Small Shop Drop - Sharing the small stories behind the seams of small shops
Small Shop Drop - Sharing the small stories behind the seams of small shops
Interviews

Sudie’s Corner

June 28, 2019 by Jaime Vining 1 Comment

I found Etsy shop Sudie’s Corner through the Auction for Aspen small shop fundraiser. The shop’s painted peg dolls resembling the female Supreme Court justices were incredibly life-like and detailed, down to the tips of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s recognizable dissent collar. I reached out to artist Susana Barnreuther to learn more about her craft.

Sudie’s Corner

Susana started painting wooden peg dolls almost five years ago. “They were a birthday present for my almost three year old and, after having so much fun and seeing how my daughter loved them, I moved on to create a nativity set,” she recalled. “I loved the idea of basic, wooden toys that would be durable and spark the imagination. Also, a nativity set that a child could play with ‘hands on’ and that would still look cute displayed. After posting photos on Facebook, I started getting orders from friends and Sudie’s Corner was born.” The shop name originated from her family nickname “Auntie Sudie” (“When my nephews as toddlers weren’t able to say Auntie Susie, so they called me Auntie Sudie”). Susana has painted famous movie and television actors, musicians and politicians, like characters from The Big Lebowski and The Office, the Beatles, Prince, and even Bernie Sanders. “Often scrolling through Instagram or sometimes leafing through children’s books, I will find inspiration by seeing an image of a magnificent animal that I then want to try and paint. Or when someone mentions something funny or makes some pop culture reference, I immediately wonder how that can be made into a peg doll,” she said.

Sudie’s Corner

Many of the wooden works of art offered by Sudie’s Corner are custom orders. “I usually base my design on the meaningful outfits that the customer has chosen. If I ever paint something else, I usually look up Google images, cartoons or illustration to help me define what features I will capture in the peg doll.” Customers can request that Susana paint family portraits (including pet portraits!) and the peg dolls can also be made into Christmas tree ornaments, key chains and magnets. “I think it is always a very exhilarating experience when someone finds your Etsy shop and buys one of your products. Even more rewarding than that is communicating with customers and creating something unique for them,” she shared. “I often offer customizations that are my suggestion and the customer hadn’t even thought of. I love that part and I think it stands out. Many of my customers are return customers and knowing that they love what I created for them is an amazing feeling.” Bringing a customer’s vision to fruition is one of Susana’s favorite parts of the design process. “I think it is the part when someone says, you couldn’t fit that on a peg doll right? It is the world of possibilities that lay right at your fingertips; imagination, creativity, plus some crafting materials and paints, and you can somehow make it happen.” 


The Supremes

Beyond the peg dolls, Susana hand paints coordinating shadow boxes to display in the home as well. “I started to add wooden shadow boxes to my peg dolls that have their own custom painting on it. I began taking a photo that is meaningful to the customer, like a proposal photo, a favorite wedding photo or a special vacation memory, and turning it into three dimensional art,” she explained. “The background of the shadow box is painted like the background of the pictures and then I paint the peg dolls to look like the people in the picture. Up till now, and probably not for much longer, I am the only one doing this as far as I know.”

Susana of Sudie’s Corner

If you want your own personalized peg doll family, reach out Susana through the Sudie’s Corner Etsy shop, website or her Instagram account here.

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Reading time: 3 min
Interviews

Thread & Rose

June 26, 2019 by Jaime Vining No Comments

Ashley Bonneau of Thread & Rose hand sews heirloom dolls and plush animals treasured by today’s modern kiddo. “Vintage and whimsical designs are my inspiration. I really love creating toys that could have been from previous eras,” she explained. “I also enjoy working with different textiles and materials, like vintage trims and fabrics. I always try to incorporate them into my designs.”

