Marissa Garcia is one tough mother.

Behind the “punny” shirt designs she creates for her shop Ice by Issa is a powerful story of survival and success. “It’s not a happy story, but it is the one that keeps us going time and time again,” Garcia explained. “In 2013, after suffering a traumatic incident, I found myself homeless with two small children and another baby on the way in a country we didn’t know. I wasn’t able to work because of our citizenship, so I began making for the public the homeopathic jewelry that I had been making for my own kids to help with teething.” The shop name “Ice by Issa” refers to Garcia’s initial shop venture. “It took off much quicker than I expected and I found myself at all the craft shows and selling enough to get us out of the shelter and in a place of our own,” she recalled. “Someone had noticed at a craft show that my kids were wearing graphic tees and wanted to know where they came from. They were later added to my shop.”

Ice by Issa now creates mom-made t-shirts, sweatshirts and baby onesies for every member of the family featuring screen-printed designs (the baltic amber and hazelwood homeopathic jewelry remain on the shop website as well). “We call it ‘punny with a vintage flair,’” said Garcia. You have probably seen some of Ice by Issa’s popular original designs, such as “Target is my Happy Place,” “No Diggity, About to Bag it Up,” and “Scoops I did it Again.” The shop frequently collaborates with other well-known small shops and has over 40,000 followers on Instagram. “We are slowly going in a direction of having more limited items that you can’t get anywhere else,” Garcia shared. “Our style of color washing the shirts to give them a unique and more vintage feel before printing on them really sets them apart from just being ‘just another graphic tee.’”

Despite everything she has accomplished by launching Ice by Issa, Garcia will never forget her roots. “It’s hard to believe how far we have come since we started.” The journey also inspired some of Garcia’s most significant designs. “The design that has the most meaning to me is one I released last year that says ‘Girl with the Power.’ All of the proceeds from this design are donated to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence,” she said. “Without the women who lost their lives due to domestic violence and the charities that help the victims, I don’t know where I’d be today.” With the adversity that Garcia has overcome, I personally find her to be such an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere.

Check out the shop’s recently-released hand-dyed Galaxy wash t-shirts on the Ice by Issa website located here and join Garcia’s VIP Facebook group to keep up with upcoming shop drops.

“Backpack, backpack / I’m the backpack loaded up with things and knickknacks too / Anything that you might need I’ve got inside for you.” – Dora the Explorer

In January 2018, Emily Parfitt was looking for the right size backpack to hold a few diapers and a change of clothes for her little one. “I was sending my daughter to ABA therapy with a backpack that was just too big, falling apart, and not the cutest print,” she explained. “Everything I found was just too big and bulky for her. I decided to make her one. So, I let her choose which print she wanted from the store and started sewing. She loved it when I gave it to her and of course my son wanted one too. I thought there was a huge gap in the market for something that kids and moms would love.” Necessity is the mother of invention.

From those humble beginnings, Babes & Bubs was born. The shop focuses on custom (and machine washable!) toddler-size backpacks for little backs. “The first backpack I made took me three hours and it was rough,” Parfitt recalled. “Since then, I’ve significantly reduced production time. I’ve changed the design, the materials I use, the way I market, and even made my own stand alone website. I feel like this first year has been a year for fine-tuning and now I’m ready to just get the brand out there and really expand.” Little known fact: Parfitt handcrafts each pack without a pattern. “I get asked all the time where the pattern came from,” she said.

The backpacks come in a variety of colors and fabric prints, like the popular galaxy, buffalo plaid and Baby Shark designs. “I have an obsession with fabric shopping. It’s a serious problem,” Parfitt joked. “I have so many prints that no one has even seen yet.” Her personal favorite is the Southwestern pack. “I’ve always been drawn to that style even as a kid.” Parfitt can typically turn orders out within two weeks of purchase. “I love working with mamas to find the perfect print for their little one,” she said. “A rival to that is the last step when making the packs. I love turning them and seeing how the print works up into a backpack.”

