Here at Belly Bandit HQ, a women-owned and operated company, we believe in celebrating the success of all women in business! Our “Moms Who Made It” series is our way of honoring Mompreneurs who inspire us every day.
This week we're thrilled to be featuring Sydni & Jori, co-founders of Lulu + Roo Children's Clothing. These two besties wanted to find outfits that their children could play in without forfeiting style, quality, and comfort! The result was a line of adorable tailored hoodies, shorts, and sweatpants. Their collection has continued to expand but their commitment to cozy is what makes Lulu + Roo so special!
Describe your business philosophy in 5 words:
Don’t make excuses, make improvements.
What inspired you to go into business?
We started as a team of two moms in an unfinished basement with just a few yards of fabric designing clothing for our own children. Our children have been our biggest inspirations from the very beginning. We started this company when our youngest were just newborn babies. We always had a hard time finding clothing that we really loved. We perfected our patterns over time going off of what our kids would find comfortable and creating a look that we loved just as much as they loved the comfort. A friend of ours had been sewing for most of her life and was looking for some extra work, we brought her on and started creating designs.
When did you know you, “made it?”
This is a hard question, haha…. I think looking back some of our most memorable moments is when we spot children wearing our clothing when we’re out and about. I think there is no better feeling as a business when you see that or when customers send us their photos of their cute kids wearing our clothes. We still feel like there is always room for improvements as a company and we are still working on that all the time.
Who is your mentor?
Sydni- My mentor is my dad, he is also a business owner and the hardest worker I know. I love going to lunch with him and picking his brain, he has always believed in me from day one and pushes me to do more.
Jori- My grandma has always been my biggest mentor. Growing up she taught me that a woman can be both a mother and a business owner. She was the hardest worker and strongest woman I’ve ever known. I’ve learned the most from her and many things I learned from her I have brought into this business with me.
What's your #1 tip for moms interested in business
Just go for it!!! I think the biggest fear for moms is failure (why are we always so hard on ourselves)? The truth is that we’ve both failed at things many times over the years. Our biggest advice is to really find your passion, that way your business won’t feel as much like a job and will be just something you love! Also give yourself time and start small, nothing happens overnight and to expect lots of obstacles along the way. I truly believe that without the obstacles we’ve had starting out we would never have grown as big as we have.
What does “me” time mean to you?
Me time is anytime I get to go work out or take an uninterrupted shower (which honestly doesn’t happen enough). Over the years we’ve come to realize that it’s important for every mom to take some time for themselves each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
What‘s on your bedside table?
Big Little Lies…. a MUST read! I also cannot sleep with out pillow spray, it’s a game changer!
Words to live by - Share you favorite quote!
Follow your passion. Stay true to yourself. Never follow someone else's path unless you're in the woods and you're lost and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that. -Ellen DeGeneres
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To learn more about Sydni & Jori head to, https://luluandrooclothing.com.