@pipermorgan

Thread & Rose’s fanciful creations are designed with the intention of passing them on to future generations. “I try to make each animal unique so that each is one of a kind. Whether by changing the bow or altering the face a bit, each one is special in its own way,” said Bonneau. “I also try to use high-end materials while still offering a diversity of price points so more people can enjoy.” Past shop collections have included woodland skunks (my personal favorite), raccoons, bears and floral bunny rabbits, among others. “The Woodland Sprites and bonnet animal loveys are some of my favorites. They appeal to my whimsical side and embody what I think childhood should be, full of imagination with a little bit of magic thrown in. I think they are pretty unique to our shop,” Bonneau shared. “That said, the long pile fur makes them a challenge, which is also the reason that skunks are so limited!” Thread & Rose uses quality and long-lasting fabrics to construct the shop’s keepsakes. “I prefer working with mohair, as it is such a traditional material for toys and amazing quality.”

@saguarorosephotography

Actually a former scientist and now full-time innkeeper, Bonneau taught herself to sew by watching tutorials on YouTube. “I officially started Thread & Rose in 2017 on Etsy. I was making crochet bonnets and bows, but quickly switched to handmade toys when I purchased a sewing machine and used the highly respected University of YouTube to learn to sew,” she recalled. “However, Thread & Rose unofficially started in 2015 when my daughter was about to celebrate her first Halloween. I taught myself to crochet (again, thank you, YouTube!) because I wanted to make her a cabbage patch wig for Halloween and I procrastinated getting one from Etsy.” The word “Thread” in the shop name refers to the materials Bonneau uses to create heirloom items for her daughter Geneviève, and “Rose” is Geneviève’s middle name (“because she is the one who inspired me to learn how to create.”).

@sarahtreed

Through her appreciation of vintage designs, Bonneau has found a new passion with Thread & Rose. “I love that what I am making is going to make somebody happy. Whether that is a child or adult, there is nothing better than bringing smiles to people,” she said. “I also love to imagine the adventures they are going to go on. My daughter romps about with her plushes and they have gone from unexpected swims in the ocean to hosting grand tea parties in the same day.”

@sweet_as_april

The shop has some keepsake plush animals ready to ship now while Bonneau is working on new releases. “I am switching it up and making some fun new and unexpected animals!” Check out all the timeless designs on the Thread & Rose website and join the shop’s VIP Facebook group for upcoming drop details and discount codes.

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Reading time: 2 min
Interviews

What Katy Makes

June 24, 2019 by Jaime Vining No Comments

“Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one.” – Bill Gates

School is in session! “I am a high school math teacher by day and one of my biggest passions is encouraging girls and historically marginalized people to go into STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) fields. A lot of clothing for girls is lacking in representing science and math, engineering and academics, while clothing marketed towards boys has been offering these designs for years,” explained Katy Rothenberger of What Katy Makes. “I love to give girls what I would have liked to have growing up. Math and puzzles were my jam, even from a young age, and I’m just stubborn enough to have pushed my way into math classes and a ‘field’ that wasn’t traditionally for girls. Some girls may not have that same stubbornness or a support system to encourage them to pursue their passions in those fields. I want to give them something that allows them to feel like they ‘belong’ in the STEM world too.”

What Katy Makes

The What Katy Makes apparel spoke to my (not so) secret inner nerd. The shop offers scholastically inspired clothing, including dresses, bummies, shorts, rompers, leggings and t-shirts for students of all ages (including adults). I love the series of #Squad t-shirts (like the “Children’s Author” design featuring Dr. Seuss and Beverly Cleary) and the shop’s academic prints. “My personal favorite fabric that I offer is my ‘Math Notes’ print, but I’m probably biased,” laughed the math teacher. “I have fabric designs exclusive to my shop that I have designed, including ‘Science Class,’ ‘Animal Astronauts,’ ‘Dino Time,’ ‘Bibliophile’ and ‘Roboto.’ The ‘Dino Time’ print is a customer favorite.” Rothenberger’s daughter Tess also influences many of the design styles. “My design inspiration for my fabrics comes from the STEM world and bringing that world to a child’s level and my design inspiration for styles that I offer is definitely my daughter. She loves twirly dresses for dancing some days and leggings and tees for digging in the dirt others.”

