Perry and her Son Alex, who was the original inspiration behind Peaz in a Pod.
My name is Perry Quinton, and I am a mom of two boys – Alex, age 3 and Nicholas, 5 months. My business is peaz in a pod. I make good quality baby necessities with unique touches that make moms’ lives easier -like nursing covers that allow you a hands-free view of your baby, luxurious swaddling blankets, and nursing necklaces that are safe for babies to play with. I make all peaz products in my home workshop, with a little help from friends when I’m really busy.
I didn’t start out to make a business at all. I just started making things that I needed. My friends liked what I made, so I made more. And then it just spiralled from there…
[I began peaz in a pod when…] I was on maternity leave with my first baby, and I would sew while he was sleeping (he actually slept!). A few of my girlfriends with babies would come over to help, and we started the business together. They’ve moved on with more babies, and less free time, but I decided to keep going. My mom is my business partner now.
The three babies that started it all, doing what babies were meant to do with peaz products. They’re lying on a quilt, which is outside on the grass. And it’s ok if they spit up on it, or get dirt on it, or whatever, because it’s meant to be used (and it’s totally washable).
I primarily work with fabric and beads, and I choose my materials based on what I like. I love colour, particularly bright colours, and I like to make things for moms and babies that are not necessarily babyish. Some bunnies and bears are nice, but I think there is lots of room for style and variety… I have a day job in marketing, but I really like to make things, so I keep doing it…
I draw my inspiration from my boys, my experience as a mom, and from my friends that are moms. When I see a need for something that would make life easier for moms, I love the challenge of designing it.
My mom taught me how to sew when I was 4, and I’ve been making stuff ever since. I know how to use patterns, but mostly I don’t use them because I like to make my own.
Alex, using one of our super clips, which are essential for keeping soothers and toys close at hand.
It’s tough finding the time to make new products while balancing work and family life. My boys are my priority. I’ve been very lucky to find friends to help – one family friend does some sewing for me, and my cousin Courtney, who is in high school, beads for me. I’ll keep going as long as I enjoy it.
I live in Ajax. My community circle is made up of family and friends locally and across Ontario. I test my products on my boys, and my friend’s babies. I have a lot of strong, supportive moms around me. My husband is also very supportive and comes up with lots of great ideas.
I care about the environment, and the planet. I try to source local supplies, and cut down on the carbon footprint of the business. I don’t use packaging for my products in stores, to cut down on waste that goes to landfills. My fabric scraps are used for charity quilting projects.
I also feel strongly about quality in baby products. When you purchase a peaz in a pod product, you know that it can be used and abused, and washed and worn and it will still hold up.
A Funky Mommy Necklace by Peaz in a Pod
Every mom in Durham knows about Cuddly Bunny, because they carry the baby stuff that you really want. So I knew the store. We had a booth beside Cuddly Bunny at a baby show and we got to talking with Marnie, the owner. She gave us some great ideas about products, and we followed up with a store visit. Our products were a great fit.
Cuddly Bunny is unique because they carry products that moms and babies really need, made by local artisans. They encourage grassroots businesses, which cultivates great ideas and is gentler on the planet. I also love that Cuddly Bunny’s staff knows their stuff – they’re moms, and they know what works and what doesn’t.
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