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The need for a good personalized apron- our story!

Tooele resident Amy Reidling has a passion for aprons – frilly aprons, sassy aprons, vintage aprons, polka-dot aprons, aprons for men and zebra-stripe aprons. Personalized aprons, aprons for cooking, cleaning, yard work, holiday parties and tailgating.

Reidling also has a passion for charity. And just a few months ago, she finally launched Aprons by Amy – her dream business combining both her love of aprons and her love of others – after nearly eight years of planning.

The Reidlings have operated their own small embroidery business since 1998, which is exactly why they never expected their personalized aprons branch-off to become so popular so quickly.

“I wanted to start out at the beginning with a charity,” Reidling said. “But I really didn’t know where it was going.”

Where it was going was an online business that after just a few months of operation has generated enough hype to have sold more than 100 personalized aprons for the Christmas season – before Black Friday. In addition to local customers, Reidling has taken orders from all over the nation, and her first international order came in from England just a few days ago. It’s a success that, according to her, can’t be expected of a business so young.

“Usually when you have a new idea, it’s like a baby,” she said. “It starts to crawl, and then to walk. But this thing has literally started at a run.”

Using the set up from their original embroidery business, Aprons by Amy offers a variety of aprons – from the little black dress apron, their most popular item, to personalized aprons, animal print aprons and aprons for men. Amy can also customize them with unique embroidered images and monograms.

They offer a selection of pre-made designs for customers to choose from, but because her husband, Joe, has a talent for digitizing just about any design, Amy felt confident claiming they could create any image a customer could dream up, with the exception of copyrighted designs for personalized aprons. Over the last few months, the Reidlings have taken orders ranging from as simple as a personalized aprons with embroidered initials to embroidering full, hand-drawn images.

Amy felt she owed at least part of her new business’s success to the charity portion of Aprons by Amy. A portion of every purchase made – about a dollar per apron – is sent to either the National Autism Association of Western Utah, or directly to the National Autism Association itself. From there, the money goes to fund programs that provide treatment for those families who otherwise could not afford therapy for their children – therapies that are often not covered by insurance.

Their youngest son, 7-year-old Cole, who has autism, inspired the Aprons for Autism charity. It was an idea that she resisted at first, wanting to avoid making her son’s diagnosis public.

Eventually, she came to terms with the idea, and Amy’s Aprons for Autism soon became a successful reality.

“I think people resonate with the cause,” she said. “One in six children has a learning disability, and autism is increasing [in prevalence].”

The Reidlings are now nearly ready to make their first donations, a prospect that excites her, though Amy said they are not yet sure what the total will be. Orders are coming in so quickly that, despite their best efforts to keep their products in stock, certain popular aprons and fabrics are already sold out until the new year. If that success can assist others, Amy said, then it is all the better.

“A little hope is better than nothing,” she said.

Whatever the cause may be, Aprons by Amy customers certainly seem taken by her personalized aprons. Amy said at least one woman has told her she collects the different styles of aprons offered on her site. Another woman said her daughter has asked for an apron of her own for Christmas. But her No. 1 customer demographic is men.

“Right now, the men are really buying for the women,” Amy said. “Men are buying multiples of even 10.”

Most of the personalized aprons they buy, she suspects, are the results of one-stop shopping for her customer’s female relations. It’s not uncommon for her to receive an order of multiple unique aprons – some suited to completely opposite tastes. But she has made several sports-related aprons for tailgating as well. In either case, when a man orders, Amy said it is rare for her to have to walk the customer through the ordering process.

“They seem to know exactly what they want,” she said. “It’s the ladies who are more nit-picky. Men don’t get as hung up on the details.”

Thus far, the aprons business has been so successful that Amy said she intends to introduce a
of personalized aprons every month next year, beginning in January with what she calls the “Monogram Chic Line,” a series of aprons with print and sold fabrics arranged to complement custom monograms. After that, she plans to add a line that resists dirt and hair for house cleaning and hair stylists. These aprons, she hopes, will be sold in sets with matching gloves.