What Katy Makes

Rothenberger started What Katy Makes in 2012. “I was making a really wide variety of items, from pouches and bags to crocheted cowls and ear warmers. I had convinced my dad to start an Etsy shop to sell his woodworking and my friends called me out on it because I had been avoiding creating my own shop,” she recalled. “So, What Katy Makes was born. It morphed into what it is now (nerdy clothing and gifts) when I got pregnant with my daughter and I couldn’t find any math clothing for babies.” The shop’s evolution over the past seven years is a “sine” that Rothenberger is on to something. “I have grown significantly in my confidence and skills since I opened my Etsy shop…from grabbing remnants to make pouches with only straight line stitches to now using graphic design skills to design shirts and fabrics and the massive improvements to my sewing skills, I don’t even recognize the girl who opened that Etsy shop,” she said. (p.s. not all math puns are bad, just sum).

What Katy Makes

Nerdy swimwear is all the rage this summer! Browse all of the What Katy Makes designs on the shop website here and join the VIP Facebook group for future drop details.

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Reading time: 2 min
Interviews

Giving Living Co.

June 21, 2019 by Jaime Vining No Comments

Skincare is a big deal. Literally. Your skin is actually the largest organ of the human body. Have you taken a look at the ingredients in your store-bought soap lately? Kelsie Benge of Giving Living Co. (formerly Soap at Home) has and it inspired her to create a line of fresh soap products designed to clean the skin while adding valuable nutrients.

Giving Living Co.

Natural soap is cruelty-free (i.e., not tested on animals) and does not contain any synthetic ingredients or harsh chemicals, so it is less likely to cause skin irritation or damage to the systems of the body. These soaps are different from commercially-manufactured soap, which are generally stripped of any natural benefits. “I have always enjoyed all things creative and I also have really sensitive skin. I set out initially to come up with something to improve my breakouts and eczema, but next thing I knew, people wanted to buy the things I was creating,” Benge explained. “My favorite part of soap-making is probably educating my customers about the dangers of commercial products, as well as the fact that I get to be creative all day, every day!”

Giving Living Co.

A trained paramedic, Benge handcrafts bath and facial soap, scrubs with exfoliant properties, bath bombs, salts and other tub treats. “I find design inspiration all around me. I love taking hints from nature or the things I think of when I smell certain fragrances to come up with the colors,” she shared. “Most of my ideas happen when I’m laying in bed trying to sleep. I normally go through the fragrances and essential oils I have and smell them, while trying to hone in on which colors and textures the scent reminds me of, and then I sketch out what the soap or other product will look like.”

Giving Living Co.

Giving Living Co.’s soap products are both moisturizing and nourishing to your skin’s natural oils. Natural soaps tend to be more subtly scented in a refreshing way (because no one wants to smell like sodium laurel sulfate). “I think everybody and their cousin is trying to make things that are natural, fresh, safe, etc., but I try to do all of that while still maintaining exciting colors and scents,” said Benge. “We color all of our soap with natural micas, herbs, spices, and botanicals. All of our essential oils are pure therapeutic grade and our fragrances are always phthalate free.”

Giving Living Co.

Show your skin some love and toss out the chemically-laden soap in your shower. Check out the different Giving Living Co. products available for purchase on the shop’s website, proudly designed and built by Benge herself.

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Reading time: 2 min
Interviews

Well Versed Kids

June 19, 2019 by Jaime Vining 1 Comment

“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” – Lemony Snicket

Like me, my oldest was an early reader. We spend a lot of time fostering his love of literature and trying to find age-appropriate books with positive messages that also pique his interest. Nicole Amann, the knowledgeable curator behind small shop Well Versed Kids, helps with this endeavor.

Well Versed Kids

Well Versed Kids is a subscription book box service that delivers several themed books each month tailored to your child’s age and reading level. “Well Versed Kids grew out of an adult book club we had on Facebook. We read and discussed socially conscious and diverse books. We often shared children’s books or were looking for suggestions for children’s books. It evolved from there,” Amann recalled. “I wanted a shop name that was not just for a book club, but rather, a lifestyle. To be well versed is to be knowledgeable. I love learning something new every day and I encourage my children to do the same.” Since Amann launched last year, she has tackled a variety of humanitarian topics like freedom of the press, Earth Day and caring for the environment, and women’s history month. “I find monthly inspiration from current events and holidays in that particular month. For instance, you typically associate the month of July with Independence Day. Given the current climate, I chose books related to immigration and refugees,” she said. “I try to include as many authentic voices as possible, which is difficult when 90% of children’s books are written by white authors. The November book list was particularly difficult. The theme was Native American books. So few books with wide availability are written by Native authors.”

