Meet Whitney Ford of Shiki in Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Ford.

Whitney, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I call myself a Calizonanan because I was raised in California, but have put down roots here in Arizona. Growing up we lived in the Bay Area and then in college, I moved to Orange County to attend Cal State Fullerton. After college, I moved to Arizona to chase my dream of being Miss America, and while that dream didn’t come to fruition it led me to the incredible life I am leading today. In 2012 while I was serving as Miss Phoenix I met my now-husband, Taylor and we’re happy to call AZ our home. We live in Mesa with our two kiddos, Tatum (3) and Kennedy (1.5) and our two Dalmation Pitbulls.

Aside from being a wife and mother I’m a multi-passionate entrepreneur (or mom-prenuer if you will haha) and tend to wear a lot of hats.
– A free-lance Social Media Manager. My clients include a few national brands and two corporate accelerator programs.
– Owner of Shiki, a small shop specializing in custom apparel, we’re best known for our Signature mumus!
– Mom Blogger and owner of whitneyirene.com
– Executive Director of the Miss Scottsdale, Miss Phoenix, & Miss Maricopa County Scholarship Organization, which is a local preliminary to Miss America.

I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to work from home and work for myself, this allows me to be the type of mother I always envisioned being and leaves space for me to pursue my many passions.

Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve been so fortunate throughout my life but I think everything comes with giving and take. Working for myself and working from home with so many different candles burning at once takes a lot of discipline and often a lot, of course – correction along the way.

Adjusting my goals as an entrepreneur when I became a mother and learning to redefine balance and productivity has been eye-opening and very challenging. Being a mom, and being an entrepreneur each come with their unique struggles but one thing they share is that you never truly “clock off.” It’s easy to get lost in your work or to lose your identity as a new mom and I certainly had some seasons where postpartum depression was prevalent.

As an enneagram eight, I avoid being vulnerable and asking for help so struggling with PPD and just the general overwhelm of being a business owner and a mom has been humbling and has helped me relate on a deeper level to those around me. We’re all fighting our own battles, big or small, so empathy and kindness are key.

Please tell us about your business.
In 2015 my best friend Liz and I launched Shiki, which initially began as a custom party decor and event design business but quickly pivoted when our signature mumus took off and gained popularity. Since then Liz has stepped away from the business and we are still besties and each other’s #1 fans.

The word Shiki is part of my American Indian name and Shiki means Pretty or Beautiful – I chose to use this piece of my name because whether I’m designing an event, creating graphics for a client, encouraging a girlfriend, or lovin’ on my kids there are always ways to #MakeItShiki! A little more about the Mumu – Shiki Moos is not your grandma’s mumu (but my grandma DOES love them).

Fair warning: Shiki MooMoos is mildly addicting. If you know, you know. Once you’ve felt the buttery soft bamboo cotton on your skin you’ll never want to take it off. They fit like a tunic dress and can be worn as a nightgown, long shirt, or tied to the side with jeans or leggings.

Something that makes Shiki mumus unique is they can be customized so they make such thoughtful gifts, are a great addition to an event (our whole pageant committee wears them the day of the pageant like a team uniform) and can be personalized to fit your personality.

I’m so proud that we create a product that so many people love gifting to their loved ones, that so many incorporate into their special occasions. Shiki mumu’s are popular among new brides and it never gets old seeing my designs worn on someone’s big day. Sorority women love them for Big/Little reveal, and basically, every woman in my life from young to old says Shiki mumus are their favorite thing to wear to bed to run errands in!

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The thing about fashion is it changes, and we’re prepared to adapt and give our customers what they want. I think a huge reason our mumus are still trending, and are still a go-to gift for women and girls is that cozy never goes out of style, and there’s truly something magical about receiving something personalized for you.

With social media being what it is I think items that normally wouldn’t appear in pics (like what you wear to bed) are now being shared because matching pj’s, and seasonal PJs are so popular and everyone wants to Instagram what they are doing when they’re doing it.

Pricing:

• Custom Mumus $42.50 (free shipping on all order over $35)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Shikico
• Email: whitney@shikico.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiki_co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeitshiki/
• Other: whitneyirene.com https://www.instagram.com/whitneyirene/

Image Credit:
Karlie Colleen Photography
Cacie Carrol Photography

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