The climb of a fashion designer and creative director professional : Shambrica Washington: 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. Read additional details on Shambrica Washington.

Tiny Toes Toes and Tiaras clothing are made with those hard to find details such as hand smocked embroidery, and appliqués. Designs feature many outfits for portraits, holidays,weddings or special occasions. In 2018 we presented our 2018 FW Collection at New York Fashion Week.

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.

The study also showed that Black-owned businesses continue to face payroll inequities. The national average annual payroll for employer businesses is $1.25 million, more than four times the average annual payroll for a Black-run businesses. A funding gap almost certainly plays a role here, the findings stated. 18.7% of U.S. employer businesses are minority-owned (U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Annual Business Survey); 13.6% of the U.S. population is Black or African American (U.S. Census 2021 Quick Facts); There are 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the U.S. (2022 Brookings Institute report); 46% of all Black entrepreneurs are women (2021 Guidant Financial report); Black-owned businesses support 3.56 million jobs in the U.S. (2022 Brookings Institute report); Fayetteville, N.C., has the highest percentage of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. (LendingTree study).

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.