Well Versed Kids

Each box comes with two books carefully selected by reading level, coloring pages, bookmarks, stickers and pre-stamped postcards for the little readers to provide Well Versed Kids with feedback about the books. “It’s fun! It combines all of the things I love. Books, crafts, paper goods, and mail,” Amann laughed. Plus, what kid doesn’t love receiving mail? Well Versed Kids also offers a reduced online subscription that includes digital copies of the themed books, a newsletter and printable bookmarks and activity sheets. Through either subscription format, the small shop focuses on bringing awareness to culturally sensitive issues through books for children. “Books are not really something people look for in the small shop community. Most people buy off Amazon or grab some from the library, but it is important to me that all children see themselves represented in the books they read and that is not the case for everyone,” she shared.

Well Versed Kids

Amann, who loves The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (me too!), also recently started the Well Versed Kids Lending Library. “You will be able to borrow up to four books a month from my library of books. New books will added every month.” Find the next great read and sign up for an upcoming Well Versed Kids book box on the shop’s website or Facebook group here.

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Reading time: 2 min
Interviews

Made for Monsterz

June 17, 2019 by Jaime Vining No Comments

“If it is your passion, do not let anyone deter you from it,” advised Steffani Garner. “It’s going to be hard. It’s going to be frustrating. The money is not going to just roll in. Owning a small shop is not the way to make a quick buck. But, if you work your business, make meaningful connections, and find your customer base, you can and will be successful.” These are strong words of wisdom from the momtrepreneur behind small shops Made for Monsterz and the recently-opened Golden Rose Co.

Made for Monsterz

Garner has been navigating the small shop community since December 2016 when the Army relocated her family from Germany to North Carolina. “I was contemplating going back to work, but my son Dwain, age 2 at the time, needed speech and OT therapy and was being tested for autism. He was officially diagnosed in February 2017. While all of this was going on, a friend kept encouraging me to open a shop and sell instead of just sewing for friends,” Garner recalled. “I looked into it a bit and started the planning. When my son received his diagnosis, it was the confirmation I needed that I wouldn’t be able to return to work because he needed therapy five days a week and I needed to start my shop to try bringing in some income. Made for Monsterz officially opened for business on March 1, 2017.”

Teal Linen Pullover

The shop, much like its name, concentrates primarily on boys – which is music to the ears of this mama of two boys. “I am a boy mom through and through. I have three nephews and a godson that are all older than my son. When I used to get them all together, they sounded like a pack of ‘Monsterz,’ with all the roaring and growling and grunting that comes from a group of boys. They were my little Monsterz,” she laughed. “Because I started sewing mainly for my son and tested out some pieces on my nephews, the name ‘Made for Monsterz’ was the perfect fit.” Garner’s mini Monsterz also provide inspiration for the shop’s designs. “Boys are my focus and my inspiration. When my son has a need, I think, ‘I’m sure there are other moms that have the same needs, so let me try to design something for everyone that fills this void,’” said Garner. “I encourage all kids to wear my clothes, but typical ‘boy’ items are my focus. The small shop world is oversaturated with girl shops that do tons of sparkle and princesses and flowers and bows. Sometimes, the boys are just forgotten. I cater to things like cars and trucks and dinosaurs and mess.” Sounds like my house.

Sister shop The Golden Rose Co.

