This week I was able to grab coffee with one of the founders of Hemming Birds Boutique.  I love when I get to meet other small business owners in town and we can just chat about the triumphs and trials of our businesses! Her one-year-old daughter, Ellie, came to coffee with us wearing her adorable made-by-mom Hemming Birds' bib. The sweet lady serving our coffee immediately commented on what an adorable and well-made baby bib Ellie was wearing. <<-- And that my friends is the truth! You have to check out these precious baby accessories! Keep reading to find out why the owners of Hemming Birds are so passionate about what they do! Happy #FollowFriday!

Hemming Birds

Owners: Yana & Jennifer Wieckowski
Products: Handcrafted Baby Essentials

TDC: In 2014, you two decided to leave your current jobs and start Hemming Birds Boutique. What lead to the decision to go into business together?
HBB: For me (Yana) the desire to leave my current job mostly involved having more quality time to spend with my family.  The decision to not pursue a “real” part-time job was to focus on Hemming Birds as much as possible.  Once we got the ball rolling, Jennifer left her full-time job for similar reasons – to spend more time with her family and also support the growing demands of HB.

TDC: I’m sure the jump into entrepreneurship was exhilarating and scary all at the same time. What has been the most exciting part of the process for you?
HBB: It was, indeed; and continues to be! The most exciting part is watching all of our hard work (blood, sweat, and tears. . .lol) pay off.  We aren’t in this to make a ton of money, we truly love building our business and designing products that new parents adore and love to use.

TDC: Your bibs and burp cloths are absolutely adorable! What would you say is unique about Hemming Birds Boutique products?
HBB: The quality of our products. We are both very particular about quality; both in the materials we use and in the craftsmanship of their construction.  Every detail of our designs are thought-out and meticulously tested.  We’ve been known to count stitches and bust out the ruler to measure distance of top-stitching to the edge of the product.  Some would call us perfectionists ☺  We are also very proud that everything is made locally.  Not only in the USA, but currently all in the Lowcountry.  

TDC: The shop carries two bib styles --The Ollie and the Charlie. What was the inspiration for the names and the styles?
HBB: You know, that is an interesting question.  We started with the Charlie bib, and after that decided to give all of our products human names.  Charlie and Ollie work for bibs, because they can be for either a girl or boy.  Previously, we also had the June and Jane little girl bags, which were named after our daughters (Elizabeth June and Hannah Jane).  

TDC: Customers can purchase your products online. Can they also purchase in any stores?
HBB: Yes they can!  Our bibs and burp cloths are carried in a few baby boutiques and gifts stores across the country.  You can find a list of them here.

TDC: Do you two have a current favorite fabric in the shop right now?
HBB: Ooh, that is a tough one.  I think we’ve both always been partial to the mermaids print. However, in the next few days we are launching a chicken bib, which we are both in love with.  It’s pretty darn cute!

TDC: Any hints on what is in store for Hemming Birds? Any new products or fabrics you can share with us?
HBB:  We have been slowly launching our “Essential Burp Cloth” over the last year.  Currently they are available in retail stores or in our shop as part of gift set, however soon they’ll be available in our shop as single items.  We have tentative plans to launch a completely new item, possibly as a small batch release for the holidays.  These days, though, we are so busy with our bibs that we don’t have too much time for designing new products.  

TDC: All Hemming Birds Boutique items are designed and handcrafted in Charleston, SC. What are some of your favorite family activities in Charleston?
HBB:  We both love taking our families to the beach.  Jennifer lives in Mt. Pleasant, so her family frequents Sullivan’s Island, while we generally head to Folly.  We have a pretty good collection of shark’s teeth that we love to add to.  We also love all of the local events, like the farmer’s markets and Second Sunday on King Street.  

TDC: Always have to ask...favorite Charleston restaurant right now?
HBB:  Another great question.  I think Jennifer is pretty particular to Vickery’s and Red Drum.  I’d say my current favorite is Edmund’s Oast.  Though, we ventured out of our studio to Home Team BBQ downtown a few days ago and both agreed that it was pretty epic.

Be sure to follow Hemming Birds on Instagram to stay up to date with their latest bib colors and patterns! Have a great weekend!

Best,
Emily Kirby