“Peapod & Nate speaks to the stages of my personal life,” said Lindsey Berlin of the small shop. “An active little lady who loves colors and dresses, and a squishy little toddler who still loves snuggling up on one of his Peapod & Nate sheets.” Based in Boulder, Colorado, Peapod & Nate uses 100% cotton materials to handcraft bedding and apparel for littles. “I believe kids should be kids. When you grow up, it’s not as easy to wear the brightest color in the crayon box or a bold pattern, right?” Berlin mused. “Kids love color and fun patterns, so I do my best to find prints and patterns that fall into those categories.”

Other than the vibrant color options, small shoppers have also been attracted to the shop’s monochrome cactus print.  “Every time I think the interest is slowing down, it surprises me and picks right back up! It’s natural, boho and perfectly gender neutral, a trend that continues to be strong.” Berlin’s favorite bedding design, however, is one that is particularly close to her heart. “We kept my son’s gender a surprise, so I wanted to get creative and do something out of the box for a nursery theme. We went with a farmer’s market theme and I found the most gorgeous modern, lemon print fabric,” she shared. “It was bright and super soft organic. I never actually sold that print in my shop, funny enough.”

Berlin opened up shop in 2016. “I was a new mama and new to staying at home. I needed a creative outlet, so I took a beginners quilt making class. Prior to that, I had never touched a needle and thread,” recalled Berlin. “I was immediately hooked and decided to make the bedding for my second child’s nursery. Slowly, people started asking me to make bedding for them, and I quickly realized this could turn into a business.” She began sewing crib sheets in colorful designs. “I offered variations of that, be it mini sheets, travel sheets and changing pad covers,” Berlin explained. “Since the beginning, I told myself I was going to let this brand grow in the way that it naturally evolves. And while the shop started in the nursery, Peapod & Nate shortly expanded into the wardrobe. “As my kids grew and my daughter’s love of twirl dresses grew, I extended the brand to include dresses and apparel. Sometimes I question whether it needs to be two brands…one for bedding and one for dresses. But, honestly, I like that my customers have ways to stay with me longer.” Berlin selected a shop name that incorporated both of her kiddos. “Nate is my son’s name and Peapod has been my daughter’s nickname from the time she was just an itty bitty…well, peapod,” she laughed.

Early on, Berlin tailored the shop to appeal to consumers looking for one of a kind design. “I feel like we are living in this season of quantity over quality, which has created a culture of disposable apparel. I love that I get to create pieces that moms, dads and even the kiddos who use them think of as that one special piece. The dress that is going to be the ‘saved’ dress and worn for a special occasion,” she exclaimed. “Or the dress that is so comfy, that they want to wear it over and over and over again, no matter how stinky and dirty it gets. I love seeing the newborn photos where they babe is resting so peacefully on my bedding or that little lady who twirls hear heart out in one of my dresses. It is so rewarding!” Berlin also emphasized to me the importance of high-level customer service. “As I sat down and started to think through what my brand was going to be, I thought about the brands that have personally meant the most to me,” she said. “A common thread with all of them was the brands and shops that always went above and beyond and really truly took an interest in me as their customer. I truly appreciate each and every customer who takes the time to stop by my shop.”

Take some time and shop over at Peapod & Nate. The bedding and twirl dresses make excellent coordinating baby and big sister gifts. “Coming soon are gorgeous saturated colors and a few new prints for baby bedding!” Check out all the designs on the Peapod & Nate website and on Facebook here.