Deanna Hews

April 21, 2025

Spoiler Alert: I'm Not 15 People

(But I'm expected to be. And yeah, it's getting old.)

Running a small business sounds dreamy-until your're doing it solo with four kids, zero staff and a to-do list that breeds in the dark. 
Before you scroll into the deep end of this blog post. here's your heads-up: it's not just about business. It's about burnout, honesty, and what it looks like when you're holding it all together with coffee, duct tape, and pure stubborness. This is the unfiltered version of life behind the counter-and spoiler alert-it's not all cute outfits and Instagram reels. Let's get real.

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Built on Heart, Not Hype

I don't know who needs to hear this, but behind this store is one very real, very tired, slightly spicy human being. Not a team. Not a staff room. Not a lineup of elves magically updating the website, answering messages, steaming clothes, tagging product, mopping floors, parenting kids, surviving emotional landmines, and smiling at customers all at once. One preson.
And lately? It's been hitting different.

I don't need people to worship me. I don't need a parade. But I think sometimes it's easy to forget that this is a one-woman operation-juggling a whole lot of moving pieces while trying to stay sane and keep things afloat.
There are nights I stay up past midnight prepping posts. Mornings I cry while brushing my teeth because I know the second I step into that store, it's go-time-no matter how heavy things feel.
I've spent so long holding it together that people assume I'm fine. But fine is a costume I wear. Underneath it is a woman who is absolutely done pretending she doesn't need support.

This blog isn't a breakdown. It's a declaration: I'm not superhuman. I'm just someone who refuses to give up.
So if you walked into my store and I look tired, it's because I am. If I say no, it's not personal-it's survival.
I built this store from my basement floor. I've fought for every inch.

If it seems like I'm stretched thin-it's because I am.

But I'm still here. Still building. Still trying. Still believing that this little shop matters. And it does-because it's more than a business. It's a community. A family. A place built on heart, not hype.

I don't do this just to sell clothes-I do it to create something meaningful. Whether it's helping a mom find the perfect onesie or hosting a free event that gives kids a chance to laugh, explore, and just be kids, this shop is here to serve. I care just as much about creating memories as I do about making a sale-maybe more. I'll send customers to other stores if it means they'll find what they need. Because at the end of the day, it's not about where you shop-it's about feeling seen, supported, and part of something real.

So thank you-for being kind. For showing up. For trusting me with the little moments that matter most. You're the reason I do this. And I'm not going anywhere.

Top 5 Picks from a One-Woman Show

Youth Joggers

Miles The Label | Navy Joggers

Soft, stretchy, and made for mess. These organic cotton joggers have a comfy waistband, drawstring tie, and pockets for treasure (or snacks). Perfedct for everyday chaos.

Miles The Label | Navy Joggers - Pink & Blue Kidz Clothing
Miles The Label | Navy Joggers - Pink & Blue Kidz Clothing
Miles The Label | Navy Joggers - Pink & Blue Kidz Clothing
44% OFF
Miles The Label | Navy Joggers - Pink & Blue Kidz Clothing
Miles The Label | Navy Joggers - Pink & Blue Kidz Clothing
Miles The Label | Navy Joggers - Pink & Blue Kidz Clothing

Miles The Label | Navy Joggers

$20.00
$36.00

Mama Bear Camping Mug

Because caffine is the real MVP. Tough enough for camping, cute enough for your kitchen, and punny enough to make your morning slightly less chaotic.

Mama Bear Camping Mug
0% OFF
Mama Bear Camping Mug

Mama Bear Camping Mug

$16.00

Putty Bear - Grey ( 11")

Ridiculously soft. Like, "don't be surprised if you end up snuggling it" soft. This gender-neutral plush is all about chill vibes, cozy textures, and timeless style-aka perfect for modern nurseries, tired moms, and little ones who love a good cuddle buddy. Bonus: it's machine waqshable, because life happens.

Soft, squishy,  bear, dragons,  stuffies, plushy,  stuffed animals, Mary Meyer,  kids, infant,  Newborn
Soft, squishy,  bear, dragons,  stuffies, plushy,  stuffed animals, Mary Meyer,  kids, infant,  Newborn
0% OFF
Soft, squishy,  bear, dragons,  stuffies, plushy,  stuffed animals, Mary Meyer,  kids, infant,  Newborn
Soft, squishy,  bear, dragons,  stuffies, plushy,  stuffed animals, Mary Meyer,  kids, infant,  Newborn

Putty - Bear - Grey - 11"

$24.99

Miles Basics Heather Grey Playsuit

Soft, simple, and made for maximum squish. This breathable French Terry romper is gentle on baby skin, tough on diaper changes ( in a good waqy), and cute enough for whatever today throws at you-spit-up included. Full zip for easy changes. Freedom to wiggle built in.

MILES BASICS HEATHER GREY PLAYSUIT
MILES BASICS HEATHER GREY PLAYSUIT
0% OFF
MILES BASICS HEATHER GREY PLAYSUIT
MILES BASICS HEATHER GREY PLAYSUIT

MILES BASICS HEATHER GREY PLAYSUIT

$36.00

Big Bear Hug

A heartwarming (and hilarious) reminder that love always wins-even if you're a giant bear with a slightly aggressive hug habit. Perfect for bedtime, story time, or any time your kid needs to learn that kindness is cool.

Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Oldland – New Children's Book
Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Oldland – New Children's Book
Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Oldland – New Children's Book
0% OFF
Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Oldland – New Children's Book
Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Oldland – New Children's Book
Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Oldland – New Children's Book

Big Bear Hug Book

$17.99

Totally Necessary, Very Important Fun Facts (Because you've made it this far, and now you deserve chaos.)

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I run on coffee, sarcasm, and online orders placed at 1 a.m.

If you've ever gotten a reply from me at a weird hour, just know it probably came from a caffine high, an ADHD rabbit hole, or both. Sleep? Don't know her.

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My store cat, Rocky, thinks he's the manager.

He lounges on the counter, silently judges your purchases, and absolutely refuses to do inventory. But hey-he's cute and he doesn't call in sick, so he stays.

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This whole store started in my basement.

No investors, no fancy team-just one exhausted mom with a steamer, a dream, and an overwhelming urge to not work for anyone else ever again. Look at me now, world.

Conclusion

So yeah- maybe I'm not 15 people. Maybe I'm just one messy, motivated, slightly over-caffeinated woman doing her best to keep the wheels turning. But what I am is passionate. About my store. About my community. About creating a space that feels good-forme, for you, and for the tiny tornadoes we're all raising.

If you've ever shopped with me, supported this wild little dream, or just cheered me one from the sidelines, thank you. Like, really thank you. It means more than I usually say out loud.

Now go drink some water, hug your kid(or your bear), and don't forget-shopping small keeps people like me standing.

Still tired. Still trying. Still here.
And if you made it to the end of this post? You deserve a sticker. Or a nap. Or both.

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