“Color is a power which directly influences the soul” – Wassily Kandinsky

Sarah Bader is discovering new colors. “My favorite part of creating and designing for The Swaddle Company is the challenge of mixing colors in just the shade I imagine,” she shared. “Some of my favorite colors have nine or more pigments in them. When those powdered dyes hit the water, they explode like fireworks, pigment drifting slowly through my mixing-cup or lazily floating on the top, refusing to dissolve. It’s amazing what wild particles of color are contained in something we read as a solid ‘green.’”

Bader is the creative force behind Alber Road Children’s Wear and more recently, the Swaddle Company. “I started the Swaddle Company mid-summer 2018. I wanted to flex my creativity, be something different. Something I thought the children’s clothing market always struggled with was ‘color.’ I didn’t like the typical offerings for babies (pink, blue, yellow – the staples of commercial baby clothes) and I wanted to stay true to my roots: ethical, slow fashion.” The Swaddle Company’s products are responsibly made from start to finish, due to Bader’s fair trade practices and eco-friendly and organic fabrics. “I found a source for organic double-gauze fabric (also known as muslin) from a company that takes great pride in paying their overseas employees living wages and investing in the women of their community. I tried a low-water dyeing technique, crucial for our water-depleted area and I discovered that instead of struggling with color, the science of dye came to me almost naturally,” she recalled.

The Swaddle Company has become known for its exclusive color offerings, like “Dusty Sage” and “Fox Tale,” launching in the shop soon. “We offer complex colors you won’t see on most retail shelves and take great pride in our small-batch, water-conserving approach,” said Bader. “We want to offer those colors that appeal to the moms who don’t fit the mold and their precious little ones who are equally adventurous.” One of Bader’s current favorite designs is “Foxen,” created by Australian artist Esther Fallon-Lau. “Her art speaks to my soul and her foxes especially so. The first piece I ever released was designed by her and she continues to amaze me with her ever-growing popularity and talent.”

Using organic materials for littles is also crucial for Bader. “Babies are growing and developing and whether it be our organic clothing or our organic bedding, that’s a lot of skin-to-skin contact. We believe it is really important to avoid toxic chemicals that may harm their development,” she explained. In addition, “cotton, as a crop, is one of the worst offenders of chemical overuse. In a recent study I read, the amount of pesticides used on cotton far outweighed any other crop. It leaches right from the plants into our water systems and impacts everyone! We believe we are doing our best to support a healthier environment, one that we can be proud to hand down to future generations.”

Where does Bader find her love of color? “I’m an avid quilter and love batiks, so my color palette is nearly infinite. In the background, I am constantly experimenting with new colors, new techniques, working on designs we print in our own shop with water-based ink, connecting with incredible artists from around the world.”

Find a new favorite color on The Swaddle Company’s Facebook page and Etsy shop and don’t miss the shop’s spring releases. “We’re looking to the skies this year for cosmic inspiration as we plan our spring launch, coming this month. Recently, we teamed up with a darling lady from the UK whose collection we’ll be releasing in May, so stay tuned for more exciting prints!” Use the code “SMALLSHOPDROP” to save 15% theswaddlecompany.com and alberroad.com. Thanks Sarah!

“When I heard she had a brain aneurysm, my first thought was, I pray she makes it. I can’t do this without her.” Hänni Baatz’s words gave me chills. Hänni, the “Chief Childhood Magic Maker” behind small shop Wolfe and Scamp, was referring to Vicki Board, her longtime friend and Wolfe and Scamp social media assistant.

On March 11, Vicki gave birth prematurely to baby Franki Rose at only 34 weeks due to complications related to HELPP syndrome, a variant of preeclampsia. Franki spent two weeks in the NICU, but she is (thankfully) thriving. Days after Franki’s release, Vicki began displaying stroke-like symptoms and her husband immediately took her to the ER where doctors discovered two brain aneurysms; one had already ruptured. Statistically, ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 40% of cases. Of those who survive, about 66% suffer some permanent neurological deficit. Vicki underwent emergency brain surgery on March 29 and remains hospitalized. My heart goes out to Vicki and her family, including her four year old daughter, Vivi. Can you imagine what it would feel like to give birth to a preemie and then be prohibited from even comforting your infant while recuperating from life-threatening brain surgery? I can’t. The thought is devastating.