What’s next for Babes & Bubs? “I’m so excited to start offering feeding backpacks for little ones that rely on feeding tubes,” Parfitt shared.  “Right now, there are limited options for these brave kiddos. I can’t wait to offer custom bags to make them feel special!”

All of the current styles and designs are available on the Babes & Bubs’ website here and Parfitt’s Etsy shop. Check out the Babes & Bubs Facebook page for more information on upcoming drops and use the code “SMALLSHOPDROP” for 10% off your next purchase. Thanks Emily!

Elly Chatten is the innovator behind Chattybug Apparel’s signature “Grow With Me” romper design. The romper comes in three sizes – 3-12 months (size 1), 1-3 years (size 2), and 3-6 years (size 3) – and is handcrafted with snap shoulders, an adjustable drawstring inside to tighten and loosen the length, and extra-long foldable cuffs. “I was obsessed from the second I saw it,” said Chatten. “I love anything that lasts longer than one season.”

Based in California, Chatten, a self-taught seamstress, launched Chattybug Apparel after the birth of her oldest daughter nearly seven years ago. The shop name is a play on Chatten’s last name and her daughter’s nickname “Bug.” “Back then we only made bows,” Chatten shared. “I had bought so many bows that fell apart and was discouraged, so I decided I could do better. At first, I had no intention of selling but people began asking for them.” Chattybug has since expanded to include custom apparel for both genders, including leggings (for tots and mamas), tank tops, raglans, shorts, bummies, rompers, leotards, headbands, and more. “Sometimes, I’m just amazed at how far I’ve come from bows and headbands.”

Chattybug Apparel is known for its Disney-inspired graphic patterns and for mixing different custom knit fabric panels to create unique designs. I asked Chatten to name her favorite Disney movie and she offered “a toss up between Fox and the Hound and Robin Hood.” Both good choices. Her own personal style is a little less Disney princess though: “I would say it is ‘mom life’ mixed with ‘small shop boss life,’” Chatten joked. “It’s all about comfort these days. I spend my time running around from pick up to drop off and sewing in between. But I love every single bit of it.”

Chatten’s children also provide inspiration for Chattybug’s designs. “My kids influence everything, from which style we use to what fabrics we buy,” she explained. “They put every style through the comfort test and personally chose many of the fabrics I buy. My son is very particular about clothing and fit, so being able to appeal to him means the world.” For Chatten, the best part is seeing the photographs posted online of other stylish little ones in Chattybug designs. “My kids are so proud telling people, ‘my mom made it’ whenever anyone asks.”

Chatten generally drops limited fabric designs on Fridays at 5:30pm “Disneyland time” and opens the shop regularly for pre-orders for other upcoming fabrics releases and ready-to-ship items. View pictures of all the Chattybug styles and current fabric offerings in the Chattybug Apparel VIP Facebook group here or on the Chattybug website.

Denim jeans are a staple in any wardrobe and distressed denim with different embellishments has been a growing trend over the past few years. Finding mini-sized versions of similar jeans for your kiddos, however, can be more challenging. It should be no surprise then that small shop Torn and Trendy capitalized on this denim dilemma.

Torn and Trendy offers embellished and paint-splattered jeans, shorts, overalls, jeggings and denim jackets. They may look random, but those rips in the denim are anything but. Hand distressing is an intricate process, requiring shop owner Kim Porter to design, rip, fray and finish each item, which can take several hours. The result is an effortless, stylish look that works for all seasons. Porter also hand-dyes socks and sneakers (for both tots and mamas). “I find myself more at ease when I’m working on shoes. I have always had a thing for shoes,” Porter laughed. Porter also has a love for all things rainbow. “Our most popular items are all the rainbow, from the tie-dyed shorts to the spray-painted jeans, and of course, the rainbow converse sneakers!”

