{"id":12963,"date":"2019-02-18T11:26:39","date_gmt":"2019-02-18T16:26:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/?p=12963"},"modified":"2019-02-18T11:26:39","modified_gmt":"2019-02-18T16:26:39","slug":"aloha-meet-the-founder-of-seababy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/2019\/02\/aloha-meet-the-founder-of-seababy\/","title":{"rendered":"Aloha! Meet the Founder of Seababy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Written by Nicholas Wommack, Supply Chain Operations student, Poole College of Management <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n NC State student Moriah Mattix is a young entrepreneur who is striving to change one of the most specific lines of fashion: baby clothing. At the young age of 14, Moriah began her online business, Seababy, that comes with its own unique twist on clothing for little ones. <\/span>These custom, handmade works of art show floral designs and stylish patterns that no one can resist. One look at her work and you’ll say “aloha!”<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Originally from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Moriah continues to impact her community and peers. She is currently a rising senior in Fashion and Textile Management<\/a> with a concentration on Brand Management and Marketing<\/a>. <\/span><\/span>To gain a better understanding of the creative executive, the faculty reached out to Moriah and asked a few questions about her career and studies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When did Seababy Clothing launch?<\/strong> <\/span> Who or what inspired you to start this company?<\/strong> <\/span> The name Seababy was actually pretty simple. I grew up by the sea and have always had a love for babies. So, put them together! About the Hawaiian theme you may notice on my shop – I have a lot of family friends out on Hawaii. I try to visit every year and actually spent last summer there! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Change. Change. Change. Everything is always changing. I can’t do business now the way I did in 2014.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n What was the biggest challenge or obstacle you have faced in your business?<\/strong> <\/span> Where did you graduate from high school? Was there anything specific about the Wilson College of Textiles that attracted you to enroll here?<\/strong> What would you say to a prospective student who is considering enrolling in this college?<\/strong> How have your experiences and education at NC State assisted you with the process so far? <\/strong>
<\/span>I launched Seababy in the Fall of 2014. I was 14 years old and a sophomore in high school. In all honesty, I had no idea what I was doing. I had a friend who was a mother that had started around the same time as me and she found this Facebook group full of lovely moms purchasing handmade children’s clothing. She gave it a shot and told me how successful it was for her, so then I gave it a go as well. It soon turned into a weekly thing where I would drop products once a week on the group. Then, a few months later I opened up my Instagram, @seababyclothing<\/a>, and started selling products directly on my Instagram page<\/a>. My business went from being something I just sold on a Facebook group (2014), to solely on Instagram<\/a> (2015-2016) and finally moved onto my own website (2017- present). It grew and has had its ups and downs but I still love what I do today.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Honestly, I never wanted to sew for a living. I started sewing when I was ten and enjoyed it as a hobby; but when my business came around I truly believe it was God doing the whole thing. I had no experience in marketing or business and wasn’t even a good seamstress at the time; so for my company to explode as it did was truly God. I am so thankful for the moms I get to work with every day and play a small role in their lives by providing quality heirloom clothing. <\/span>
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<\/span>Change. Change. Change. Everything is always changing. I can’t do business now the way I did in 2014.<\/span> Although I have started to come back to my roots and have seen success in that – the market is always changing. Instagram, Facebook, algorithms, customers, competitors – it changes on the daily. Social media is always changing. There is no and will never be a formula that works every time. But that is okay and I have learned how to cope with it, become a better business and honestly just learn to let go. <\/span>
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<\/span>What advice would you give other Textiles students or entrepreneurs who might be facing similar challenges?<\/strong>
<\/span>The change is hard and to say I haven’t thought about getting a real 9 – 5 job would be a lie. At the end of the day, I would say – your worth isn’t in your business and some days you just have to let go. But one thing I have found is that true authenticity and creativity always sells and will draw your consumer in. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I graduated from Camden Early College. The machinery, labs and job opportunities are what attracted me the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To all future students, I would say: use the resources you have around you. The Wilson College of Textiles<\/a> does an INCREDIBLE job at connecting students with faculty and industries for future career guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In high school, I was already working toward my Associate of Arts degree and honestly had no desire to get a four-year degree. But, one weekend, my mom and I visited the Wilson College of Textiles<\/a> and I knew if I was going to finish school then it was going to be here. I didn’t apply to any other colleges and just prayed hard I would get in. I did!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n