 

How do you keep the creative juices flowing?

Oh my gosh!  My creative juices are constantly flowing as I have always had the desire to create.  My daughters are also always telling me I should make this or that, and custom requests are always coming in.  I love fashion and style.  I love to watch trends too!

If I really need to treat myself, I…

I honestly love to just sit outside in the sun!!  My body craves heat and I love to relax, when I can.  I also enjoy a specialty coffee now and then.

My favourite outing here in the hills is…

We love to go for walks on the many trails in our area. We walk to stores and for ice cream regularly!

One hobby or interest that people may be surprised to learn about me…

I LOVE to watch reality TV…  I know, so sad!  My oldest daughter Haylee and I love American Idol, Survivor and Dancing with the Stars. So, these are the nights I take off, cuddle in bed with my daughter and enjoy our shows.

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