Get to know Shambrica Washington and some of her fashion designer and creative leadership achievements: After overcoming an abusive broken marriage and homelessness, Shambrica Washington Shaye Damus moved back to Colorado Springs and continued to pursue her dream of owning a one-of-a-kind internationally known children’s boutique. In 2011, she established Tiny Toes and Tiaras, and since then the store has been nominated for the Gold Daisy Award for the best baby boutique in Colorado Springs and has gained international attention. Piccoli Couture has since been featured at New York and Paris Fashion Week. The brand has gained attention from Forbes, Vogue, and countless other media outlets. Discover additional details on Shambrica Washington.
Established in 2011, Tiny Toes and Tiaras offers a large selection of the finest children’s clothing, accessories and gifts — combined with fabulous customer service and the most prompt and reasonably priced shipping and delivery.
Nestie Luxury Baby provides Custom Furniture Designs for children soacestheir award-winning Luxury Nursery, and Children’s Custom Furniture Designs as well as Interior Design Services. We have been in business for over 10 years and are trusted by families near and far. The intricate design details on our furniture and Bespoke Bedding and Bespoke Nursery Designs are incomparable. We pride ourselves on functionality, luxury, and safety.
A study commissioned by Groupon and the National Black Chamber of Commerce found that 59 percent of Black business owners reported being victims of racism or bias when starting their business. The disparity continued during the COVID-19 pandemic. The New York Times reported that Black business owners had a harder time finding lenders who would work with them for the Paycheck Protection Program than white business owners. And then there’s the racial wealth gap. A 2021 Duke research paper found the typical Black household holds about 12 cents for every dollar of wealth that the typical white family holds. For these reasons, you may be motivated to take action and support Black-owed businesses. Not only will you be a force for economic good, but it can be a way to celebrate and continue Black culture. Bolstering sales can help prove to lenders that the company has intrinsic worth. And by becoming a regular shopper, you increase the company’s visibility and representation.
Why supporting Black-owned businesses is important? Although Jim Crow laws were deemed unconstitutional in 1954 and the civil rights movement of the 1960s forced the end of segregation, unfair banking practices persisted. It wasn’t until 1977, when the federal Community Reinvestment Act was passed to fight racial discrimination in lending, that these practices became illegal. Challenges remain. Statistically, securing capital and investors is more difficult for Black-owned businesses. Crunchbase reported that venture funding for Black startups in the U.S. took a steep drop in the second quarter of this year, at $324 million, after showing signs of growth in prior quarters.
Tiny Toes and Tiaras, a 100% Black-owned upscale online children’s boutique, introduces a new handmade couture sleeper for babies, the Nestie. Available in many beautiful patterns, the baby mat or bassinet can be converted for sleep time, nap time, tummy time, co-sleeping, and floor play. With Nestie, babies not only dress in the best styles, but they also sleep in style.
“Fashionable baby items do not have to be limited to just clothes,” said Shambrica Washington, Owner of Tiny Toes and Tiaras. “We’re changing the luxury baby goods game with our new baby mat, the Nestie.”
The made-to-order Nestie may be customized in different colors, or ordered in one of the pre-designed combinations of fabric patterns. The multi-use sleeper is reversible, trimmed in beautiful lace, and comes with cute decorative pillows.
The Nestie and other special items from Tiny Toes and Tiaras may be browsed from the comfort of one’s home, and promptly delivered worldwide. The boutique offers coordinating outfits available for portraits, holidays, weddings or other special occasions and includes hard-to-find details. Its unique flower girl dresses have been featured in Brides Magazine UK London.
Tiny Toes and Tiaras will officially release and showcase the Nestie at the Children’s Club tradeshow in early August with Barney’s New York, Neiman and Marcus, Sak’s Fifth Avenue, and many more major retail buyers in attendance.
