Sacramento Mom Turns Daughter's Art Into Family Business

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Job cutbacks forced a single mother to think outside the box for extra cash, which lead to launching a business based upon her passion.

It's paying off and her product is now available in a national grocery store chain.

It was a little more than a year ago that Tanja Poley faced furloughs at work.

"We had to do something to stay afloat," she said.

So Tanja did what many would do; she looked around her home to find ways to make money, and discovered the key in her 12-year-old daughter's art.

"I had a lot of time at recess in 5th grade, and I started to draw," said Grace.

The drawings were gaining attention from students and friends as well.

So Tanja took her daughter's passion for drawing and her addiction to bags, and turned it into a business.

"I have a lot of bags. I have a bad thing for bags," said Tanja. "Why don't we put the art on bags?"

That's how Ten Four Goods was born.

"It wasn't just something to sell; it's something I totally love. So I can sell it," said Tanja.

So in April, when her tax return came back, the family had a meeting and voted.

"We really needed new mattresses for the kids, but they voted for the family business," said Tanja. "That money went into launching this."

In just a few months, the eco-friendly canvas reusable bags are now in national grocery store Fresh Market in Roseville.

"It's awesome, I mean really," said Tanja.

The whole family has a role in the company.

"My job is to make sure that the bags get sent on time," said Tanja's son.

They're also learning a lot about business and economics.

"They understand what we pay to make something and then what we sell it for, and where there's profit," said Tanja.

As for the new mattresses, Tanja says they haven't gotten them just yet.

"We still sleep in the divots, but it's okay. There's next year," she said.

The bags will also be available in Fresh Market stores when they open in Sacramento and Elk Grove.