Porter gets to work when the jean-ius inspiration strikes. “I am really an ‘in the moment’ designer,” she shared. “Sometimes, I think of things and jot them down but most of the time it’s within five minutes of me coming up with an idea before I get to work on them.” She started distressing jeans for her daughter and some friends about two and a half years ago. “It slowly got busier and I decided this was something I really enjoyed doing and wanted see where I could take this little shop.” The shop has given her the opportunity to run her own business and spend more time with her daughter. “I love being able to make products that make people happy,” said Porter. “When I get stories and pictures from customers telling me how their kids won’t take off their Torn and Trendy apparel or how they screamed when they saw their new jeans, that is honestly the best part, knowing that my work is putting a smile on someone’s face.” Customers have responded well, in part because Porter is “very honest with customers” and “really tries to go above and beyond to meet their request.”

I recently ordered a pair of green-dyed denim shorts for my own little guy, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! Check out Porter’s creations on Torn and Trendy’s Etsy shop here and join the VIP Facebook group for advance notice on upcoming drops.

Boy (noun): a noise with dirt and grass stains on it.

“Like others in this community, I spent the first year of my baby’s life collecting high-end clothing for him. But when it came to dressing him in those expensive clothes, I cringed at every drop of dirt that touched them,” recalled Runnamuck Threads owner Angelina DeAmaral. “I kept telling my husband, ‘I need some clothes that he could run amuck in and not worry about getting dirty!’ And boom, Runnamuck was born.  This is what I built my shop upon – providing cute and affordable clothing for littles that just want to play in the dirt.” Perfect for little boys!

Launched in October 2017, Runnamuck Threads features joggers, shorts, shirts, tank tops and hoodies that are as stylish as they are comfy and durable. The shop has become known for its originality. DeAmaral’s Halloween-themed winged bat hoodies and Christmastime holiday pocket joggers sold out in minutes last year. “I created my own jogger and short patterns, so you won’t find these exact styles anywhere else,” she explained. DeAmaral also offers a large variety of different fabric print selections, including her favorite galaxy, dinosaur and Mickey Mouse designs. “I have so many favorites, I can’t even pick just one.”

With an ambitious five to seven day turnaround time for custom apparel, Runnamuck Threads stands out in the small shop market. One of the shop’s hallmarks is its distinctive “Halfsies” style of shorts. “I love that they are so versatile and great for spring, summer and fall. Halfsies are fully adjustable, so they can be worn lower on the legs for more coverage as well as pulled up higher on the thighs for a shorter fit,” said DeAmaral. “They are a great gender neutral fit that allows for more of the print to be shown.” The Halfsies shorts are so popular that a customer once asked DeAmaral to create a matching pair for her dog! “I was almost crazy enough to attempt it,” she laughed.

For DeAmaral, sewing and creating for Runnamuck Threads is personally fulfilling. “It brings me so much joy seeing all these kiddos Runnamuckin! The friendships I have created with my clients are my favorite though,” DeAmaral shared. Through the shop, DeAmaral struck up a friendship with her now-shop administrator Lindsay Eatman, who echoed this sentiment. “My favorite thing about Runnamuck is you can feel the heart and soul Angelina puts into the shop. She knows the kids by name that she creates the clothes for and I think it is awesome that my two boys put on clothes and know Angelina made these.” Eatman has become the Runnamuck resource for all things related to fit, customizing apparel and assembling complete outfits. “I have always loved style and for me, it’s a lot of fun to put an outfit together in my mind and then see it come to life,” said Eatman.

Join the Runnamuck Threads community in the shop’s VIP Facebook group here. Say hello to Angelina and Lindsay and mention “smallshopdrop” to get free shipping on your next order!

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

The craftsmanship behind Native Fable’s animal-inspired handmade bonnets is exceptional. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, shop owner Ashley Lewis launched Native Fable in fall 2015 after the birth of her second baby. Armed with a degree in fine arts, a $50 sewing machine purchased secondhand from a Craigslist seller and an arsenal of YouTube tutorial videos, Lewis taught herself to sew. “The hope was that I could sell handmade items and stay home with my two children rather than go back to work and put them in the hands of daycare,” Lewis explained. She started by selling baby items, like “bonnets, little shoes, maybe a dress here and there, but once I found my signature item we stopped everything else and went for it!” The shop was initially named “Hide & Cotton,” a reference to the leather and cloth materials Lewis used to create her wares. “But once we became known for our furry bonnets, I wanted something that would encapsulate the imaginative quality of our style,” she shared. “Native meaning ‘inborn’ and ‘fable’ referring to a tale. So, telling your inner story.”

