We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Glenna Devonport. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Glenna below.

Glenna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The idea for Cool Little Ones started in 2020 when I had just been laid off at the end of my maternity leave due to COVID-19 pandemic. I found myself at home with a 3 month old and 2 year old, applying for all kinds of jobs and worried about my future. Getting outside had always been a priority to my family growing up and camping was our form of vacation for many years. For months I was applying for jobs all while taking care of a newborn and 2 year old at home with me- we did what most were doing on and went on walks, played in the backyard and did anything we could outside. I started noticing how sweaty my Little Ones were and decided to start sewing them moisture wicking clothes out of my workout clothes. Our Mission at Cool Little Ones is to inspire families and Little Ones to get outside and explore all that the world has to offer.

Glenna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

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.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

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.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients, or customers for Cool Little Ones has been simple, Word of Mouth! As a small business, run by only myself, word of mouth is crucial for helping us grow. In our 3 years of selling kids clothes, we have only had 1 return and every single review has been 5 stars. Moms know how to build great and supportive communities and this is where I heavily lean on to help us grow. I am hoping that we can get more moms talking about Cool Little Ones!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://coollittleones.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coollittleones/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoolLittleOnes
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/69114583/admin/feed/posts/

Image Credits
Alissa Cordoba Photography