Garner designs tanks, t-shirts, joggers and harem shorts in a wide variety of colors, as well as hooded pullovers, hoodies and zip up jackets. I love her new monochrome burst collection, which features black and white splattered prints and pops of neon colors. “My most popular is a close tie between harem pants and my hooded pullovers,” she shared. “I have made the pullovers in linen for spring and summer wear and in flannel for winter wear and both are popular.” The linen pullovers made a comeback this spring, along with a new line of denim. “I also have new colors for our basic harems and joggers. And, the Golden Rose Co, my new shop for girls is really taking off! I am hoping to offer some coordinating pieces for the two shops for those parents that have boys and girls and like to match them.”

Join the Monsterz mayhem in Garner’s VIP Facebook group here and order some new summer gear for your own little monster on the Made for Monsterz website.

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Reading time: 3 min
Interviews

Dottie Ann Designs

June 14, 2019 by Jaime Vining No Comments

“I think that playing dress-up begins at age five and never truly ends.” – Kate Spade

It is a universal truth that women love a good handbag. Toddlers are really no exception, especially the future fashionistas who want to accessorize their favorite Disney princess gowns. “I try hard to come up with original ideas inspired by my love for Disney and I enjoy making custom items that my customers dream up. I try to make things that will be quirky, fun and look great in a photo with any outfit,” said Angela DiCrecchio of Dottie Ann Designs. “I think people are drawn to my shop because they also love Disney and enjoy fun themed style bags.”

Dottie Ann Designs

DiCrecchio taught herself how to sew and started handcrafting purses, backpacks and similar bags for Dottie Ann Designs in 2015 as a fun hobby. “My daughter was younger and I wanted something to do other than just be a mom because my prior career as a teacher kept me very busy,” she recalled. “I was searching for a creative outlet and this was a fun way to use my brain in a different and creative way.” The shop is named after DiCrecchio’s two grandmothers: “the late Dorothy (Dottie) and Ann is my paternal grandmother’s middle name.”

Dottie Ann Designs

The Dottie Ann Designs “It Bag” is DiCrecchio’s Mickey Mouse ice cream bar bag. “I have made well over 100 of them,” she exclaimed. “Each time I create a new themed purse, it is my favorite so it is hard to say which one I have liked the most! I would say the one I am most proud of is the Mr. Mic design from Toy Story, with the Slinky Dog purse coming in close second.” DiCrecchio often only makes one or two of a certain design or style, so the bags are unique, well-made and perfect for carrying more than just the “bare necessities.” (I have Disney puns for days, ladies and gentlemen).

Dottie Ann Designs

DiCrecchio’s love of Disney translates in her imaginative works of art. “I just enjoy being creative, trying out new ideas with my sewing machine and experimenting with different materials. Making Disney-themed bags helps me express my love for Disney,” she professed. “It makes me feel so much joy when my customers love my designs and are proud to wear them on their vacations.” She has developed a strong following with mamas looking for affordable and adorable toddler-sized accessories. “I grew the shop from zero. I may not have tens of thousands of followers, but I have a loyal fan base that is supportive and keeps coming back,” she said. “I am so grateful that they trust and appreciate my work enough to make repeat purchases and are excited about my designs.”

Dottie Ann Designs

Want to be part of her world? Join the Dottie Ann Designs VIP Facebook Group here and bring home a little Disney-inspired magic for your favorite princess.

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Reading time: 2 min
Interviews

Sparklinbecks

June 12, 2019 by Jaime Vining No Comments

“Embroidery has come so far from grandma’s old fashion stitches. Gone are the days of everything looking similar and using the same patterns that everyone else is using,” said Rebecca Tresler of Sparklinbecks. “Now it is breaking out into a whole new world of possibilities and really modernizing stitches. I love when people see embroidery and realize the beauty in it and appreciate the work that goes into it. All artists have their own take and it’s been a joy to see my niche start to develop.”

