Suzanne Dobbertin has six children. I can barely keep up with my two boys, so I was immediately impressed. Dobbertin and her husband Ryan are the faces behind small shop Charlie + CHUMPS. The Michigan-based shop creates unique apparel for kiddos that can be comfortably worn every day. “The name Charlie + CHUMPS comes from our children: one daughter, Charlotte (Charlie) and five rowdy boys (the CHUMPS!),” Dobbertin explained.

Dobbertin initially began in the scarf business with her sister-in-law in 2016. “We were in business together for about a year when we decided to branch off into two different directions,” she said. “I still wanted to create and sew, and I loved making clothes for my own kids. Charlie + CHUMPS started as an extension of that.” The shop now offers a variety of stylish options for both boys and girls, including moto harem pants, hi/low crop tops, printed sweatshirts and hoodies, and cardigans with leather elbow patches. “My designs are inspired from many different things. I just notice things all around me and am always looking to incorporate fresh ideas into my designs.” My youngest has an adorable robot print shorts and shirt set from Charlie + CHUMPS and it is one of my favorites. Plus, the shop’s checkered hooded tanks and new neon and monochrome swimwear screams summer is coming.

Charlie + CHUMPS has become known for incorporating unexpected details in Dobbertin’s designs, like a leather stripe across the front of a t-shirt and using black and white striped contrasting fabric for a tank top. “I love working with different fabrics and textures. Sometimes, I just wake up in the middle of the night and a new idea pops into my head!” Her best selling design is the Charlie + CHUMPS basic black tee with the black leather pocket. I just ordered another one for my little guy because it is a staple in his wardrobe. “My favorite style is urban or street wear and I love all things black and white,” Dobbertin shared.

Charlie + CHUMPS also serves as a creative outlet for the busy mom. “I love every part of creating, from selecting fabrics and patterns and putting all the details together. I can tell you my least favorite part is cutting everything out. My husband does most of this for me,” she laughed.

Dobbertin has big plans for Charlie + CHUMPS this year. “Coming up next is the release of our spring and summer line, so be on the lookout for that!” Join the shop’s VIP Facebook group here for more details and use the code “CHUMP” for 15% off any purchase on the Charlie + CHUMPS website. Thanks Suzanne!