The whimsical bonnets are created from lush, high quality faux fur and come in an array of colors for both boys and girls. Previous designs include polar bears, wolves, brown bears, unicorns, rabbits, fawn, cats, lambs, skunks, elephants, cows, reindeer and panda bears, among others, as well as trapper hats in various plaid colors and solid flannel materials. Sizes start at 12/24 months and run through youth size. Lewis’ personal favorites are the lion and fox designs. “Hands down, we can’t make these fast enough,” she said. Based on demand, the Native Fable brand has now expanded to include a team of local women. Even Lewis’ kids will offer an editorial assist. “Any time I have a unicorn in my work space, my daughter is trying it on, and my son is happy to do a test run with a wolf. I often ask them what animal the piece ‘looks’ like and 9 times out of 10, they know exactly what I was going for.”

Lewis loves the customer reaction to the bonnets. “The most satisfying part is seeing happy customers that tag us on social media. Oh, and happy emails too! There’s nothing cuter than a baby with animal ears on!” Completely agree, Ashley.

Join the veritable zoo and check out images of all of the Native Fable bonnets in Lewis’ VIP Facebook group here and on her Native Fable website. Don’t miss out on the Native Fable bunny release today at 2pm EST just in time for Easter!

“When I was a kid, monsters made me feel that I could fit somewhere, even if it was… an imaginary place where the grotesque and the abnormal were celebrated and accepted.” – Guillermo del Toro, Vanity Fair.

I associate the word “monster” with the variety that live under the bed or in the shadows of the closet, but Monica Adkison Cerecero of Monster and Eli has created a line of handmade monster plushes that are more snuggly than scary.

Monster and Eli plushes come stuffed or lovey style with luxurious fur and ultra plush minky fabric. Cuddle (and mini-size) monsters include bigfoot, yeti and bear designs, as well as special limited releases like a Halloween bat, fox, dragon, winter penguin and the newest bunny. “I love being able to draw a picture and make it come to life in the same day,” exclaimed Cerecero. “It is a perfect creative outlet.”

Based in Idaho, Monster and Eli was born the same time Cerecero had her fourth baby Rafael in 2016. “I desperately wanted to help him be as comfortable at work (at Cerecero’s daycare center) as he was at home so I got busy making him a cuddle companion to help him have something to calm him and remind him of his happy place,” she recalled. The shop name pays homage to her sons Clay and Elisha (Eli). “My oldest son, Clay earned the nickname ‘Monster’ at an early age because of how quickly he grew,” Cerecero shared. “He was always a head taller than his peers and by the time he hit 9th grade, he was 6’2” and wore size 13 shoes (did I just spot a Bigfoot?). We couldn’t even get regular socks around his ankles because of how big he was. Elisha has had the nickname Elisha Bear since he was born.”

Cerecero’s children continue to influence her designs. “Elisha is happy to tell me what he would change,” she said. “Take the dragon for example. I already had one made and sent out to the photographer for pictures. He insisted that I changed it to a new design and I did as to encourage creative thought. Despite my time crunch, I messaged the photographer and told her to pause the photo shoot until I could get the replacement out. The original dragon face was put on the shelf and used for the bat instead.”

Cerecero learned to sew from her grandmother who handmade all of her clothes. “We had a family of ten and she kept us all well dressed from our pajamas to our graduation dresses,” said Cerecero. “When I was old enough, she started bringing me to pick out patterns, let me choose my own fabric and taught me to sew the clothes myself. She even helped me to make my wedding dress that I will get to pass down to my daughter. Handmade has my heart for good reason.” Cerecero also draws inspiration from her heritage. “I am also freakishly fond of my Norwegian heritage. It influenced me to add more of a masculine and rugged touch to my work.”

