‘Stinky Kids’ creator Britt Menzies tells students to ‘never assume no’

The 2015 winter Ivy Hall Writers Series is going into its third week. On January 21, “Stinky Kids” creator Britt Menzies opened the series with an inspiring lecture on how she transformed a small painting into a successful children’s brand.

“Since my business focuses on books and kids, I would like to start this lecture off with a story,” Menzies said. The writer began the lecture with the four familiar storybook words “once upon a time … ”

Menzies shared how her three-year-old daughter requested a painted portrait of herself as a ballerina. This simple request caught the attention of some friends. Soon enough the accountant turned stay-at-home mom was commissioning her artwork. After she asked to hang some of her paintings in a children’s store, the store owner asked to buy the rights to Menzies’ painted characters and print them on tee shirts. Menzies decided to do it herself and “Stinky Kids” was born.

In the past 10 years, “Stinky Kids” has grown into a series of story books (featuring 10 diverse characters), a line of bikes, trikes, plush dolls and an award-winning musical. Not bad for a woman who studied accounting and finance. Menzies’ business and financial knowledge was an asset, but her passion and attitude are the real keys to her success. One of the most inspiring moments of the evening was when Menzies shared how she went from selling “Stinky Kids” tee shirts in the carpool line of her daughter and son’s school to signing a distribution deal with the upscale fashion retailer Nordstrom.

The “Stinky Kids” creator added a sticker, trading card and bookmark to each shirt to help market the brand. That was one of her many smart business ideas, along with bartering her way to success. Menzies made a list of all of the people she knew and their profession (a tip that she suggested everyone do). She used this list to seek out help from printing tee shirts to editing her first book. Her strong network and willingness to exchange services with associates helped to keep her company out of debt.

Out of all of the suggestions that Menzies gave, her biggest tip was “never assume ‘no’.” A single idea transformed Menzies into a children’s clothing designer, author, bicycle designer, doll creator and playwright. Although the journey has been a rollercoaster, she says that “quality, passion, dedication and a good community of people” have helped get the “Stinky Kids” brand to where it is today.

Students and guests were highly impressed. Fashion and Luxury graduate student A’sha Hall said, “The presentation was very intriguing. I like the fact that she was so open and honest about her humble beginnings. It was very encouraging.”

Menzies closed her presentation saying, “Your craft is the seed.” Indeed her skill as an accountant and mother has branched out into many opportunities. She is currently working on an animation deal and “Stinky Kids the Musical” is scheduled to play at Synchronicity Theatre in Atlanta from February 13 to March 7.