With Halloween just around the corner, there will soon be ghosts and goblins everywhere!  So, its only fitting for me to introduce a very unique product, the Nanniboos from Tongue-in-Cheek, LLC!

1. Congratulations on being a MomDot Feature Boutique!  Please introduce yourself to the MomDot readers!

My name is Jan D’Arcy and I am a stay at home mom in Charlotte, NC.  I have two active little boys ages 5 and 4.  I started my small business Tongue-in-Cheek, LLC this past May.

2.  What is the inspiration behind your product?

I had a terrible time finding cute clothes for my two boys.  I was tired of always sorting through the racks in stores only to find boring clothes for them.  I had been making the Nanniboos as toys for my sons and I had the idea to stick them onto a shirt and fleece sweatshirts to make a unique line of clothes for both boys and girls.

3.  How did you take your product from concept to reality?

I started making Nanniboos as toys for my two sons a couple of years ago.  My sons helped me come up with ideas for new character names and designs.  My sister in law, Kristi D’Arcy, pushed me to start a business and gave me the idea for the name Nanniboos for my monsters.  They stick their tongues out and say Nanni Nanni Boo Boo to kids’ fears.  Each character has a special power that helps kids get over their common fears.

4.  What sets your company apart from your competitors?

My products are hand made with love and care.  I wanted to start the business so that I could support children’s charities.  A percentage of my company’s profits are going straight to charity to help kids in a direct way.

5.  I love the Bat-Tee-Boo Monster!  Which is your favorite?

I have to say that Notty is my favorite.  I love them all but he was my very first Nanniboo creation and he holds a special place in my heart.  He is always up to trouble but he also tries so hard to be good…

6.  I see that a portion of your proceeds go to children’s charities!  How do you choose your charities?

I am currently supporting a charity in Charlotte called “A Child’s Place.”  This organization helps support homeless kids so that they can stay in school.  They offer clothing, transportation, tutoring and emotional support for these kids and their families.  I learned about this charity through my church and I am excited to help raise awareness about this wonderful organization in Charlotte.

7.  What’s next for your boutique?  Any giveaways, sales, promotions in the near future?

The monsters are currently holding an election on my website (www.nanniboos.com).  Notty and Eyevan are battling it out to see who will be president.  Keep your eyes out for new monsters… I have some impish little monsters who are ready to come out of hiding.  One is full of love and another is an Irish pirate who is afraid of the dentist…

Creep on over to Jan’s site and see what the Nanniboos are up to today!  Don’t be afraid; they don’t bite!

REVIEW:

Jan was nice enough to send my daughter one of her Nanniboo creations!  Introducing Lily in the Bat-Tee-Boo design……

The first thing I noticed about this shirt was the adorable design!   The attention to detail on the applique is amazing.  The second thing I noticed was that the quality of the T-shirt itself was first rate.  The material has a nice weight to it and is very soft.  Finally, I noticed the cute label at the bottom, letting me know that I have an Original Nanniboo!  As you can see, Lily LOVES it and enjoyed playing “model girl” for you all!

GIVEAWAY:

Does your child have a specific fear?  Think a Nanniboo friend would help?  Here’s your chance to win your very own Monster on a Mission!  Jan has generously donated one Nanniboo T-shirt to a lucky MomDot reader!

CONTEST RULES HERE!

All we want you to to is head over to Nanniboos (of course supporting this mom) and let us know which shirt you would pick out.

Extra Entries (we always try to give you ways to win!)

You can have an extra entry for VOTING in her monster contest (scroll to bottom for poll).  One extra entry for valid commenting on her interview  and we will also give 5 extra entries for blogging about this awesome mom and her mission. Feel free to copy and paste any of our interview to your page to assist you in sharing the product, cause, and links! Put all your entries in separate comments and come back on Thursday, Sept 25th to see if you are a winner!

Interviewed by Contributing Writer Bridgette