Mom-Owned Business, Kt Steppers, is Proving Success in a Down Economy

Feb. 14, 2010 - PRLog -- When Kt Steppers was formed in 2008 it was much more than a hobby for President and Owner, Katie O’Neill.  Now it is more of a reality offering online buying capabilities at: www.ktsteppers.com.  

Like many of her customers, she is a mother, raising two small children ages 4 and 2.  She struggled with the desire to stay home and raise her family as well as longing to work outside the home to help with the financials.  

“We are still very fortunate today as women and mothers to have many choices and the support to go along with them. I, like many other moms, discovered the personal and professional fulfillment of doing both- working and being home with my children.   I wanted a children’s inspired business since that is whom I spend my days, hours and minutes with.”

Katie O’Neill’s children and those receiving their very own steppers are the inspiration behind Kt Steppers.  The first “stepper” was conceived when a family member was looking for something unique and personal for her best friend’s son. After further research, talking with other moms and friends, she found that there was a great need for that “special something” to give as a gift for just about every occasion in a young child’s life. “ In today’s economy, funds are limited as well as budgeted , so ‘Steppers’ are a special, custom and a personal way to say “You’re one of a kind!”

Not only has the business blossomed and grown in one year locally in the NY/NJ area, they are being recognized all over the country.  Over the holidays, Kt Steppers made their National TV Debut on E! News with Giuliana Rancic’s Gift Guide (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMTLZnYX7wo )“Twitter is a powerful tool!” continues Katie, “If the social media outlets like twitter, facebook, myspace, and linkedin, were not available to us small businesses and ‘mom-owned’ companies I think we would still be struggling to more exposure.  I owe a lot of my growth this year to them and to the people and companies I’ve met through social media networking.”



Celebrities have also become fans of Kt Steppers and have sent many notes of ‘thanks’ after receiving their child’s very own custom steppers.  Custom Kt Steppers were made for celebrities such as Alison Sweeney, Tori Spelling, Rhea and Mark Wahlberg, Jenna Elfman, Denise Richards, Jennie Garth, Jason & Naomi Priestley, and more.   To see some celeb ‘kudo’s’ go to this link: http://www.ktsteppers.com/Customer_Celeb_Kudos.html

Kt Steppers wants to become a great brand, not just your ordinary step stool.   ‘Steppers’ are:

     * Ultra trendy, hip, sophisticated step stools with the attention to detail being the upmost importance.  Each stepper is designed per order and can be matched to any theme, bedding, or décor desired.  

     * HUGE hit with baby showers, 1st birthdays, christenings, teacher's gifts, bridal party gifts and so much more.  

    *‘Steppers’ are a great way to introduce independence and encourage brushing teeth, washing hands, reaching a toy, and even helping out mom & dad in the kitchen.  They feel proud and like a real ’big kid’ for doing it all on their own!

     * The cricket stepper is budget friendly (retails for $49), useful, and practical. They are made from Parawood or ‘rubberwood’.  It is also prized as an “environmentally friendly” wood, as it makes use of plantation grown trees that have been cut down at the end of their latex-producing cycle.  The paints I use are completely Non-Toxic and ALL water-based.

It’s no wonder that when annual report time came Katie did the ‘happy dance’.  In 2009, Kt Steppers, LLC achieved 214% revenue growth.  “In 2010, my goal is to continue this growth.  I have total confidence in my company” she continues, “ This is the year for small businesses and ‘momprenuers’ to turn our economy around and be strong.  People are still buying and buying for their families, so companies like mine are growing faster than you would imagine. We have a great product and a great vision for Kt Steppers, so that helps too!”

Kt Steppers hopes to be the preferred online boutique when buying that unique gift for that someone special but they are also are pursuing many other retail outlets to sell their steppers in so that consumers will be able to find them in local boutiques and specialty gift stores anywhere.

New products and designs are introduced daily.  They have an ongoing offer: 10% Off your purchase of 2 steppers at a time.  Kt Steppers can be found on facebook as Kt Steppers friend and fan pages.  You can also follow on Twitter @ktsteppers.

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A unique online children’s boutique featuring hand- painted, personalized “steppers” for babies, toddlers & moms! Our ‘Steppers’ are a special, custom & personal way to say “You’re one of a kind!” Mom-Owned, Children Inspired