Sparklinbecks

Based in Gilbert, Arizona, Tresler is an embroidery artist and sells hand stitched homewares and accessories, like tea towels, necklaces and wood hooped home décor, through her Etsy shop, Sparklinbecks. “Currently, my soft kitchen towels are my favorite…or maybe the necklaces I started with…it’s so hard to choose and I always want to keep everything,” Tresler laughed. It was Tresler’s signature floral and succulent designs immediately drew me to the small shop.  “I am starting to appreciate nature more and how flowers develop and grow. I go hiking in the desert and see the cactus blooming and realize how my stitching makes that beauty last a little longer in my mind,” she shared. “My husband brings flowers and I look at them with newfound interest on how to draw a new type.” Beyond the flowers, Sparklinbecks’ snarky “Not Today, Satan” and “It’s Too Peopley Outside” needlework designs are also crowd pleasers. “I love sarcasm and words and quotes and I love when friends share ideas and memes.”

Rebecca Tresler

As you might imagine, embroidery is a detailed form of art. “My designs start with sketching with pencil and paper and turning them into digital pieces. I have recently begun sketching digitally and am really love it,” Tresler explained. “When I sit down to design, I just kind of go with one flower type or cactus and build on top of it until I get the entire look I am going for. Colors are usually trial and error as I am stitching. Once I get the sketch to my liking and traced onto my cloth, it can take anywhere from 2-12 hours on a design piece, depending on the intricacy.” Her favorite part of the process is seeing her design translated through the stitches. “I love to see 2D turn into textures and colors. I only use DMC threads and the quality of the threads really makes a statement on the fabric. The sheen and vibrant colors make you want to reach out and touch each stitch. It feels like it just comes to life when you see it from start to finish.”

Sparklinbecks

Tresler discovered an enthusiasm for embroidery nearly a decade ago as a craft blogger. “I had two kids at the time, so I couldn’t get my hands on enough crafts. I put it to the side though and developed my sewing skills and began homeschooling my kids,” she recalled. “I had two more kids and needed to stay in shape for mental and physical health. During a run last spring, I fell and broke my dominant hand. It took five months to get back to some normalcy and stitching helped me feel like I was using my hand again along with physical therapy. I also read it helped with anxiety which I was also needing an outlet for. Turns out it was true!” Through Sparklinbecks, Tresler also found a way to share her skills with aspiring artists. “I got into this little business wanting to teach others the love of embroidery, so I do have a lot of original patterns for sale to teach others how to begin.”

Sparklinbecks

Feeling stitchy? Check out all of the embroidered goodness in the Sparklinbecks Etsy shop or “hoop” on over to Tresler’s Instagram account here.

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Reading time: 3 min
Interviews

My Little Wildflower

June 10, 2019 by Jaime Vining No Comments

My Little Wildflower has proudly created an inviting online community of small shoppers. “We have six brand reps that are my best friends, local moms spreading the word about us, and everyone who is participating in our VIP group,” gushed owner Caci Fuller. “We appreciate all the love and support so much!”

Fuller, her mother Patti and daughter Kyli

Fuller and her mother Patti started the eclectic My Little Wildflower shop in May 2018. “My mom has always had this amazing talent of sewing. She used to design and sew the most stunning horse show outfits, but once my daughter came along, the gears switched to the cutest little outfits and accessories for girls,” Fuller shared. “My mom makes most of the items while I do the bows and felt toys, as well as the photography and marketing side of things. It has really always been a dream of ours to make it into a business and I am blessed that we were finally able to do so.” The shop name is also a family reference. “My Little Wildflower has a couple meanings. The saying ‘she is a Wildflower in a field of roses’ rings true for our family. Stand out, and be proud of being unique,” she said. “We wanted to use an orange poppy flower in our logo design. It was my dad’s favorite flower because it influenced the color of his favorite tractor. He unexpectedly passed away in 2014, so it meant a lot to us to have his touch on our business adventure.” Even Fuller’s three year old daughter Kyli serves as inspiration for many of the shop’s design choices. “I will see something I have to have for her and my mom will help me put it all together.”

