I am S.M.A.R.T. : Interview with Dinah Pittman of S.M.A.R.T. Hats |
Dinah,
Thank you so much for answering the questions so quickly. You and your son motivate me, and help me see what my son is capable of: Greatness. Although he may be diagnosed with autism, it doesn't define who he is nor does it hinder his talents. I just wanted to ask you a few questions so that my readers have an insight to what it is that you and your brand do.
Q & A
Q1. What is it that you do?
A1. The S.M.A.R.T. Hat Collection provides trendy pieces with an inspirational message. "We are S.M.A.R.T., because God is SUPER.MIGHTY.AWESOME.RIGHTEOUS.and TRIUMPHANT" We want to be encouraging to all, and also show support for causes of Autism Awareness and Breast Cancer Research. So you will see special pieces that will help us donate funds to those causes.
Q2. What inspired you to use fashion in order to spread awareness?
A2. Life inspired me. My son has been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum with Asperger's Syndrome. So living and dealing with him and his ways, his differences, his learning abilities, his passions, his frustrations, and every other part of him has inspired me to let people (who may not understand) know that even though he and millions of other kids have some differences, they are still just regular kids and should not be singled out, frowned upon, bullied, or criticized for being different. We were all made in the Imago Dei, the Image of God.
Q3. What motivated you to start, and what continues to motivate you today?
A3. Well my son, who had just turned 10 at the time (he's now 11), was getting ready for the 4th grade End of Grade testing. For all kids this is a big deal, and sometimes can be super scary. When you throw in Asperger's syndrome, which my son was diagnosed at 5, or any other learning difference, for that matter, this can be even more difficult to provide encouragement. Well during that time, he said to me "Mommie I think I need to make a 'SMART' hat to help me pass my EOGs." So we did just that. I told him we should think of words that SMART could stand for. He started calling out words for each letter; 'SUPER, MIGHTY, AWESOME, RIGHTEOUS and we later thought of TRIUMPHANT. So this made me think of the fact that these are all words that we use to describe God, and things that we strive to be. So the SMART hat can encourage us to be our best and define ourselves with these words.
Honestly, the grace of God. With all that He has done for me, I would dare not allow the gifts and graces He has given me be wasted or not used for His kingdom. So when I hear people say, "I love your message" , that's what lets me know I'm doing the right thing
Q4. Have you had any hiccups? If so, how did/are you overcoming them?
A4. Major challenges have been funding. We have some things in place that are helping with that part. Also, sticking with projects and things that are free like social media, and in house sourcing have cut down on certain costs!
Q5. Tells us about your hats!! (I'm in love with the floral one!)
A5. Yes, I definitely like the floral one as well. We currently have available 5panels, Snapbacks, and beanies which all feature The S.M.A.R.T. Label. They retail between $20-30. There are a few prints and some solid colors.Pretty soon we will have more styles, and some will even feature our main character "Dex the Brainiac".
Q6. What's your next project with this brand?
A6. Wow, We will be shooting a promotional very soon, so please keep an eye out for that! Also, we will launch some fall looks, but we really want to stay on season, so we will be working on our Spring 2015 looks as well (to launch in the autumn time frame).
Q7. If people want to support you, what's the best way?
A7. Well the BEST way..is to PURCHASE SOMETHING!! But we do accept online support...They can follow (and tell a friend to tell a friend) on our social media pages:
Our website: www.smart-hat.com (all the below information can be accessed from the site as well)
Our blog: smart-hat.tumblr.com (fans should subscribe to become a part of the S.M.A.R.T. Insiders. They will receive special emails updates, news, product releases, and special discounts!!)
Instagram: @smart_hat our posts go to my twitter account @iamdmari
Facebook.com/WearSmartHat
Pinterest.com/smarthat
Thanks again for the support!!..
I am S.M.A.R.T. : Interview with Dinah Pittman of S.M.A.R.T. Hats |
Until next time,
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