Meet Rachel: The Creator of the Original Romper

Today we at The Baby Cubby are excited to introduce you to one of the business owner's coming to our Pop-Up Shop on November 11th! Rachel, from Rags to Raches, is the creator and mastermind behind the original romper! Rachel started out by selling her children's hand-me-down clothes on Instagram, but soon realized that her bestsellers were the items she had made herself! So Rachel got to work, and now her once small clothing line has grown into something much larger than she could have dreamed. Rachel loves to get out and play with her kids and so always keeps in mind that all she does is for one thing: her family. We had the wonderful opportunity to interview Rachel so that you could get to know her and Rags to Raches a little better!

Meet Rachel and her family from Rags to Raches

Why did you start your company?

I originally started this company to sell my kids hand-me-down clothing.  My husband was in grad school and student loans were coming to an end and we seriously had NO money. I started selling my kids clothing on my Instagram and the stuff that was going crazy was the clothing that I had made for them.  I realized in that moment that I needed to do this for a living.  That is where the romper was born. 

Tell me about the journey of your company?

We started a little over a year ago.  I was cutting and sewing orders and selling through my Instagram. I was sewing around 200 every three to four days and they would sell out in 2-3 hours!  It was crazy. In that moment I started to realize there was a demand for this product and people loved it as much as I did so I got it manufactured immediately.  I started from my parents basement, then moved into a house, hired a couple people and ran it from my garage and bonus room.  Now we are in a warehouse and just hired a company to take over all fulfillment for us.  I started with an idea and a big dream.  It is hard to believe sometimes what has happened.  Super grateful.

What has been the most satisfying achievement so far?

Rags to Raches Rompers were featured in British Vogue Magazine!

I am living my dream.  I am designing clothes AND raising a family.  My family is the most important and I feel like I have the best of both worlds.  It has been extremely tough at times but I am lucky to be able to pursue something I have always wanted to do.  As far as achievements for the business?  We were featured in British Vogue twice! Huffington Post nominated us for the top 15 coolest kid brands in America.  We just got ranked one of the top 100 fastest growing companies in Utah. Those are some of the big ones that I can think of at the top of my head.  It all still seems surreal.

What has been one of the most difficult parts of starting and growing your business?

Balance.  Finding a good healthy balance.  I am still trying to figure that out, but I feel like I am getting a better handle on that.  Quality of life is very important to me.  I always want to try and maintain a healthy/active lifestyle.  My family means the very most to me.  I want to be there for them and I need to continue to make that top priority.  At the end of the day, that is all that matters and will TRULY bring me the most joy.  Quality of life, and family.

What advice would you give to other parents/moms trying to start their own companies from home?

First of all, GO FOR IT!  Stay in your home as long as you can.  Sometimes people get a weird perception about working out of your house.  They think you aren't "legit".  That is crazy talk.  I wanted to milk my house as long as I could so I could save that money and keep pumping it into the business.  The return on that was much larger than a lease payment.  Plus, I loved being around my kids.  I miss that a lot.

One of our favorite's: the Rags to Raches camo pocket romper

What makes your company stand out, what makes your products and brand different?

I have always felt like I wanted to be more than just children's clothing.  I wanted to bring comfort and style into young kids life without breaking the bank.  I feel we have done just that.  With our unique designs and super comfy fabrics, we have proven to our customers that we aren't just a piece of clothing.  We are helping children feel comfy while keeping parents happy.  I pride myself in our brand and I love the exclusivity of our product. We have limited edition runs and are always trying to keep things fresh and new.  We have something for everyone. I feel like I have poured a little bit of me into every piece of clothing that leaves our doors.

What have you learned about parenting and family as you’ve started your company?

I have learned that it is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING!  Without those things, you can't feel REAL success in life (or I guess I should say, I can't).  It has been crazy hard to balance it all, but I have always tried to keep that perspective.  My family is important and they are who bring me the most joy. Really.

What are 3 things you wish you had known when you started that you have learned?

1. It was going to turn into something way bigger than me and to keep a level head.  No one knows how much you don't know.  Just learn as you go and no one will notice or care. 2. Hiring is hard but can really help your business if you hire the right people.  I have lucked out in this department.  I have an amazing team. 3. People can be intimidating but there are no rules.  You do it your way and what makes you the most comfortable.  This one was huge.  Glad I realized this early on.

What is your favorite thing about owning your own business?

I have met some amazing people.  Relationships.  Success. Trials. Being my own Boss. Freedom. Learning how to cope with stress.

Rachel gets to work with an amazing team!

What are some of your favorite activities to do with your children?

My kids and I love to mountain bike. That tops it. We are also a huge soccer family and have set goals outside. We will scrimmage with them all of the time. Anything active is always more fun when kids are around.

What advice would you give to first time moms?

Enjoy it. It may seems stressful at the time, but slow down. They really do grow so fast. I know that is cliche but its true. Don't let people tell you how to mother and do what feels best for you and your baby. Lastly, ENJOY IT!

What's your favorite quote/saying or lesson you try to remember regularly?

There are no rules. I love that so much. No one is telling you when and how you should run your business or life for that matter. Do what works for YOU and strive to be the happiest You, you can. - Life is short. - You only live once. - CHILLLLLL -- ha! That last one was for my husband. He hears me say that so much he started telling me he was going to put that on my headstone. Ha