A mother of 2 turned her Etsy shop for adorable baby shoes into a \'Shark Tank\' hit - it\'s now a multi-million dollar business

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    By pure virtue of their size, baby shoes are already among the most adorable things in this world. Moms, however, are not only looking for cute. As their babies begin walking, they're also looking for shoes that are durable and will actually stay on their kid's feet.

    In 2009, Susan Petersen, a mother of two who couldn't find well-designed baby shoes, started experimenting with baby moccasin designs using some leather scraps she picked up at a yard sale.

    She initially sold these soft-soled leather baby moccasins on Etsy for only $20 a pair, then took them to a 2014 episode of "Shark Tank," where she landed a deal with Daymond John. The deal later fell through, but the wheels were already set in motion for an explosion of success.

    Freshly Picked is now a multi-million dollar company that sells newborn, baby, and children's moccasins and sandals in a large variety of colors and prints for $25 to $60 a pair. Its fan base comprises mothers of all types, including celebrity moms who love to step out in style with their babies. As you'll see in our roundup of the best Freshly Picked styles below, these are not ordinary baby shoes.

    They're still handmade from 100% genuine cowhide leather, so each pair has a unique look. Meanwhile, the soft sole is perfect for children who are starting to walk. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, soft-soled shoes are recommended for early walkers because they learn by gripping their toes on the ground and don't need arch support yet.

    The moccs run from sizes 0 to 7, and they're true to size, with room to grow based on average American baby and toddler shoe sizes. Kids are an active bunch, but the Freshly Picked shoes stay snug on their feet as they walk, skip, and run (with their parents chasing closely behind, of course).

    For Mother's Day this year, get a mom or mom-to-be a pair of baby shoes that are well-constructed, long-lasting, and stylish. Freshly Picked moccasins are the practical yet irresistibly cute shoes that both she and her baby will love.

    Gift a pair of Freshly Picked baby shoes - here are our favorite picks.

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    Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

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    Sophisticated oxfords

    Sophisticated oxfords
    Gift the Cedar Oxford, $60, available in sizes 1-7

    They can wear these for dress occasions and be really comfortable, too.

    A less temporary "I heart Mom" tattoo

    A less temporary "I heart Mom" tattoo
    Gift the I Heart Mom Mocc, $60, available in sizes 1-7

    It's the closest thing they can get to ink at their age.

    Fruity fresh dragonfruit

    Fruity fresh dragonfruit
    Gift the Dragonfruit Mocc, $60, available in sizes 1-7

    This unique fruit design sets itself apart from the usual strawberry and orange ones.

    The tastiest side dish

    The tastiest side dish
    Gift the Fresh Avocado Mocc, $60, available for pre-order in sizes 1-7

    It's important to start them on a love for avocado while they're young.

    A pair worthy of a superhero

    A pair worthy of a superhero
    Gift the Comic Book Mocc, $60, available in sizes 1-7

    Don't be afraid to bring a little action and excitement to their footwear.

    Comfort and style with a wink

    Comfort and style with a wink
    Gift the Eye See You Mocc, $60, available in sizes 1-7

    Bring out their mischievous side with this cute graphic style.

    Glamorous rose gold

    Glamorous rose gold
    Gift the Newborn Rose Gold Mocc, $45, available in size 0 for newborns

    Covered all over in a metallic sheen, these trendy and pretty shoes are sure to turn heads.

    Pretty seashells

    Pretty seashells
    Gift the She Sells Seashells by the Seashore Mocc, $60, available in sizes 1-7

    While they shouldn't dip these into the water, the pink moccs are perfect for an afternoon walk on the pier.

    Classic Chelsea boots

    Classic Chelsea boots
    Gift the Ebony Chelsea Boot, $60, available in sizes 3-7

    It's easy to coordinate a matching parent-baby outfit with this classic style.

    An attention-grabbing animal print

    An attention-grabbing animal print
    Gift the Leopard Mocc, $60, available in sizes 1-7

    Leopard print makes any ordinary outfit sassy and fashionable.

    NASA-inspired style

    NASA-inspired style
    Gift the Space Shuttle Mocc, $60, available in sizes 1-5

    Every aspiring space explorer should own these.

    Icy blue Mary Janes

    Icy blue Mary Janes
    Gift the Glacier Mary Jane, $49, available in sizes 0-7

    Gift these pastel blue beauties just in time for spring.

    Verdant moccs to inspire them to seek out nature

    Verdant moccs to inspire them to seek out nature
    Gift the Sage Foliage City Mocc, $60, available in sizes 1-7

    A fresh dose of foliage is what any city stomper craves as they explore the urban jungle.

    A nostalgia-ridden style that inspires them to 'reach for the sky'

    A nostalgia-ridden style that inspires them to 'reach for the sky'
    Gift the Woody City Mocc, $60, available for pre-order in sizes 1-7

    They'll be humming the "Toy Story" theme all day long while wearing these.

    Picture-perfect pig moccasins

    Picture-perfect pig moccasins
    Gift the When Pigs Fly Mocc, $60, available in sizes 1-7

    It may be the Year of the Pig, but that doesn't mean pigs can fly just yet.

    For more thoughtful Mother's Day gift ideas, check out these guides:

    For more thoughtful Mother's Day gift ideas, check out these guides: