RobbieLee (Deel) Coleman is the mastermind behind Chickiedee, a baby apparel company based in Northglenn, Colorado. Chickiedee strives to give an alternative to the average baby apparel with a handmade touch. All of Chickiedee's products are made in the USA.
What was the inspiration behind Chickiedee?
"I knew from a very young age that I wanted to pursue a creative career, so after high school, college was the next step to making that a reality. I was accepted into the University of Denver (Go DU!) and studied my heart out! I remember walking to class one day and I saw a flyer on the wall saying something along the lines of, "We need a Nanny." I thought this would be a great job and they live super close to campus. I called; we set up an interview, and hit it off perfectly. It was shortly after that when other parents got wind of this traveling nanny and something began to blossom! I was around these precious little babies between classes and after school and I began to pay more attention to what they were wearing. I saw tons of the same themes, blue sailboats and pink bunnies. I loved them, but I thought, "Wouldn't parents want more than this?" "Wouldn't they want something more original and exciting?!" So, like any dedicated artist, I turned to my scketchbook and jotted down all of the ideas and designs that were flowing through my head."
How did you take the leap into baby apparel?
"In the Spring of 2006, my fiance, Ron (now husband), and I were closing on our first house, I was preparing for my Senior Exhibition and then we graduated, me with my BFA in eMAD (Electronic Media Arts Design) and Ron with his BS in Finance. We moved back up to Northglenn to be closer to our families and I still continued to nanny. It was August 2007 when I decided that I was going to make this little dream happen. I just couldn't stop thinking about all of the designs. With Ron's help, we set up the paperwork and got busy. I still worked a full time job and nannied at night because I didn't want to take out a loan. I sold my items at local craft fairs and to supportive friends and family until I launched my online shop in May of 2009."
What sets Chickiedee apart from other baby apparel companies?
"There were a few things that had to be a part of this company without question. The items had to be handmade, made in the USA, and as sustainable as I could possibly get them within my means. The environment is so important to me and I believe that we need to maintain it for our children's future. I hand-stitch all of my designs on 100% Organic Cotton and 100% Cotton one-pieces that are made sweatshop-free in the USA. I also stuff all of the toys with upcycled fabric scraps, so I literally throw nothing away. As Chickiedee continues to grow, I will be able to do even more and I can't wait!"
Visit the Chickiedee website here.
Comments
It's fun to see baby clothes with a different design than baby themes.
Wow, this RobbieLee seems like she is really going places with her new found love. I absolutely LOVE her designs!
Genius! RobbieLee has added upon and continues to make great strides in fashion for those we love so much, our children and loved ones. As a soon-to-be father and proud supporter of Chickiedee clothing, I would like to send a big thank you and well deserved congratulations to Mrs. Coleman.
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