Hänni immediately sprung to action for Vicki and her family, organizing the “Vickisaurus Rex Relief Auction” and helping arrange a MoneyPool fund to defray mounting medical costs. “It is hard to express just how deeply I love Vicki,” Hänni shared. “She has helped me through some very hard times, and for the past three years, there is not one day we haven’t been in touch.”

Now Hänni is looking to the small shop community to help support Vicki under the most excruciating circumstances. “This community is like no other community; when one of us needs help, we all come together to lift that person up. I’m not sure why this is —maybe it has to do with the labor of making something with your own two hands and loving the people who appreciate and support all that goes into it. The work of small shops isn’t really about making money; the work of small shops is heart work.” How can your shop help Vicki? “Please consider participating in our auction on April 12-14, hosted in the BTC (‘Be The Change’) Auction Facebook group,” Hänni implored. “We are gratefully accepting both small shop credits and item donations, and every dollar earned from those donations will go directly to Vicki’s family. The secret hope of my heart is to raise $5,000. I know that is a lot, but it would be life-changing.” Please consider donating to the auction by entering your shop’s information here.

Small shoppers, the list of donated items so far is impressive. Shops like Savage Tots, With Love, Halle, Small Town Apparel, Monka! Goods, Runnamuck Threads, Scars & Gems, Henry + Claire, Winks + Wildflower, and so many more charitable small shops have opened their hearts to Vicki. You will NOT want to miss this fundraiser! Mark your calendar and join the BTC Auction group now.

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, brings imagination to life. Design goes directly from idea to physical product through a computer and a printer and the revolutionary manufacturing process can usually be completed within a matter of hours. Lauren Jackson of Monka! Goods typically has one or two (of her three!) printers churning at any given time. “3D printers are very finicky, especially when you run them almost 24 hours a day, so there is unfortunately quite a bit of downtime for maintenance and repairs,” said Jackson.

Jackson initially opened Monka! Goods, shorthand for the “monkey” nickname she gave her son (and now daughter), in November 2014. “I stopped working to stay home with my son, then six months, now 5. I had created wall hooks from animal toys for his nursery and friends and family suggested that I try selling them,” she recalled. “I spent a few months testing different materials until I landed on animal toys that I filled with resin, then inserted hardware, primed, painted, clear coated, and backed in felt.” In summer 2017, Jackson and her robot programmer husband sought a more cost-effective solution and they spent a year perfecting the design and production process of 3D printing. “My most memorable ‘oops’ moment was when I accidentally powered off my printer while it was printing a large plate of designs,” Jackson laughed. “I came down in the morning to check on it. It had been running for almost 18 hours at that point and when I turned off all of the lights to leave my studio, I also flipped the switch on the printer. It was enough of an ‘oops’ that I guarantee it will never happen again.”

The shop specializes in cheeky homeware accessories, like skull and alien magnets, animal wall hooks, dinosaur holiday ornaments, and my personal favorite, the orange SCROTUS magnet, a nod to the sitting president. I ordered several of those for the holidays this year. “I do love the Menorahsaurus that I released this past year,” Jackson shared. “The most popular design is probably my dinosaur and skull magnet sets and my SCROTUS magnet.” Jackson loves the custom design aspect. “I get a lot of inspiration from the odds and ends of things that I have collected – some say hoarded – in my studio,” she joked. “I also get lots of new ideas from my amazing customers. My favorite is when someone asks, ‘can you make a….’ I always say, ‘I can try!’” 

The innovation of 3D printing allows Jackson to flex her creativity. “I think Monka! is a pretty unique shop. I don’t know of many that make the crazy, bright colored, sometimes ridiculous (or offensive) home decor. I love to push my designs to be ‘extra’ and I think it helps get me noticed.” For the spring, Jackson has big plans. “ I have been getting really jazzed about the shop’s new jumbo skull and dinosaur heads with flower crowns. I have been thinking about a line of big pieces since we started so it’s nice to finally see them come to life!”

