We met in 1996 in New York City on rollerblades. Years later, husbands and children now part of our lives, we both moved to New Jersey from NYC.  After reconnecting on a playground, we discovered our kids were entering the same preschool and would be in the same class! From that point on, we bonded over motherhood and a shared love of art and fashion, while spending afternoon playdates together brainstorming creative and fun ways to keep our kids healthy and active. 

 

On one such playdate, while our kids bounced on the trampoline, it occurred to us that we could bring our passions together in one place. Merging our combined experiences of graphic and textile design, a love for yoga and a desire to encourage our kids to “be active, brave and kind” we began the journey of developing our brand.  Spending many summer afternoons tie dying with our kids in the backyard, sketching and creating, we arrived at Lotus & Bug.  One of the first of its kind, our children’s wear brand, sized for newborns to 14 years, is inspired by “yoga, play, and every day.” Mary’s experience as a kids yoga teacher and graphic artist as well as Joanne’s background as a fashion textile designer, informs everything we do.  Every piece in the collection is designed locally by us in our New Jersey based studios.  Each hand printed, hand painted or hand dyed garment is developed with an artistic approach making each piece one of a kind. We thoughtfully produce our designs in small batches, using non-harmful materials. In fact, we try to be mindful in everything we do, from choosing the finest fabrics to printing our hang tags in the U.S. on recycled FSC-certified paper. The fabrics we select are super soft so they feel great against your child’s skin and will take them from their yoga may, to the playground, to a family gathering, seamlessly.  Our organic cottons, super soft jersey knits, hemp, and bamboo fabrics, paired with vintage trims, and hand finished details are sure to please grown-ups and kids alike.

 

After our launch in November 2015, we continue to keep each other motivated while balancing motherhood and business ownership. We support each other throughout all life’s challenges and we make each other laugh! The bond of our friendship pushes our brand forward. Our rule: we don’t produce anything unless we love it and, more importantly, our kids love it too!

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Stay in touch with Lotus & Bug! Be sure to like, follow, pin and tweet us to stay in the loop! Visit our Etsy Shop today!