Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Berkey.
Rachel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I had grown up watching my mother, Patti launch and grow a children’s clothing line during the 90s that employed moms working from home. I even wrote my business school application about wanting to follow her example of combining a social mission with business success. It wasn’t until I was on maternity leave and found myself dreading leaving my daughter at home that I realized the value of a company that empowers parents to work from home.
At the same time, the dozens of new outfits I bought and hundreds of snaps I did during diaper changes those first few months made it clear that most clothing manufacturers don’t take into account the needs of parents when designing their lines. I wanted to fill that gap and of course, asked Patti to join me—being the creative mind and loving mom she is, she didn’t hesitate before saying yes!
We found a lot of our initial success through parents looking for something different discovering us on Instagram as well as Pop-Ups where people could touch and feel our fabrics and see the quality in person. We’ve been lucky to have several high-profile influencers fall in love with our brand, including Emily Henderson, who called us her “favorite kid’s clothing boutique.” Since then, we’ve expanded into the wholesale business as well and haven’t looked back!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge, thus far, has been figuring out how to manage growth while maintaining the family-first perspective we pride ourselves on. We can’t say yes to every opportunity out there and it’s hard but so worthwhile. My kids only have me as a mom and I need to make sure I’m there for them, first and foremost. Because our team and many of our external partners are all parents, they share that perspective, which makes it much easier for everyone.
Another challenge of entrepreneurship is that you have to learn a little of everything–from photography to graphic design to coding. Turns out my MBA and consulting background isn’t much use for many of the practical day-to-day tasks, but the opportunity to learn and stretch every day is wonderful.
Last of all, while partnering with my mother on this business is a huge blessing, it’s not without its own challenges. We very easily slip into the roles of mother and daughter rather than business partners and colleagues. The upside is that this often gives us much more empathetic and honesty with one another while the downside is that we sometimes lack patience and speak a little too candidly. Our professional relationship is always a work-in-progress but we’re closer than we’ve ever been.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Thimble Collection – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Founded by a mother-daughter team in 2016, Thimble’s mission is to create clothing that is as beautiful as it is practical while providing more opportunities for parents to earn an income while maximizing time with their families.
We start with fabrics that are beautiful, soft, and high-quality. Then we design one-of-a-kind silhouettes that have a touch of whimsy and a lot of comforts. Each style takes into account the needs of parents and children so that pieces last longer, wear better, and make life just a little easier for everyone (parents could use a little of that, right?).
Our clothing is proudly constructed in the USA by experienced seamstresses to ensure heirloom-quality craftsmanship and a mother’s love goes into each piece. Every member of our team is able to work from home in order to support her family as she sees fit and her diligence is evident in every piece.
Thimble clothing is made in children’s sizes 0-6 and is available directly on our website and at select US boutiques. Thoughtful details like our zipper diaper closure and adjustable straps have made us popular amongst parents and kids alike.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Looking ahead to the Spring and Summer seasons, we’ve got an incredible set of new styles and fabrics that we’re rolling out directly online and with our retail partners. We’re also expanding sizing–we’re now offering up to size 6 in select styles so that Thimble can grow with our customers!
Longer term, we’re continuing to expand our retail footprint as well as grow our team to include more moms (and dads!). Right now, most of our team is based in West Michigan, and we look forward to expanding there as well as in Boston. We’re also going to do more partnerships and pop-ups to introduce more parents and gift givers to the brand.
Pricing:
- Separates start at $24 in sizes 0-3M – 6
- Dresses and tunics start at $44
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thimblecollection.com
- Email: connect@thimblecollection.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thimblecollection
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thimblecollection
Image Credit:
Katy Doyle Photography
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