Shop all of the Monka! Goods creations on the shop website here and join the Facebook fan club for upcoming sale details. Plus, use the code HIMONKA to save 20% off your next 3D purchase. Thanks Lauren!

“The rooster may crow, but everyone knows the hen delivers the goods.” – Unknown

Mother hen Danielle Ben-David deconstructs and reconstructs various materials like organic cottons, bamboo fleece, linen, and hand-woven wrap scrap into new plush creations through her shop, Chickadee and Hen. The result is squawk-worthy.

“I love working with all sorts of materials, especially luxe minky, organic bamboo fleece, and woven wrap scrap from babywearing wraps. My favorite combination is organic bamboo fleece and upcycled wrap scrap,” Ben-David shared. “I love constructing all sorts of plush animals, but I think coming up with new lovey designs is my favorite.” Ben-David “hatched” the idea after her son turned one in August 2016. “I had sewn some blankets and loveys for him and a few friends and family suggested I sew items to sell,” she said. “I started off making loveys and selling on Etsy, and soon after, I started my own website and began making loveys and plush animals.” The shop name actually came to Ben-David from a children’s song. “One of the birds mentioned in the song is a little chickadee. I was thinking about that song and, in the process, learned that a hen is the name of any kind of bird that is a mom. So I thought chickadee and hen sounded cute! A little baby chickadee and its mama.”

Prior Chickadee and Hen collections include bunnies, hedgehogs, llamas and, of course, chicks, as well as minky loveys in a range of festive colors. Ben-David also offers a limited number of custom spots every month. “I love working with different patterns and altering patterns or designing my own to make the perfect lovey,” she shared. “I am inspired by cute and snuggly animals in nature as well as suggestions from my customers. I love making the things they want to see and they know their little ones will love.” Ben-David has received all types of custom requests, including some particularly meaningful ones. “The most unique custom order I have made was a moose made with a baby wrap that represented a twin who had passed away. The moose was for the surviving baby to have and snuggle,” she recalled. “It was so difficult emotionally to sew the piece because of the mother’s story and because I felt so much pressure to get it right since it was so important for her. I wanted it to be perfect, as though it could offer her healing in some way. These stories and many more are the reason why this work is so meaningful and why I truly feel honored to be able make something that a little one will love for years to come.”

Shake a tail feather and join the Chickadee and Hen VIP Facebook group for new drop dates and availability for custom creations. More photos are also available on the shop website located here.

“It takes a village to raise a child” – Proverb

Losing a child is a fear that grips my heart at night. On April 15, 2018, Julie Anthony unexpectedly lost her granddaughter, Aspen. “Aspen was born in August 2017 and she had the sweetest disposition, a soft little laugh and a bit of a lazy eye that had not yet been corrected,” Anthony shared. “I struggle to talk about her in the past tense.  For 233 days, we were able to hold her and love her, and then she was called home to heaven, leaving our family devastated.”

Anthony is the director of Auction for Aspen, a small shop charitable initiative she launched in September 2018. “In July of 2018, I went to Uganda for two weeks as part of a short term mission with Imani Milele Children.  I had committed to the mission trip months before losing Aspen. After her passing, I almost backed out of the trip, but I am so grateful that I followed through,” she recalled. “During the two weeks I spent in Uganda, I saw a need like nothing I had ever seen before. I interacted with children who had experienced loss and hardships that were heartbreaking, yet the smiles on their faces and joy in their eyes were infectious.  I was early in my own grief, just over three months, and being with these children brought me comfort.  I was longing to hold, nurture and care for a grandchild I had recently lost, and these children needed someone to love and support them. We just seemed like a match.  I had to do something.  The two weeks I was there working wasn’t enough. I saw a need; I couldn’t just forget about it.”