Need a monster for your own little monsters? Check out the Monster and Eli website and join the VIP Facebook group here. Don’t miss the amazing Monster and Eli dragon collaboration with Wolfe and Scamp on Thursday, February 14 at 8:30pm EST!

Hip Mingo has evolved from sewing pants to fit over cloth diapers to the trendy boutique it is today. “We opened in the fall of 2015,” shop owner Dev Rains shared. “My daughter was born in the summer. She was a very chubby baby and she was cloth diapered, so I had a hard time finding pants that fit. I found the pattern for our harem pants and we started making pants for her…and it just took off from there.” The original cloth diaper covers were crafted from upcycled t-shirts, but “now we have a few different styles of pants, tops, beanies, rompers and headbands and we do not upcycle anymore,” said Rains.

Kids don’t sit still and Hip Mingo recognizes that. Based in Michigan, the shop specializes in fashionable kids apparel that is still comfortable enough for play. The fabric selections include vibrant colored prints and monochrome designs.  Rains and her aunt Sandy Eriksen collaborate to run Hip Mingo (short for “flamingo,” like the pink bird shown in the shop’s logo design). “We bounce ideas off of each other and come up with most of our ideas that way. I also read a lot of articles and blogs about the ‘hot’ colors or patterns of the season.” Rains personally prefers the classic fabric designs like stripes and stars and the occasional floral. “Currently, our thermal camo and galaxy prints are very popular. Mickey Mouse is always popular and our distressed pants are great sellers,” Rains professed. “Our solids also are very popular with customers. We sell our harem style pants and bell bottoms the most I think. Hoodies and beanies always sell out in the fall.” The bell-bottom joggers are particularly adorable for little girls. Hip Mingo also offers sweet newborn and preemie leggings sets with a top knot beanie or turban-style headband for babes exiting the hospital.

For Rains, Hip Mingo allows her to create apparel beyond all of the “cookie cutter” kids clothes. “More options for girls than pink and ruffles, more options for boys than blue and trucks and sports. I also love that it allows me to stay home with my babies,” she explained.

Don’t miss the next Hip Mingo drop. “Right now, we are working on our spring and summer line. In addition to our usual shorties and harem shorts, we will be releasing hooded tanks and cropped leggings.” Sounds perfect for warm weather! Current shop offerings are available on the Hip Mingo website and you can post photos of your kiddos rocking Hip Mingo creations in Rains’ VIP Facebook group here. Plus, Rains has generously offered readers a 20% discount with the code “SMALLSHOPDROP.” Happy small shopping!

Small Town Apparel is all about the artistry. Christina Hammer, half of the husband-wife duo behind the shop, meticulously hand paints little leather masterpieces worn on your children’s feet. Simply calling them shoes does not do the resultant works of art justice.  “I didn’t start painting until a year or two after I started Small Town Apparel. It began with small details I would add to moccasins,” Hammer recalled. “With every pair, I would push myself to add more detail until I was at the level I am now. I’m still always growing and learning how to better my art. It’s been a progression over the years that I plan to continue working on.”

Hammer and her husband Wayne launched Small Town Apparel in 2014. “It started out as just making moccs for my youngest son and snowballed from there,” she said. Of course, working with her husband obviously has its own benefits and challenges. “My husband and I have completely different work styles. It makes it hard at times and we butt heads often, but I love it. I can always count on his honest opinion and having him to bounce ideas off of is invaluable to me. We have different tastes so it makes for a wider range of styles I wouldn’t have without his ideas and insights.”

