Life has been keeping Niles mom, Carrie Lane Aalfs, 28, pretty busy.

Running a household and taking care of her two young children, one might think that when Chloe, almost 4, and Hudson, 1, are tucked into bed, another busy day is done.

But that’s when Aalfs gets to work.

She is the creative force behind Pea Pod Boutique, her home-based business making hand crafted fashions and accessories for the area’s littlest customers.

“This new adventure of mine is way more than I ever expected it to be,” she said. “And I’m so grateful for it all.”

What started out as a hobby, she said, has turned into a full time job. A receptionist at Rana’s New Generation Salon in Niles for three years, Aalfs started selling variety of tutus, hair bows, super hero capes, vintage headbands and onesies at the salon last year.

“The more I put into it the more I get out of it,” she said.

And business has been good.

“People always have an occasion to buy things for children whether it be a holiday, birthday or baby shower,” Aalfs said. “That will never change and I have boutique items at a fraction of the price they would be inside a store or other online stores.”

Always creative and crafty, Aalfs said creating is something she’s done since she was a child. When Chloe was born, so was a new opportunity.

“After I had my first child three years ago, was when I really started to enjoy being crafty and making cutesy things for her,” she said.

Aalfs’ own mother has also played a part in the success of Pea Pod Boutique, serving as an inspiration and encouraging her daughter to take part in her first craft show, which has led to more local shows.

Since turning her handiwork into a successful business Aalfs says her boutique is “working out very well. Honestly, I never expected it to do so well.”

Items from the boutique is hand crafted, Aalfs spends plenty of time scouting for ribbon and fabric with her children in tow and she’s always on the lookout for vintage materials.

“Most everything is handmade with love by myself,” Aalfs said.

Even with a jam packed schedule, a household to maintain, two children and a husband, Aalfs said she wouldn’t change a thing about balancing her home life with her business.

“I have had to make some sacrifices with having my own business,” she said. But those sacrifices have been positive ones.

Aside from a little less sleep each night she says she hopes one day “I will find the perfect balance. Isn’t that what we’re all looking for?

“And that’s just the way it is,” Aalfs said. “And for the most part, I’m okay with that since I can truly say I love my job and love to see the smiles on kids face when they wear my creations.”

Pea Pod Boutique fashions and accessories are available at Rana’s New Generation Salon on 17th Street in Niles and online, the boutique can be found on Facebook and Etsy.com.