My Little Wildflower rompers and dresses

My Little Wildflower focuses on both apparel and accessories for littles, like hair bows and handmade toys. “I think what makes us different is the experience behind the product,” Fuller explained. “My mom is very particular about how things look and how they are finished. She puts the same love and hard work in a $30 dress that she did making a $1,000+ horse show outfit. And before any item is released, you better believe I show it to at least 10 people for their thoughts and opinions, as well as testing it on or with my child.” I love the little handmade touches on the My Little Wildflower doll sets, like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and the plush dinosaurs. “The most popular accessory would definitely be our dinosaur plushies. There was a rush for them for Easter baskets, but they would also make for a perfect gift anytime,” said Fuller. “My favorite item is our romper design. Who can resist a ruffle bum romper?” The mother-daughter duo has new releases in the works this Spring. “What’s coming next is crazy exciting! We are really hoping to do some venturing into boys items as well as doll clothing – can we say matching outfits?! I am also working on felt campfire and garden sets right now.”

Dinosaur plushes

All of the boutique’s handmade offerings are available in the My Little Wildflower VIP Facebook group here. Plus, use the code “SSD10” to save on your next purchase. Thanks Caci!

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Reading time: 2 min
Interviews

Poppy + Penn

June 7, 2019 by Jaime Vining No Comments

Fellow boy moms often gripe about the lack of available apparel designs. Brooke Tondeur of Poppy + Penn – a mom of four ­boys–finally had enough during her last pregnancy with baby Sebastian. “In 2016, I was trying to find him clothing that appealed to my tastes, but only found the same recycled themes and cutesy prints I’d seen in stores during my first pregnancy 10 years earlier. I started looking on Etsy and Pinterest, and found a few things more my style. My mum had her own fashion line in the 80’s and I’d learned to sew as a child, but it wasn’t until my husband pulled my serger out of the garage and said something about it being cheaper to buy fabric I liked and make my own that I decided to make Sebastian a capsule wardrobe that suited my style,” recalled Tondeur. “If he knew then what he knows now, he wouldn’t have opened his mouth,” she joked.

Poppy + Penn

After Sebastian was born, Tondeur, like many of us, was hit with a bout of postpartum depression. “I was expecting it, but I wasn’t expecting the severity. I battled suicidal thoughts daily. Always an avid writer, I found myself unable to write a word, which had always been my passion and a great form of therapy,” she explained. “A friend asked me to sew an outfit for a baby shower gift, and at first, I agreed out of obligation. I had more friends ask, and realized choosing fabrics and patterns gave me a creative outlet. Sitting at my machine was therapeutic. Eventually, I caved to the pressure to open a shop, and Poppy + Penn was born.” With four sons in tow, Tondeur selected a shop name that incorporated her favorite girl name. “I have a thing for alliteration and if my husband had let me, all of our kids would probably have the same first initial,” she laughed. “Poppy was the first girl’s name we ever agreed on, and at the time it was pretty unheard of over here. Penn was one of the names we were thinking about for Sebastian, and as a lifelong writer, I loved the play on words.”

Newborn knotted gown

True to its roots, Poppy + Penn still provides parents with an alternative to traditional baby clothes. “Poppy + Penn offers mix and match high-end basics, mostly organic solids. Many of my pieces are designed to be gender neutral and are adjustable for extended wear, and I aim for the highest quality fabrics so that pieces can be handed down or passed along,” said Tondeur. Her favorite piece is the newborn knotted gown. “It’s a self-drafted pattern and was a labor of love. I wished I’d had it for my own kids as newborns,” she exclaimed. The shop’s overalls and rompers are particularly popular with small shoppers. I personally love the modern neutral pieces and everything in Tondeur’s muted rainbow appliqué collection.

Muted rainbow appliqué

A self-described “perfectionist,” Tondeur has a hand in everything sold by the shop. “I believe in quality over quantity. Every garment I sell is handcrafted by me in my home studio and I take the utmost care with each order I create.” And, designing still provides the busy mom with a creative outlet. “I think there is something so magical about the potential of a child. That they have this entire world full of possibilities open to them,” she shared. “I love creating clothing for kids that allows them to be comfortable without sacrificing style.”

Poppy + Penn

Poppy + Penn is (sadly) taking a break, but the shop is still stocking new items in the Hip Kids Market here. Don’t miss the June 8th sale focused on “The Great Outdoors” theme. Plus, join the shop’s VIP Facebook group here to keep up with other upcoming sales.

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Reading time: 3 min
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