Small Town Apparel is widely considered the place for handmade Disney-inspired moccasins. Past collections include the shop’s signature Toy Story design with Woody and Buzz-inspired fabrics, hand-painted Star Wars graphics and Coco characters, Up balloon designs, and feminine Mickey and Minnie Mouse-inspired Mary Jane styles. Hammer also offers seasonal House of the Mouse prints, like her Halloween “Spooky Treats” and Christmastime “Very Merry Treats,” cut from leather adorned with familiar Disney shapes, holiday colors and festive treats. Beyond Disney, Small Town Apparel creates moccasins in solid colors and stylish prints, such as buffalo plaid, floral, camo and colorful serape designs, among many others. Hammer even painted a line of colored skeleton toes this past fall that sold out in minutes. “It is so hard to choose my favorite design,” Hammer shared. “Every time I create something new, I feel like it is my favorite. If I had to choose an all time favorite it would have to be our Poison Apple moccs.”

All of the shop’s footwear is handcrafted in the United States with high quality genuine leather. Sizes range from newborn to 13 and most of the Small Town Apparel drops feature ready-to-ship items. Hammer often creates coordinating leather clutch bags and wristlets for mamas to match their kiddos. “My favorite part of what I do is creating. Taking an idea from my head and translating it into a moccasin is so exciting for me,” said Hammer.

Don’t miss the next Small Town Apparel “Rock the Dots” drop tonight at 7pm PST. More details are available in the shop’s VIP Facebook group here and on the Small Town Apparel website.

Even more exciting, Small Town Apparel is expecting another future artist this May. Congratulations Hammer family!

Brooklynn & Grey strikes a difficult small shop balance between ruffles and ruggedwear for littles of both genders. Although shop owner Tiffany Chesley initially focused on bows and handmade baby crowns back in 2013 (under the name “Brooklyn’s Finest”), she expanded her handmade offerings after the birth of her son, Greyson. “When I transitioned to Brooklynn & Grey, I had my 3 year old daughter who was my muse and my little boy Greyson,” Chesley explained. “They are the reason behind every minute I spend creating, so it was only fitting to name my shop after them. Also, the name is representative of both girls and boys clothing that I make.”

These days, Florida-based (like me!) Brooklynn & Grey specializes in colorful peplum tops, tunics, twirl skirts, leotards and leggings, as well as graphic t-shirts, raglans, beanies, hoodies and cardigans for tots with sophisticated tastes. “I love seeing a fabric I just know will look amazing and then pairing it to the perfect pattern,” Chesley gushed. “I have dropped what I was doing before and ran and cut and sewn something and it has become a best seller my next launch. Ideas come to me at the craziest moments but I think that is also what keeps me constantly evolving and making new things!” There is something for everyone, including moms who want to match their kiddos. “I find that the funniest part of my shop journey is I never stick to one style. Rather, I find more enjoyment consistently changing things, modifying a favorite piece I currently offer, or constantly creating new ideas,” said Chesley. “My goal always is to set a trend I haven’t seen before and always raise the bar on my prior launches.” One of the most popular styles is Brooklynn & Grey’s signature lace bow back leos. “They’re a timeless piece I see every little girl making memories in.”

Although the Brooklynn & Grey brand has attracted a large following over the last six years, Chesley still maintains the small shop charm. “I’m able to tell you names and stories about my customers. My goal has always been to connect with them on a level that always kept me relatable and human,” she shared. “That they know the face behind the brand and that they never feel like a dollar sign but always a friend. Our VIP group is made up of over 13,000 people. I strive daily to chat, laugh, share and engage with them and to continue to make them feel like they are important because truly people are my passion.” The shop has grown so much that Chesley has hired over thirteen employees to help out. “This little shop that I started has become a job creator for others. They get to work from home and yet still provide to help their household. It’s an amazing feeling and definitely keeps me driven as I never want to let them down.”

As to the future, Brooklynn & Grey will continue to set trends. “I truly believe every small shop has its own personality because the person behind it is just as unique as their ideas,” said Chesley. “We are constantly releasing new limited edition items and pieces that keep everyone on their toes and excited to see what’s next.” If you want to catch the next drop, join the Brooklynn & Grey VIP Facebook group here and check out current offerings on the Brooklynn & Grey website or Chesley’s Etsy site.