Children’s clothes, Lindsay? We’re going to talk about children’s clothes?

Yes! Yes, we are!

Because even if you’re not in the market to buy these clothes for a little one, you better be paying attention to one of Arizona’s most successful local fashion companies: Baby Teith.

I have been following Baby Teith for a few years now, and have been completely blown away by the success of the brand. I, personally, wanted to learn more about the team behind this dynamic company and how they got to where they are today.

And I figured you would too.

CitS: How did you originally come up with the concept for Baby Teith? 

BT: I studied fashion design at FIDM in LA and returned to Phoenix around ’08. In the years that followed, I worked on set of commercials, TV, and film in the wardrobe department while focusing on women’s design. I created runway garments but never got the opportunity to bridge my fashion to market.

After my daughter was born in 2013, I saw a huge need in the kids wear market for styles that mimicked those of millennial parents.

I couldn’t find a thing that I liked at department stores and online for our little one. After making her leggings and bodysuits in galaxy and moon printed organic cotton, I decided to try my hand at selling on Etsy.

It was a great platform to start. I was able to make the garments as they sold from the site and it gave me a great opportunity to test the market with little risk. I tweaked designs and fit as I got customer feedback. I improved our customer experience and service as we learned more. The sales grew and my fiancé, Keith Walker, was able to also quit his day job and join me as sales manager less than a year later.

The Baby Teith Team – Keith Walker and Tiffe Fermaint

CitS: You recently shared a post about accomplishing all your 2015 goals.

How do you keep yourself on track and what advice can you give to other fashion entrepreneurs who want to grow their business? 

“I had no idea how these visions would come to be. As we crossed off each major objective one by one throughout the year, nothing but gratitude filled our hearts ♡ Thank you to everyone who helped us make this year incredible.” – Tiffe Fermaint, Baby Teith

BT: I have my yearly list of goals that I make on the 1st of the year but also break it down into monthly, weekly, daily goals. I check in with them once a week and do my best to plan 4 weeks out. Of course, things do change! So we pivot and re-plan accordingly.

Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Girl and author of #GirlBoss, Loves Baby Teith!

I listed our 2015 goals with no idea of how we were to accomplish them. As the year played out, almost like fate, things fell into place. Huffington Post approached us about an interview in conjunction to our Kickstarter campaign that they came across. We participated at MAGIC tradeshow after another company invited us to split a booth with them. A local manufacturer approached us after seeing a vague Facebook post I made.

So, my advice would be to write down your goals for the year no matter how big they may appear to you at the moment. It absolutely helps move you through the year with intent.

Of course action is key! When opportunity presents itself to you – strike when the iron is hot, then work out the details.

CitS: Your brand is produced and printed in Phoenix, which is awesome!
Why was it important for you to keep that process here instead of outsourcing it to a larger market? 

BT: I think that it is so important to keep as much production as possible close, not only to help the local economy, but also to maintain as much control in the process as a business.

CitS: Finally, what can we expect to see from Baby Teith in 2016? 

BT: We have learned so much in 2015 and are growing quickly. This year, Baby Teith will have a tighter, merchandised line with some really amazing improvements to our fabrics and fit. Our daughter is older now as well and she tests everything out for us. We now know even better what toddlers’ needs are. You will see us in more stores and I’m working on a kick ass ecommerce experience for our customers. I don’t want to disclose too much, but I’ll be sure to post the list that I wrote on Jan 1st 2016, all crossed out, on Dec 31st, 2016  :]

We know that we will see even more incredible things from Baby Teith in 2016. This Arizona designer has identified a true niche in the market and has set a great example of what can happen when you dream big.

To keep up with Baby Teith, visit BabyTeith.com and follow @BabyTeith on Instagram.