Upon her return home, Anthony decided to raise funds to construct a classroom building in honor of Aspen. “ I told my husband I had a crazy idea of wanting to raise $30,000 to fund a classroom building in memory of Aspen but no plan on how I would ever raise that much money. I then talked to my daughter to see how she would feel about honoring Aspen’s life in this manner, and when she began to cry and told me she would love it, I knew even though I didn’t have a plan, we had to do this.” Anthony’s vision later expanded to three buildings. “But I still had no idea how we were going to raise the money.”

Inspired by her sister Elizabeth, a small shop owner, and with encouragement from her sister Kim (“my biggest supporter and partner in this endeavor”), Anthony launched an Instagram auction with a goal of raising $3,000. “The response was incredible, and we raised $10,000! We had never intended to host more than one auction, but we just finished our third and plan to host another one in the Fall,” said Anthony. “The outpouring of support was so overwhelming. There were small shop owners asking what more they could do, telling me they were so honored to be involved, asking for updates, and quite frankly, sending so much love that it cushioned the hole in my heart that Aspen left.  These were strangers. People who read Aspen’s story and were willing to generously rally behind our family. They were willing to join alongside us as we honor Aspen’s life and change the lives of some other children. I have been moved to tears by this wonderful community of small shops.  The people behind these shops have warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes so many times. They will never know the depths of my gratitude.”  

Construction in Uganda is already progressing. “In January, construction began on what will be the first of three buildings in the classroom block of the school. With funds from our most recent auction, we now have the money needed to fund the second building in the classroom block.  Construction on that building began last Wednesday. Once all three classroom buildings are completed, we will begin funding restrooms, teachers’ quarters, dorms, a kitchen and dining facility, a sick bay, an administration building and a security fence. It’s a huge undertaking, but with each person that joins alongside us, the task seems less daunting.”

This small shop community is incredible. How can you get involved? Anthony offered the following suggestions:

1. Direct tax-deductible donations can be made here. Imani Milele Children is a 501(3)(c), so donations for both businesses and individuals can be tax-deductible.

2. Anthony is hosting another Instagram auction this Fall. She needs more small shop donors and help promoting this event. Anthony is also looking for interested shops willing to start their own campaigns on Aspen’s behalf. For example, @theknottedcrown approached her about launching a bow in its shop with the proceeds going to this project. Anthony will promote all fundraising endeavors and the shops that host them. 

3. And, finally, Anthony is looking for 24 groups of people (i.e., shops that band together, school groups, families, churches, etc.) that will try to raise $6,250 each. She recognizes this is a big ask, but it will go a really long way.  $6,250 is what it will cost to build a small house in Uganda.  There are 24 teachers, so she needs 24 small houses. Anthony is hoping some groups will “adopt” a teacher and raise the necessary funds to provide them with a house.

Please consider joining Anthony’s village and making a donation of any kind in honor of Aspen. May her memory be a blessing.

Peace, love and tie-dye! “Hands down, my favorite thing is getting to watch kids actually live in my clothes,” said Nicki Laureanti, owner of small shop the Painted Crane. “I don’t want to be a brand people only buy to take photos in or for special occasions. I want to be an ‘all the time kind of clothing brand.’ Seeing people wear my stuff and come back for more all the time really gets me falling in love with what I do.”

Launched in January 2018 from Kennewick, Washington, the Painted Crane is widely recognized for its colorful tie-dye designs and stylish apparel. “I actually used to make tutus! I was ‘Tin and Ella’ for a few years before I started doing this,” Laureanti shared. The Painted Crane shop name was inspired by Laureanti’s tattoo of a Phoenix, also her hometown. Now, the Painted Crane specializes in high quality knit dresses, joggers, bummies, harems, leotards, sweatshirts and tops (for both littles and mamas), among others. “Twirl dresses are my all time favorite thing to make,” said Laureanti. “They are fun to create for me.” I personally love the rainbow tie-dye tank tops for women. The colors are cheerful and the style is perfect for spring. The girls hem-dyed maxi dresses are also particularly adorable.