What exactly is fueling the personalized aprons’ popularity continues to evade the Reidlings, who cited the charity aspect, the ability to make a unique gift, and nostalgia. But the ultimate advantage of her aprons, according to Amy, is that they can make anyone look like a “professional mom” – a term first coined by her daughter.

“It makes you look like a legitimate good cook,” Amy said. “Go get take-out and you still look like a rock star.”

Amy’s personalized aprons aren’t all just for sale. She has made several for herself, as well.

“I have my personalized aprons for every task,” she said. “I have an apron for cleaning the house, an apron for cooking, and even an personalized apron for working in the garden…. Can you really have too many?”

About the Author

ApronsbyAmy.com does personalized aprons, priced at $16.95

Vintage Japan Work Apron – Traditional Cotton Maekake

Make Your Own Apron Fabric Panel – Pink/Green/Purple – 3 Tiers Unique Very Cute $10.00

Grill Sergeant Apron – BBQ Grilling Apron – FUN – Beer Belt – Funny Unique Gift $19.99

Lovely Portuguese Rooster Apron With a Unique Green Border & Pocket $8.99

Daddy’s Diaper Changing Apron – Unique New Dad Gag Gift- Baby Shower Gift Idea $38.00

224 WOMENS UNIQUE APRON DRESS, JUST 3 EASY PIECES, sz 8 to 12, PATTERN, UNCUT $5.95

Unique new handcrafted apron purple four corners cook $12.00

Vtg Ladies Womans Valentine’s Day Unique Heart Sweater Vest Red Pink Sz Lg 12 14 $9.99

tablecloths Waterproof fabric Unique butterfly textile apron pouch shopping cart $7.50

Waterproof fabric Unique butterfly textiles pouch apron tablecloths shoppingcart $7.30

Waterproof fabric Unique textiles pouch apron tablecloths shoppingcart cover $6.60

dog Waterproof fabric Unique textiles pouch apron tablecloths shoppingcart cover $6.60

Vintage Full Apron Unique Antique Estate Handmade Gold Pink Flowers Black Bows $0.99

Vintage Full Apron Unique Antique Estate Handmade Purple Violet w/pocket $0.99

Vintage Full Apron Unique Antique Estate Handmade Bib Pink White Daisy Crochet $0.99

Vintage Full Apron Unique Antique Estate Handmade Asian Theme Butterfly on Bib $0.99

Vintage Half Apron Unique Antique Estate Handmade Crochet UNBELIEVABLE!! $9.99

4 T MATILDA JANE Felicia Knot Apron Dress Unique Free Shipping Pretty! $50.39

Unique new apron child Winnie the Pooh Eeyore Tigger $6.99

Unique new handcraft apron kitchen polar bear ice snow $12.00

Unique new apron toddler polar bear snow ice north child $6.99

Unique Chef Ace Cooking Apron $11.95

Unique Chef Ace Cooking Apron $11.95

4 Vintage 40′s Unique Half APRON Fabric Material Sewing Sew Pattern 1 Size 2073 $8.99

One-of-a-Kind John Deere Apron-Very Unique-Check This Out-A Must Have $20.00

Unique new handcrafted apron home sweet home coffee cup $12.00

NWT JUNIORS CUTE MYNT STAR UNIQUE CORAL MEXICALI APRON POCKET SUMMER DRESS SZ S $98.99

Unique new apron stars stripes flag USA July 4 $12.00

Come To The Dark Side Cookies NEW Unisex APRON *Free Ship USA* Unique Original $17.99

DII Unique Bohemian Flowers Print Full Apron Bright Print with 2 Side Pockets $36.38

UNIQUE Vintage NEW MEXICO Hanky / Organdy Half Apron $4.95

Vintage~CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS APRON~Very Unique and Pretty! fabric/material $0.99

Pink Horse Horseshoe Apron BEST HORSES Theme APRONS UNIQUE HORSE LOVER GIFTS $17.09

UNIQUE Chefs Quality YUMMY GRAND MUMMY WHITE Bib Apron $14.04

VINTAGE PEACH COTTON APRON W/ FLORAL POCKETS UNIQUE $7.95

Vintage 60s Half Apron pleated floral VERY Unique Retro Kitsch COOL!! $17.24

Black Be Nice to Me or I’ll Poison Your Food Embroidered Apron $19.99 High quality cotton/poly blend apron embroidered with the perfect saying to make a statement at your next party. Fully adjustable to accomodate both larger and smaller builds….

