We recently connected with Haley & Hannah Lewus and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Haley & Hannah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?

Our enterprise is a privately-owned family business, rooted in the creative endeavors of both myself, Gabby Lewis, and my husband, Bubby Lewis. Hailing from diverse backgrounds—my upbringing in California and my husband’s in Flint, Michigan—we bring a fusion of experiences to our pursuits. With my expertise as a fashion designer and my husband’s talent as a touring musician and composer, we have ventured into entrepreneurship, culminating in a decision to relocate our operations to Japan.

Our journey into the world of fashion and music has been enriched by the addition of our daughters, Haley and Hannah. Haley, at the age of 8, displayed a keen interest in fashion design upon our move to Japan in 2022. Encouraged by her innate curiosity, she embarked on a personal journey to master the craft of sewing and graphic design, envisioning collaborative ventures with her younger sister.

In 2023, with the arrival of her sister Hannah, Haley’s aspirations for a family clothing brand gained momentum. Drawing inspiration from our collective experiences and her burgeoning creativity, Haley has demonstrated a remarkable flair for fashion, aspiring to build a legacy alongside her sister. Witnessing our collaborative efforts as parents and entrepreneurs, Haley is determined to carve her path in the world of design, mirroring the symbiotic relationship between her parents.

While I transitioned into the role of a nurturing mother following the birth of Hannah, Haley’s passion for fashion has become a focal point of our familial dynamic. Leveraging my background in fashion design, I have assumed the role of mentor, imparting knowledge and expertise to Haley, who continues to flourish under my guidance. As a certified fashion designer, I am committed to passing down my legacy to the next generation, ensuring that our family’s creative spirit endures through the talents of Haley and Hannah.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Introducing Haley & Hannah, a premier children’s fashion label infused with the boundless creativity of two remarkable sisters. At the tender age of 8, Haley spearheads our design endeavors, channeling her passion for graphic and fashion design into each meticulously crafted piece. From the delicate strokes of hand sketches to the precision of digital renderings, Haley’s visionary artistry aims to ignite inspiration and spread joy worldwide. Collaborating alongside her cherished baby sister, Hannah, they have already established an unmistakable and captivating identity for our brand. Haley Ann Marie’s journey into the realm of fashion began in her earliest years, drawn to the allure of princess-inspired designs. Embarking on her creative odyssey at just 5 years old, she translated her vibrant imagination onto fabric, pioneering unique designs using paint markers and various materials. Stepping onto the iconic fashion streets of Tokyo, adorned in her own creations, Haley’s confidence soared as she realized her calling. Now, with Hannah by her side, Haley’s determination to innovate and elevate knows no bounds as they chart the course for the future of our brand.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Haley and Hannah is a burgeoning brand, representing a new venture that we, as a family, have embarked upon within the entrepreneurial realm. Our journey is marked by a profound testament to resilience, exemplified by our relocation to Japan. The decision to transplant our passions and pursuits to a distant corner of the globe signifies not only a geographical shift but also a strategic endeavor to penetrate international markets. Despite encountering formidable obstacles, particularly the language barrier, we remain steadfast in our determination to surmount challenges and forge ahead.

One poignant narrative within our journey revolves around my daughter’s pursuit of mastering the art of sewing. Amidst moments of overwhelming complexity, she exhibits unwavering resolve, refusing to capitulate to adversity. Our familial ethos centers on perseverance; it is the cornerstone of our collective endeavor.

Remarkably, my daughter’s ambition extends beyond her craft, as she endeavors to learn the Japanese language to better connect with her clientele. Her decision to immerse herself in a Japanese-speaking public school, despite being unfamiliar with the language, epitomizes her resolute focus on our overarching goal. Despite potential cultural and linguistic barriers, she remains undeterred, poised to embrace the challenges ahead with unwavering determination.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

Hannah and Haley operate a dual sales platform through their dedicated website as well as the renowned online marketplace, Etsy. While the intricacies of Etsy’s operational dynamics are yet to be fully comprehended, including the financial implications associated with design uploads, the duo expresses a distinct preference for their website. This preference stems from the platform’s capacity to offer customers a comprehensive narrative beyond mere product offerings, thereby enriching the overall consumer experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.haleyandhannah.com
• Instagram: @haleyandhannahlewis
• Facebook: @haleyandhannah
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@haleyandhannah?si=pFfQr5CvDPJPr43w