Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Tardif.

Kellie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I have always been a creative person. I started getting interested in sewing and fashion when I was 12 years old. I learned how to sew from my Home Economics teacher and watching my Mother. In middle school I would go to the thrift store and buy some pieces then go home and refashion or alter them. One of my favorite refashions was making a purse from a belt, suede skirt and cotton shirt. I still have that purse. My great-grandmother used to sew and make clothes as well, it’s in my blood. I went to college for graphic design and have used those skills in my business. As the years went by I knew I wanted to design and make clothing, especially from recycling fabric and from my own fabric design patterns in limited quantities. I created my own brand in 2007 on Etsy called, kellie j. designs boutique. Currently I sell my t-shirt designs on Etsy. My brand can also be found in my online store, Lilli & Yve that I opened in 2017. I named Lilli & Yve after my grandmothers, Lillian and Yvette. Fast forward to today and things may have moved slowly, which I have learned to embrace, but they are headed in a direction I am happy with. I am currently working on releasing an Upcycle Collection this year.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

To be honest it has been quite the ride. Neither straight or smooth. But it’s been a learning experience. I feel like I can’t express enough to literally just start, work with what you have and take your time, because life will throw things your way that will make you do this anyway. Having the mentality to start small and to take your time will eventually get you to where you want to be.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a maker & designer for my brand, ‘kellie j. designs boutique’ and my online store, Lilli & Yve. I create a vast range of products from new and salvaged materials. With a graphic design background, I design t-shirts and surface patterns for other products. My brand ‘kellie j. designs boutique’ is currently exclusive to my shop Lilli & Yve. In 2018, my husband and I renovated a vintage camper into a pop-up boutique where I sell to my local shoppers in the warmer months. I am currently working on an Upcycle Collection in my home studio and have future plans to develop my own fabric design patterns and create small-batch collections from those designs as well. I also teach sewing classes to adults and kids through my local Rivertown Community Arts Center. I am proud that I haven’t stopped dreaming and pursuing that dream. I am very blessed to have the support of my family which has allowed me to pursue my dreams of making and selling clothing. I want to help women feel beautiful in what they choose to wear while also helping our environment. I believe that being a solo studio and using salvaged materials to create clothing is what sets me apart from others.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?

Yes, I definitely have, and it’s to KEEP GOING. If it’s your passion then keep going. If you have to start over, then start over. If you have to cut back significantly then do so and create a new plan. Create a new road map. Just because it doesn’t work the first time or even the second, doesn’t mean you can’t keep trying. The Covid-19 Crisis has definitely helped me to learn to be resilient and work my way through obstacles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lilliandyve.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilliandyve/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilliandyve
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-tardif/
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/kelliejdesigns/