She's Re-engineering Items for Kids

Erica Napolitano had a degree in industrial engineering before deciding to become a high school math teacher.

For three years, Napolitano taught math at Mount Hope High School before leaving teaching to become a stay-at-home mom. 

Son Myles is now 4, and Napolitano said that like many first time moms, she went along with what friends and magazines suggested when it came to what she'd need to care for her oldest son.

After Myles was born, Napolitano and her husband, Domenic, a mechanical engineer, moved from Bristol to Barrington.

When Colby, who is now 2, came along a couple of years later, the former industrial engineer and math teacher decided to do some pint-sized engineering on the items she used for her boys.

"I realized a lot of the things I'd used with Myles didn't work so well when it came time to use them with Colby," said Napolitano.

That motivated Napolitano to redesign and recreate some of the items she wanted to use, which led to the launch of her own company, Colby Creations.

Napolitano searches for textiles in primarily 100 percent cotton, then washes and preshrinks them, before creating custom crib and co-sleeper sheets, shopping cart straps (the Snazzy Seat Strap) to keep kids safe, flannel baby wipes, and produce bags.

She also upcycles kids clothing into clothespin bags -- a great way for parents to hang onto the memories ingrained in some of their children's favorite clothing.

Napolitano said she's always considered herself to be "a crafter," and is constantly thinking of new things to make, for her family and friends, as well as for customers.

"I try to make practical handmade products," she said. "Handmade items are catering to exactly what you need."

While her boys are still young, Napolitano sells her items mostly through word of mouth. But you can also find her creations at hyenacart.com/colbycreations, and on Facebook by searching Colby Creations.

She said a lot of her sales come from when she takes the boys shopping and people notice the Snazzy Seat Strap she keeps Colby safe with. She also sells at craft fairs, including the farmers and artisans market at the White Church in Barrington on Saturday mornings.

Napolitano said the direction her life has taken since she had her sons is truly an enjoyable one.

"I love creating," said Napolitano. "I feel very lucky that we have a wonderful home in a great neighborhood, and I get to do something I love while being with my sons."