Community Corner
Bloom Town: Crafty La Mesa Mom Spins Dress Code into an Online Business
Opportunity didn't knock for Kristin Vent. It came wrapped up in a beautiful red bow. She feels feel "like I'm really blooming as a person for the first time."
Kristin Vent’s line of girls’ hair accessories was born out of necessity when she realized her daughter’s school, Christ Lutheran of La Mesa, requires hairpieces to be in school colors.
“This is not entirely a bad thing, since I know she won’t be clashing with her uniform—as most kids will do if given a chance—but I had a bit of trouble finding age-appropriate items in red, white, black and gray. So I took matters into my own hands and started making them myself,” said Vent, a mom of three who moved to La Mesa from Julian nine years ago.
After discovering she had a talent for hairy situations, stay-at-home mom Vent struck out on her own with her Love in Bloom Etsy site. Vent has been selling her accessories since last fall and hopes to expand her business by offering tutus and matching bows in the coming weeks. She’s also planning a line of kids jewelry this fall.
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“I came up with the name Love in Bloom as a result of the many different ways I saw God working in my life over the past year,” said Vent, quoting John with “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.”
“I have changed quite a bit in the last year, primarily because this truth finally made its way into my heart. I see so many new possibilities in my life and feel quite a bit like I’m really blooming as a person for the first time.”
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Love in Bloom is, well, blooming.
Oma’s Dairy Farm in Lakeside, also known as Oma’s Pumpkin Patch and Oma’s Christmas Tree Patch, carries a selection of her items. Vent also plans to be at several events this year, including the Parent Connection Swap Meet on March 27 at Canyon Crest Academy in Carmel Valley. Growing more and more savvy everyday, Vent is also donating several bows to Christ Lutheran’s annual gala and silent auction supporting the school.
In addition to her Etsy store, Vent has a Facebook page and a brand new blog. “This blog is brand new… I am currently having a giveaway for a $10 gift certificate to my shop to one of my first 100 blog followers,” Vent said.
