How many children do you have and what are their ages? Please tell us something about each child.
I have one son, his name is Willard Austin. He shares his first name with his father, grandfather, and great grandfather (passed on), but goes by Austin. He is two and a half years old (5-13-02). He loves animals and already has an Australian Shepherd (Toby), a guppy and two frogs, and a turtle.

What did you think you'd be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be an elementary school teacher, a DNR officer (Department of Natural Resources in Michigan, where I grew up), or a veterinarian.

Who did your classmates think you were in high school?
I was one of those kids that everyone knew. I was really active in FFA (agricultural youth group) and loved the competitions and the outdoor involvement. Most of my animal fair projects turned into pets, which suprised no one.

Would they be surprised by who you are now?
Not at all! My two best friends in high school are now married and still my best friends. I visit my FFA advisors and several classmates from high school whenever I’m in Michigan. I don’t think that the person I am suprises any of them at all, though my growing crunchiness suprises even me!

Are you married? What is your husband's name and how did you meet him? Was it love at first sight?
I am married to Willard Christopher Rankin (Chris). We each knew from the first date that we had met the one we would marry, but it took us 6 months to admit it out loud to each other (we still laugh about this). We had our first date in September 1997, got engaged in September 1998, and were married in September 1999. Though we are complete and total opposites, he’s my best friend and we balance each other perfectly.

Who were you before Doodle Bottoms, any interesting jobs or schooling?
I worked in retail management for many years, up until our son was born. I had gone to college for a few years before I was married, but found it difficult to juggle school, a full time job, and still be a wife, so school was put on the back burner. When Austin was born I realized I wanted more than the direction my life was going, so Chris and I rearranged our priorities, paid off a few bills, and I became a SAHM and returned to school.

How did you get started cloth diapering and sewing your own diapers?
I had always wanted to cloth diaper, so when I started looking for ways to balance our budget while I was in school, cloth diapers were first on the list. I began sewing (my mother is a seamstress and encouraged her daughters learn to sew as well - thanks mom!!). I started making wipes, first for Austin and then for friends. After much encouragement, I decided to open a website. Meanwhile I had been learning about the diaper business and developing my own patterns and techniques. Before I knew it, Doodle Bottoms had been created. I love to sew, and am constantly thinking of new things I could make...

What inspired you to create your business?
I am addicted to both cloth diapers and fabric. Having a cloth diaper business allows me to indulge both my obsessions at the same time. The biggest obstacle I run into is time, time, time... I go to school full-time as well as care for an extremely active toddler, a hard-working husband, and a home. I get frustrated with myself sometimes because I have all these ideas in my head and no time to make them a reality. But I love to sew; it relaxes me, and I adore seeing pictures of my customers' beautiful babies in my diapers.

What did your family say when you told them you were going to be an entrepreneur?
My mother was proud; she was able to be a SAHM when my younger sister was born, and supplemented my father's income with her sewing skills (she cloth diapered as well). My husband was happy, mostly because the income from Doodle Bottoms helps to pay my college tuition. But I think he feels overwhelmed sometimes by the mountains of fabric that have invaded our home.

How did you come up with the name Doodlebottoms?
Austin has a strong fondness for coloring, especially with permanent markers. One day when he was 6 mos old, he was out of my sight for about 2 minutes. When I came back, he had his clothes off, diaper off, and had colored all over his bum with a black Sharpie. To this day we don’t know how he got it or how he managed the contortions to color his backside. His nickname became doodle bottom, so when I decided to open a site, Doodle Bottoms was an obvious choice.

What are your dreams for the future?
I’ll be obtaining my Bachelors Degree in Business next year. My husband and I have plans to buy a farm, and he wants to start a small business on the side and work for himself, and have more babies!

If you have time for hobbies, or outside interests, what are they?
I love to horseback ride, hike the wonderful parks here in Kentucky, and play with my son. My husband and I spend every Sunday looking for new antique shops and flea markets, too.

What's your favorite product from another WAHM?
It’s impossible to choose! I love my covers and diapers from Little Lambs (they’re saved away for the next baby), as well as my denim recycle fitteds from Fern and Faerie.

What is your favorite dessert?
Strawberry shortcake with lots of whipped cream.

What is your favorite book?
Lewis and Clark Expedition. I have read this book at least a hundred times since I was a teen, and it gets better everytime I read it.

Who is your favorite musical artist or what is your favorite song?
I love all different kinds of music: classical, bluegrass, rap, alternative, rock ‘n’ roll, country - you name it. My all-time favorite artist, though, is my husband. He plays acoustic guitar beautifully and I could just sit and hear him play for hours.

What's something that no one would ever guess about you?
I have terrible self-confidence, and hold my breath every time I send out an order until I hear that they like it. When you make something yourself, especially something creative, it’s a reflection of you. I find that the hardest part of this business.

Anything else you think would be fun for others to know about you?
I love to dance, and am a terrible sucker for power ballads from the 80's.

http://www.doodlebottoms.com
Products include: All kinds of embroidered stuff!! Embroidered and appliqued Windpro and wool covers, print PUL covers, cotton sherpa and hemp one-size fitted diapers, both hemp and cotton sherpa prefolds, both hemp and cotton flats, cloth wipes, boy and girl specific pocket diaper inserts, both boy and girl-specific, flannel and fleece blankets, loveys, burp cloths, and anything else I can think of!!