We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amber Bowie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amber, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My business, Mackenzie Madison of Philadelphia, was inspired by one of the most challenging experiences of my life. When my youngest daughter, Mackenzie, was born with a congenital heart defect, our world changed. She went through open-heart surgery as a baby, and I spent endless days by her side in the hospital. To bring a little joy into those long, difficult days, I started sewing matching headbands for Mackenzie and her big sister, Madison. It was a small way to feel connected as a family, and it brought a bit of light to everyone around us.

That’s when I realized that what I was creating wasn’t just about clothes or accessories. It was about finding comfort, joy, and strength in the simple moments of motherhood, even when times are tough. Now, our mission is to help other moms celebrate those special moments with their kids while raising awareness for congenital heart defects. We create products that support moms in making memories and also aim to educate and inspire through designs that reflect our journey and values. Every item we offer, from mommy and me outfits to social justice tees, is a piece of our story and a way to bring families together.

Amber, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Amber Bowie, the founder of Mackenzie Madison of Philadelphia, a brand that’s close to my heart for many reasons. I studied fashion marketing in college, and I always knew I wanted to create something meaningful in the world of fashion. My journey into this industry became truly personal when my youngest daughter, Mackenzie, was born with a congenital heart defect. Spending days in the hospital while she recovered from surgery, I found myself creating matching headbands for Mackenzie and my older daughter, Madison. Those little headbands brought smiles to everyone around us, and that’s when the idea for my business began.

At Mackenzie Madison of Philadelphia, we specialize in creating hand-crafted children’s clothing and mommy and me outfits that help moms celebrate those beautiful, everyday moments with their kids. But we’re not just about fashion—we’re about making meaningful connections. Through our products, we aim to spread awareness about congenital heart defects, celebrate cultural diversity, and offer moms creative ways to make memories. Our line includes everything from custom family shirts for birthdays and holidays to our social justice-themed tees, helping moms share important values with their kids in ways that are personal and engaging.

What sets us apart is the heart behind each product. Every piece is inspired by my experience as a mom, a creator, and someone passionate about building a brand that connects families. I’m most proud of how our community has grown, with moms telling us that our clothing makes them feel part of something bigger. I want our customers to know that when they support our brand, they’re not just buying a product—they’re joining a community that values family, inclusivity, and making lasting memories.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A big moment of resilience for me came during and after the pandemic. Our Etsy shop was doing really well, nearing mid-six figures in revenue. But as Covid hit, a flood of new sellers started making similar products—some even copying our original designs. Our sales took a hit, and it was tough because we’d put so much focus on Etsy.

Instead of giving up, I decided to shift gears and focus on building our own website. I took courses on SEO, digital marketing, and ads, and joined online communities to learn from other business owners. This pivot helped us strengthen our brand and grow outside of Etsy, so now we don’t have to rely on marketplace traffic. That experience changed everything for me; it was the moment I went from running ‘just an Etsy shop’ to being a business owner who could grow her brand independently.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

We primarily focus on selling through our website, www.mmofphilly.com, but we also have shops on Etsy, Faire Wholesale, and Amazon Handmade. Diversifying across platforms lets us reach a wide range of potential buyers. However, our main focus is our own website because it gives us the most control over everything—from product listings to customer interactions.

Platforms like Etsy and Amazon can be challenging to work with, especially when customer issues arise, as they ultimately have the final say. Standing out on Etsy requires extra effort with original photos and carefully crafted product listings. Faire, on the other hand, has been fantastic for wholesale, helping us get into nearly a hundred small boutiques across the U.S. While each platform has its pros and cons, having multiple channels helps us build brand recognition and reach more customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mmofphilly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmofphilly/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mmofphilly

Image Credits

Photo credits: Miguelina Stevenson, Kensington Elizabeth, Amber Bowie