“So, the Labyrinth is a piece of cake, is it? Well, let’s see how you deal with this little slice…” – Labyrinth
“The shop name Lilith’s Labyrinth is very special to me because it is a nod to my daughter Lilith, but also a nod at life itself. Mental health has always been something I have tried to advocate for because I was diagnosed with postpartum depression after she was born,” explained Tricia Lynne Parker. “A labyrinth, in the classical sense, is a complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one’s way. To me, the labyrinth is a lovely representation of life. A five circuit Chartres labyrinth is the logo of Lilith’s Labyrinth and the background is an actual photo of the galaxy.” I love a good metaphor.
Parker launched Lilith’s Labyrinth this summer after Lilith was born. “I have always sewn for myself and my kids,” she recalled. “A couple months ago, I designed a play hoodie for my son MJ that I now offer under my customs. I had so much fun creating this blue dragon outfit. I also loved being able to customize it for him. He has eczema, so I drafted cuffs that go just below his elbows to protect his little arms.” After experimenting with designs for her own kiddos, Parker set out to bring them to the small shop community. “I have had others ask me to make this or that, so I decided to do it all by the book. I researched consumer safety regulations, tax law and brushed up on my accounting, as I have a Bachelor’s degree in business from the UK.” The shop now focuses on small runs of bows, bummies, leggings, rompers, pocket t-shirts and hoodies for girls, boys and their mamas. “My favorite shop design at the moment is the raglan shirts. I love to color block and the sleeve style always brings a nice contrast to the bodice,” said Parker. “I only order small quantities and a large majority of my items are made to order or one of a kind. No two raglans are the same either. Sometimes, I will have fun and use multi-color thread or do a cover stitch design on the sleeves.”
Prior to opening, Parker spent a substantial amount of time handcrafting the actual patterns for Lilith’s Labyrinth. “I love being about to draft my own designs. The shop actually evolved from me wanting to sell my draft patterns to me focusing on the physical creation of products. I am a designer first and a seamstress second, to be honest,” she professed. “I also have created custom one-of-a-kind unicorn fabric. I do offer my fabric and pattern designs for sale, but I do not advertise them as such.” Her own experiences as a mom heavily influence the apparel designs as well. “I have been breastfeeding my daughter for months now and part of my goal as a shop owner is to provide customization for every mother through all stages of motherhood, be it from maternity to nursing to hiding that mom tum (that I totally still have),” she shared. “Inclusive wears and body positivity are something I pride myself in. I want to not only make bespoken clothing, but make the wearer feel that love and confidence too.” Speaking of inclusive, the gender neutral Lilith’s Labyrinth is a proud LGBTQ+ owned enterprise. “Most people don’t know that Lilith’s Labyrinth is LGBTQ+ owned and operated and that we are also a military family. I feel very privileged to be able to openly operate as part of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Parker is hard at work on custom orders in holiday prints (and just released an exclusive print in her VIP group), so check out the new shop on Facebook and Instagram and share your favorite style. Also, mention Small Shop Drop and save 10% on your first order. Thanks Tricia!
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