Fun Children's Clothing by Scarsdale's Happy Patches

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. This series is as much about supporting companies as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

Our spotlight today is on Kelsa DeBrabant of Happy Patches.

Business: Happy Patches
Owners: Kelsa DeBrabant
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyPatches
Address: 276 Boulevard, Scarsdale
Contact_Info: Kelsa DeBrabant, kelsa.debrabant@gmail.com

How did you come up with the name?
My business is an iron-on applique company for kids. I wanted a name that was extremely positive and easy to remember.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
I am a home-based business.

Briefly, what business are you in?
Childrenswear

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
My most difficult challenge is balancing being a mom of 2 young children and a business owner. It is a daily challenge to keep both nurtured and thriving.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
I second guess myself everyday. I continue with the business because it empowers me like no other and serves as a great role model for my children.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
My proudest moment was when my Australian customer, who is a costume designer in Sydney, emailed me pictures of all the girls and boys on stage wearing my appliques - and they looked fabulous!

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
Last spring, I had a customer request some custom snowflake appliques for her daughter to create her own DIY Elsa dress. These snowflakes ended up being one of my best sellers to date.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
I listen. I want my customers to have a positive experience with my business and I truly want to know if a customer is unsatisfied.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
5% of all profits go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Family Services of Westchester

The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.