I am not sure how we first heard of the amazing teepee company, Tnee's Tpees. We have been following this company for some time, totally impressed with their gorgeous goods- the patterns, color choices and care put into each teepee. I didn't realize how much I loved their teepees until I had a dream one night we dyed a ton of fabric for them to make teepees from. (I am not going to lie, they were freaking awesome.) And, well, that made me reach out to get to know the face behind the brand a little better. So, so happy I did! You can find most of Tnee's Tpees updates on Instagram (link below) where you can follow to get updates regarding new product, happenings and even giveaways-- there is even one now with another person we have featured, Jen Anderson of LWPH SEWS!

*The italicized comments after Courtney's responses are from ME and not Courtney (because that would be odd)*

NAME:
Courtney Gray “Teeny” is what my hubby calls me, hence was born “Tnee’s Tpees”

LINE OF COMPOSITION:
I make stylish kids teepees, mats and wood decor

LOCATION:
Pleasant Grove, Utah

DEETS:
IG account: @tnees_tpees
Website: www.etsy.com/shop/tneestpees and tneestpees.com
Email: tneestpees@gmail.com

BIRTH OF TNEES TPEES: My husband and I really needed to pay off student loans and buy a working computer. I was subbing in elementary schools, but I really wanted to be home with my 2 kids. My aunt made and sold children’s teepees years ago, and recommended that I try it. My husband and I sat down and figured out a teepee pattern (took hours), and I started sewing. I started on bed sheets until we perfected the pattern. I then made a handful of teepees, went on Brickyard Buffalo, and it has snowballed since then. A year later we have finally paid off our student loan debt! And now have a reliable computer. But, I will continue working ;)

* I love stories like this because they are real and relatable-- starting something to pay off student loans and buy a computer. Freaking LOVE!*

BEST PART OF THE JOB: Being able to employ other moms who also get to work from their homes doing something they love (sewing).

HARDEST PART OF OWNING A SMALL BUSINESS: You never stop working!

*Every small business owner, including myself, just let out an exhausted sigh*

ADVICE TO THOSE WANTING TO START A NEW BUSINESS: Keeping accurate track of your business finances is key in being successful. I am lucky to have an accountant for a husband who knows exactly where we spend business money.

*Go hubby!*

PART OF THE JOB THAT WAS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THAN YOU EXPECTED: I had intended it to be a little side thing, something I did after my kids went to bed. It has become more than that. I have worked hard, and have been blessed greatly.

SOMETHING ABOUT THE JOB THAT SURPRISED YOU: How fulfilling it is to create something that others love and are willing to spend their money purchasing.

YOU, 5 YEARS: If my husband had it his way I would be pregnant with my 5th or 6th baby. I’m good with the 2 I have. But I would love to be able to employ more mamas, and keep doing what I am doing. Life is good.

*OMG. I love your husband*

YOU, TONIGHT: I just finished way too much of my Cafe Rio salad, so my plans of going to the gym are shot. I’ll be cutting fabric and cuddling my sweet kids and hot hubby instead.

STYLE CRUSH FOR LITTLES: I love little girls in leggings. That’s basically all my girls wear (after we finally get dressed half way through the day).

FAVORITE USE OF YOUR AWESOME TEEPEES: I have recently had many purchases for my teepees to be used on the beach. We decided to take one to the beach to see how practical it was. My daughter was about to take a nap in one. It was great! A fun way for kids to get some shade but still be able to play with the sand.

AMOUNT OF TIMES YOU HAVE WANTED TO CALL IT QUITS BUT KEPT PUSHING ON: Too many times to count. My sweet husband keeps me positive about being a business owner and is constantly reminding me of the big picture.

*An accountant AND a cheerleader?! Good man.*

WHAT WOULD YOU BE COMPOSING IF NOT WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW?: Probably more children

FAVORITE THING TO DO OUTSIDE OF YOUR CREATIVE WORLD: I just started taking piano lessons and I am in love. If you need someone to play Jingle Bells or When The Saints Go Marching at your next function, I’m your girl!

*How can anyone not love you*

VICE: online shopping, because I need to support every handmade business owner right? (my husband has heard that way too many times)

IF YOU COULD CHOW ONE THING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?: A dole whip. But I have to be in Hawaii or Disney land to eat it.

*what is a dole whip and why do I suddenly need one?*

INSIDE YOUR CLOSET: I keep all my clothes in a teepee. Doesn’t everyone?

jk jk.

I need a bigger closet though. My husbands clothes actually take up half of the closet. So basically I need my OWN closet.

You deserve your own closet, Courtney! (Coming from the girl with NO closet at all!)