Flirty Aprons Women’s Original Apron Take the monotony out of daily life by adding the exciting and sexy flare of a Flirty Apron. This apron’s 2-ply construction, sturdy yet soft fabric, strong stitching and darling cut are an ideal match for all of your needs. All fabrics are uniquely designed so everyone can find their style. Flirty Aprons commits to having the highest quality aprons out there, with that perfect soft-cotton feel. O…

Chef Works Black and White Check Traditional Chef Pants …

Ambiente-33 Copper Handmade Kitchen Farmhouse Round Apron Single Well Plain Sink $1,206.00 33x22x9″ Copper Handmade Kitchen Farmhouse Round Apron Single Well Plain Sink with 2″ Flat Lip, 3.5″ Drain and Dark Finish, 16 Gauge, 99% Pure Copper and 1% Zinc (Lead Free), Furnished without Drain. This beautiful craftsmanship work on recycled copper has been typical and traditional from Santa Clara del Cobre, Mich., Mexico for decades now and features both the Mexican style and some great funct…

Ambiente-17 Copper Handmade Bar Vessel Apron Round Sink $239.00 17×7″ Copper Handmade Bar Vessel 3″ High Apron Round Sink with 1″ Flat Lip, 2″ Drain and Dark Finish, 18 Gauge, 99% Pure Copper and 1% Zinc (Lead Free), Furnished without Drain. This beautiful craftsmanship work on recycled copper has been typical and traditional from Santa Clara del Cobre, Mich., Mexico for decades now and features both the Mexican style and some great functionality and hygiene g…

Ambiente-17 Copper Handmade Bathroom Square Apron Sink $422.00 17x17x6″ Copper Handmade Bathroom Square Apron Sink with 2″ Flat Lip, 1.5″ Drain and Dark Finish, 18 Gauge, 99% Pure Copper and 1% Zinc (Lead Free), Furnished without Drain. This beautiful craftsmanship work on recycled copper has been typical and traditional from Santa Clara del Cobre, Mich., Mexico for decades now and features both the Mexican style and some great functionality and hygiene guara…

Betty Dain Jelly Apron, Black, 1-Pound (Pack of 3) $15.00 The Betty Dain Jelly Apron is water and chemical proof to protect clothes during all salon processes. It features functional deep pockets and is easily adjustable with unique pull string ties…

Daddy’s Diaper Changing Apron – Unique New Dad Gag Gift- Baby Shower Gift Idea $21.96 Fun Baby Shower gift idea for Daddy-to-be! Daddy’s Diaper Changing Apron, “Daddy’s Doodie” * Baby Shower gift! GREAT Price and FREE Gift Box & FREE “Daddy tools hardware gift wrapping” available! Comes pre-loaded and ready for battle, just slip it on when Duty (Doodie) calls! Just slip on this soil-resistant (machine washable) shield and everything is within reach. You get all this: Soil-R…

Leopard Croc Clips * Colortrak Safari Collection * 4 Clips $6.95 * The best-selling Croc Clip now in fashion’s hottest animal prints! * Unique double-hinged design holds large amounts of hair while cutting & styling * each clip measures: 3/4″ wide X 4-1/2″ long * 4 – LEOPARD print Croc Clips…

Princess Linens Doodlebugz Crayon Apron Pink Striped $16.98 This adorable crayon apron comes complete with 10 washable crayons and a pad of paper. With an adjustable hook and loop closure in the back, the apron is easy to take on and off and will grow with the child. Item is also available for $5 more with a name, initial or monogram of the childs name. Seller will contact buyer after payment to get personalization information….