As many moms know, the actual tie-dye process can get messy, much like the tots wearing Laureanti’s creations. “My process is so different with each thing. It’s so fun to get to be creative each and every time. No two things are ever the same, so I make each piece a little differently just to make sure of that.” The Painted Cranes uses dye that is CPSC certified and safe for babies and children. After Laureanti hand dyes the fabrics, she washes them in a non-toxic and fragrance-free textile detergent to “set” the dye and prevent stains.

For custom pieces, customers can select up to three different color dyes. Laureanti has seen some curious combinations. “It’s funny because sometimes, people pick colors and I’m like, ‘uhhh for real?’ And then I make it and I love it. But, also the opposite has happened, where I thought I would love something and hated it.” Beyond the apparel, the Painted Crane also offers tie-dyed home decor, like baby crib sheets and swaddles. “I have people asking for me to tie dye such crazy things, like curtains and rugs,” Laureanti laughed. Sounds groovy!

Next up in the shop are tie tops in baby sizes through adults, plus a new ultra rare color. Join the Painted Crane VIP Facebook group here and check out the shop’s website to see photos before upcoming drops.

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!

Hip Harp Leather was on a brief break last year after chief moccasin designer Linsey Harper welcomed twin girls in September, but the mama of four is finding her creative mojo again. “I am able to work on moccasins while all of the kids are sleeping. If my twins are napping, my three year old usually wants my attention, so day work is usually out of the question,” she laughed. “While I have not figured it all out, I feel like we are making progress and I’m happy with where we are.”

Based in Utah, Hip Harp Leather started back in 2014 as a hobby for Harper. “I wanted moccasins for my little girl. I’m the DIY-type that says ‘I can make that,’” she explained. “Most of the time those fail, but this one stuck. My friends wanted them for their kids and their friends wanted them. I decided to put them on Etsy and try making $100/month making moccasins. It took off from there.” Surprisingly, Harper had never touched a sewing machine until six months prior to opening up shop. “I am a hardcore tomboy. The only kinds of things I wanted to do growing up were playing soccer outside, climbing trees, snowboarding and beating the boys at everything,” she said.

These days, Harper handcrafts leather-licious moccasins, baby shoes and accessories (including hats, purses and camera straps) for kids in sizes 0 (3.7”) to 10/11 (7”).  The shop’s specialty moccasin designs, like unicorns, mermaids and sharks, are particularly darling. Harper also personally paints various designs on the moccasins. “My favorite part about making moccasins is the joy it brings other people. To see a smile on a kid’s face that does not want to take of his or her new moccs makes my heart so happy.” Her latest white bunny design with fuzzy ears is just perfect for Easter. “I think my favorite moccasins that I have designed and made are the Boat moccs in weathered brown,” she shared. “They are so different and they are probably one of, if not the top sellers.” Customers are offered all types of add-ons and customization options. “I have a couple of requests that made my heart explode,” said Harper. “I had a mama want some little doll-sized moccs for her preemie twins in the NICU. I also had a mama request moccs for her daughter that had braces on her legs.”

Like so many of us, Harper is finding her way juggling motherhood and the small shop business. “Don’t stress over the little things,” she offered. “Life will continue, even with a messy house. Kids will only be little once, so soak it up and enjoy every ounce of them.” Sage advice, Linsey Harper.

Check out what Harper is dropping next on the Hip Harp Leather website and join her VIP Facebook group here for more details.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

We dream that our children will grow to be compassionate, loving people and global citizens. Sarah Adams of Wire and Honey is inspiring activism to combat stereotypes that affect children through her apparel designs. “Social activism, feminism, inclusion, and fighting racism are all issues that are important to us and inspire us,” Adams explained. “Our goal is to inspire your (and our) tiny humans to be more empathetic, open minded, and aware than our own generation.”

