You’ve likely seen Yikes Twins products on the Today Show, Vogue, Oprah’s Favorite Things, and Buzzfeed, but today, we’re getting to know the woman behind the Yikes Twins brand. Wendy Carter is the maker behind adorable shark and dinosaur hooded towels and ultra-soft unicorn lovey blankets that are a favorite of parents and children alike. We can’t wait to share more about the maker and her brand.
Hi Wendy! Thanks for sharing your story with us today. Can you please tell everyone about yourself and Yikes Twins? What do you make and how long have you been in business?
I started my business 18 years ago when my twins were just 6 months old. Before that, I worked retail for 16 years in sales and management. I started my business so I would not have to go back to work and I could stay home with my twins and my older daughter. Starting off, I did craft shows at churches and high schools where I lived in Virginia. Over the years, I expanded to doing larger shows from South Carolina up through Delaware.
I make hooded towels and matching slippers, for children and adults. I also have infant-size items like swaddles, bibs, and lovey blankets.
I wanted to make a gift that is useful for parents but also loved by kids. Over the years, the animals just evolved as my kids started getting interested in different things. After about 10 years of creating everything and sewing it all myself, I got a manufacturer overseas and expanded my line to include slippers and printed pieces. When I started out, I never thought I would be doing this almost 20 years later, but I’m grateful every day that I’ve gotten to stay home and take care of my kids and also help financially with the family.
We love your whimsical items for kids and adults! What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
If you make sales, you make a commission. If you make friends, you’ll make a fortune.
That is wonderful advice! Why did you get involved with Mosaic Makers Collective?
I see getting involved with MMC as a great opportunity to meet new people who are like-minded women in search of similar goals.
We love that, and we are so glad to have you as an MMC maker. What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is designing. I love seeing my creations come to life. I also love seeing kids and families enjoy things that I made.
That is such a rewarding part of the job! If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would choose to take 3 weeks and travel through Europe. I’ve only been to Germany on business for a trade show, and I didn’t get time to do anything but work. I would love to take the three weeks and do some biking and hiking in Europe and see Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and England. I would like to take my time, be able to see both the cities and some small countryside towns and think about if there would be anywhere over there that I would like to live in the future.
What a lovely dream trip! We hope it becomes a reality for you soon. Thanks so much for sharing Yikes Twins with us, Wendy. We’re so glad to have you as part of the Mosaic Makers Collective!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop Yikes Twins? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog