Peakboo Beans: Interview & Giveaway

Apr 13, 2011 by Natasha

Vicky is my Twitter friend. We crossed paths tweeting and talking about mom-related issues. Eventually, I learned that Vicky is a Peekaboo Beans stylist.  I saw Peekaboo Beans products before and knew about their site, but didn’t really know how to get any in Ottawa. So I asked a few questions and realized she was a rep for the company working here in Ottawa.

Vicky, an Orleans resident, and mommy to Joel (4) and Mieka (21 mos)  first co-owned the online retail boutique, Apples’n’oranges, which is how she first learned about the brand Peekaboo Beans. Eventually, she was offered an opportunity to become an independent Ottawa Peekaboo Beans stylist.

When she’s not busy with her children and Peekaboo, she teaches in a French Immersion primary and blogs about the importance of play in childhood development.

Here is my interview with Vicky. Make sure you scroll all the way to the end. There is a giveaway that she’ll be giving to ShopHaven readers!

ShopHaven (SH):  What is Peekaboo Beans? How did you get involved?
Vicky (V): Peekaboo Beans is a Canadian company, and was founded by a mom in Vancouver.  They create high quality, functional and fresh playwear for kids – think Lululemon for kids, only cuter!  I have known about the line since 2007. I used to own a children’s clothing store, and carried the line – it was always our best seller. When the opportunity came up to become an Independent Soiree stylist, I jumped on board. It’s a new concept for the company and there are only 30 in Canada so far. I am the only one in Ottawa.

SH:  Why do parents choose Peekaboo Beans?
V: There are many options on the market for children clothing, but none compare to Peekaboo Beans. The entire PB collection is designed with children in mind, with maximum comfort and versatility. Pieces are versatile; pants zip off and become shorts, skirts turn into tops and each season mixes and matches for easy coordinating. There are no buttons, snaps or fasteners, which makes potty-training and learning to dress easy. Fabrics are soft and stretchy cotton with thick elastic waists with drawstrings. The colours are bright and vibrant, with lots of ruffles for girls, and great pockets for boys. Sizes range from 3-6 months to size 8 for boys and girls.  Peekaboo Beans has a very high resale value, when the pieces aren’t passed down to a sibling. Each year there are two collections, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. This spring’s collection is called Roots and Wings.

SH:  What is your favourite piece from the collection?
V: It’s so hard to choose just one, but each season there is something that stands out. For me it was the Spectra Tunic for girls. This longer shirt has three large rows of ruffles in alternating colours, and looks great not only with leggings, but with capris and shorts too!

SH:  How does someone arrange to host a soiree for Peekaboo Beans?
V: The first thing to do is choose a date that works best for you. Some hosts prefer afternoon playdates where they can bring the kids to shop, others prefer an evening out with friends and a glass of wine. It really is shopping that meets your needs! I have a customized email invitation that I can send to hosts, and all they need to do is send them off to their family and friends! Printed invitations are also available to hand out to neighbours or other moms at the park!  On the day of the event, I will arrive with my samples and set them up. Most hosts provide a few light snacks and treats. Simple is always best.

SH:  What are the benefits to hosting a soiree?
V: The best part about being a Soiree host is receiving free clothing! A typical soiree will receive up to 25% in free product with 4 half price items. The hostess benefits are outlined here on my site: http://pbstylistvicky.wordpress.com/hosting-a-soiree/.

SH:  You teach, blog, you’re a Peekaboo Beans stylist and mom, how do you balance it all?
V: I’m still asking myself that question! It’s all about prioritizing what’s important and what makes me happy. I spend a lot of time building my PB Stylist business because I want it to be successful. Also being an occasional teacher gives me the flexibility of having a day or two off a week to get everything else done like laundry and groceries.

SH:  Do you have any upcoming events?
V: No upcoming events at the moment, but I do have a few weekends in April left for Soiree bookings.

SH:  If you could be a piece of clothing what would it be?
V: A bra, I like to support my girls.

SH: Thank you Vicky.
If you are looking to place an order in April Vicky is offering free shipping for any order over $100.

Giveaway: Vicky is generously donating a Peekaboo Beans Open Wings t-shirt for boys or a Butterfly t-shit for girls (valued at $36.).  To win the t-shirt simply leave a comment telling us what your favourite spring look is from Peekaboo Beans. (You can find the spring looks under the Spring 2011 tab).

In order to increase your chances of wining, you could:
- Follow ShopHaven on Twitter and tweet this giveaway.  Feel free to use #winpeekaboobeanonshophaven.
- Follow Vicky on Twitter and mention the giveaway
- “Like” ShopHaven on Facebook (and maybe even tell us if we’re doing a good job!) and
- “Like” Vicky’s Peekaboo Beans page on Facebook and tell her why you love Peekaboo Beans.

We will randomly pick a winner on Sunday April 16th at 7:00pm E.S.T.