Indeed, activism isn’t just for adults anymore. The Wire and Honey shirts, hats, totes and other related merch celebrate political and social change. “We don’t just want your children to wear our clothing, we want them to know why they are wearing them.” Some of the most popular designs include “the Notorious RBG,” “Smash the Patriarchy,” “Vaccines Save, Bro,” and Adams’ personal favorite, “Shero.” The shirts come in sizes for both tots and adults and “allow for teachable moments and honest conversations about issues that affect children all over our city, country, and the world.” For Adams, the messages are personal. “Dismantling white supremacy is the issue that I am most passionate about because all the issues that we fight against, such as racism and oppression and the patriarchy, are all tied up in white supremacy,” she shared. “If we can dismantle that system, then we can tackle the rest.” And, while Adams has received custom requests for controversial anti-vaccine and pro-Trump designs, she remains steadfast in her progressive mission. “Staying true to my values is more important to me than making money, so if it means that I lose some customers over it, then I am okay with that.” I admire Wire and Honey’s commitment to motivating young changemakers.

Based in Baltimore City, Maryland, Adams launched Wire and Honey in December 2014 after suffering a bout of post-partum depression and post-partum anxiety following the birth of her son. “Wire and Honey originally started as a hobby for me to pass the time until I could go back to my career teaching middle school. But I fell in love with it. I started with pop culture designs and quickly evolved to where we are now, supporting feminism and activism in kid friendly ways.” The shop name Wire and Honey is actually a twist on Adams’ home in Baltimore City. “Baltimore is best known to outsiders by the HBO show The Wire (no, our entire city isn’t like The Wire, despite what people think) and Baltimore hons.” “Hon” is a “Bawlmerese” word short for “honey” that has come to define the city’s working class women of the 1960s. As Adams put it, “think John Waters films, like Hairspray.”

Healing the world requires both justice and charity. Every month, Wire and Honey donates a portion of proceeds to various charitable organizations. Adams asks her family of customers to offer suggestions for different non-profits. “We want our customers to be involved in our philanthropy and have a voice and be passionate about the organizations we report.”

Ignite the social activist in your kids and check out the latest designs on the Wire and Honey website here or in Adams’ exclusive Facebook group. Adams has generously offered readers a 20% discount with the code “smallshopdrop.”

Me & Reekie is a family affair. “Me & Reekie roots started way back in the 80’s when our mom made and sold children’s clothing in Santa Barbara, California,” explained small shop owner Carine Cortez. “We grew up helping our mom Maria with the production process as soon as were old enough to hold a pair of scissors! In 2014, after my sister Rica had my nephew Sonny, we teamed up with our mom to make Me & Reekie into what it is today.” The shop name is a reference to Cortez’s sister Rica and “‘Me’ stands for everyone else in our family.”

True to their origins, the Me & Reekie trio handcraft handmade tops, pants, shorts and hoodies for kiddos. Each item is created from Me & Reekie designed patterns, exclusive fabric prints and then sewn by Cortez and her mother. I particularly like the shop’s birthday print collection, featuring t-shirts, shorts and pants for babes celebrating their birthdays up to age four. In fact, my own little guy wore the Me & Reekie Two “2” birthday harem shorts in January. “We specialize in birthday and holiday prints and our customers know when they need a fun and unique outfit for any occasion, we’ve got them covered,” shared Cortez. “Our clothing is captured in so many moments of joy in their lives and it is one of the best feelings ever.” The shop’s newest mom and dad heart tattoo prints are so perfect for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Another fan favorite is the Me & Reekie harem pants. “They are soft and stretchy drop crotch pants that are perfect for growing babes who love to play,” Cortez said. “We created the pattern from scratch and have spent the past four years tweaking it to perfection.” Cortez described the Me & Reekie style as “easy and comfortable,” like her own personal style, with “a little more fun and loud with pops of prints.” “Being a work from home mom, I like to call my style ‘whatever is clean,’” she joked.

Cortez is proud of what her family has developed with Me & Reekie and with good reason. “We built this from the ground up all on our own and we are able to make a living doing what we love!” she exclaimed. Customers tend to gravitate towards Me & Reekie for “the quality of our designs and construction, our attentiveness to our customers, and most definitely, our custom prints.”

Join the Me & Reekie family through Cortez’s VIP Facebook group here and check out the shop’s latest prints on the Me & Reekie website. Plus, use the code “WYATT” to save during the next drop!