Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenna Devonport.
Hi Glenna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cool Little Ones is a kid’s clothing brand that was started by my need for my kids. In March of 2020, I was laid off while on maternity leave with my second kid. As I figured out my next career move, I was always outside going on walks or playing in the backyard with my then-newborn and two-year-old. I started noticing how sweaty they were in the Texas heat and thought, “If I am in cute, moisture-wicking clothes, why aren’t they?” I began sewing them clothes out of my workout clothes, and what do you know, they kept my kid’s dryer more comfortable, and I had less changing throughout the day! Soon after, I had friends and neighbors ask for clothes for their Little Ones, too. After months of doubting whether I could bring these practical and cute clothes to fruition, I decided to try and make something of it. From 2021 to 2023, I found a kids’ clothing manufacturer in the US, did a few test runs, created a website, formed a company, and started selling clothes! We have now had 3 different lines, and I am so thankful I took my unfortunate situation and turned it into something positive, and my kids inspired that.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting my own business in an industry where I have zero experience has been challenging. Everything I have learned has been by trial and error and finding and asking industry experts for advice and feedback, which has also been a struggle. The manufacturing business I am in is a quantity game, and to really “make it” requires moving so many articles of clothing! Materials and shipping costs have increased dramatically since I opened in 2021. Learning the clothing and garment industry has also been challenging, and I still find myself “googling” different acronyms. Most things that are worth doing and you find fulfilling come with their struggles, so I am constantly open to learning and evolving.
We’ve been impressed with Cool Little Ones, but for folks who might need to be more familiar with you, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
Cool Little Ones is a kids’ clothing brand inspired by the idea of Little Ones playing, learning, and exploring all that the world has to offer. Cool Little Ones specializes in moisture-wicking and UPF Sun Safe kids’ clothes that are versatile enough for the pool, beach, splash pad & lake but cute enough to wear to lunch or dinner. Cool Little Ones’s clothes dry super-fast, so there are fewer changes after your Little Ones get sweaty or wet. Cool Little Ones is different from other brands because they were started from a mom’s actual need for her own kids, and they are stylish enough to wear every day. I am most proud of Cool Little Ones because I took an idea and concept I had and, through “baby steps,” developed a brand and company that I believe in, which solves a problem. Since starting Cool Little Ones in 2021, I have had my third kid, and it is important to believe in ourselves and to take those steps every day to work towards a goal and dream. Some days, those steps might be minimal, but as we have all heard before, we have to walk before we can run.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
From my experience in the children’s clothing industry, I think consumers are getting smarter with how they spend their money and what they look for when purchasing. This is one reason our 2023 line was made out of 100% recycled materials, and we have kept manufacturing in the United States. I do get worried that smaller brands will get pushed out because they can’t keep their costs down as easily as larger brands, but I believe that if you have a solid brand that parents appreciate, success is possible.
Pricing:
- All our kids clothes range from $20 to $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coollittleones.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coollittleones/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoolLittleOnes
Image Credits
Most pictures taken by Alissa Cordoba Brands
