Paul & Paula

Kodomo Boston – Q&A with owner Jasmine Punzalan

Our Boston based contributor Surabhi went to Kodomo Boston – a wonderful kids shop – for a great interview. Let’s see what Surabhi found out:

Kodomo Boston is a premier children’s clothing store that opened in Boston this past summer.

We had a little chat with the amazing owner Jasmine Punzalan about the store and what makes it so special and unique.

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1) Tell us about Kodomo Boston. What inspired the name Kodomo and what sets the store apart?
Kodomo – the Japanese word for “child” – is a thoughtful children’s boutique that carries brands focused not only on style but on ethical business practices. The store is located in the historic South End neighborhood of Boston. Our products are sustainably produced, inspired by the need to live a more mindful existence.

2) What has been your most positive and fulfilling experience since you opened the store this past August?
There have been a lot of wonderful experiences since the store officially opened. I have enjoyed getting to know the neighborhood and making friends with other small business owners in the South End. Interacting with a variety of customers is always fun, too. And of course building a solid team with Marina and Gretchen, our store managers, has lead us to becoming good friends.

3) Is there anything you wish you knew before entering the retail world?
That social media can be a full time job! Ha!!

4) Besides their ethics and best practices, what is your criteria for selecting the brands you stock? Can you name some of the more popular brands at Kodomo?
We pride ourselves in working with independent designers who make stylish clothes. We select clothes that are not stereotypical and styles that I would appreciate wearing myself. Mini Rodini and Nununu are amongst some of the more popular brands at Kodomo.

5) Owning a business is obviously very demanding. How do you find the time to relax and in what ways do you integrate yoga into your daily routines?
Yoga is my priority, everyday. I keep my mats and props at the office and try my best to integrate yoga into my day. Whether it’s 5 minutes or 2 hours, whatever works. It really keeps me going and helps me focus. I am undertaking Iyengar yoga teacher training, which keeps me away for a weekend each month, but we plan everything around it so the store is not affected.

6) As an entrepreneur and mom of two boys, what advice would you share with mothers who also wish to be mindful in their everyday lives while being an inspiration to their children?
Take one thing at a time. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Being a small business owner means you work seven days a week. Some days you’re not able to put your kids to bed but then you’ll take time off when you can and be able to make the most of the moment in you’re in. It’s exhausting but also rewarding and exciting at the same time.

7) Kodomo Boston is known for giving back to the community/specific foundations when they can. Are there any upcoming events or projects people should know about in relation to this?
We plan an event every month. In September we officially launched the brand AKID in Boston exclusively at Kodomo. This event was to celebrate an incredibly generous donation of 500 pairs of shoes, made by AKID, to Boston’s Home for Little Wanderers. They are a local non-profit providing services and programs for child and family development. In October, in honor of breast cancer awareness, we donated 10% of our total monthly sales to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

And more recently, we are still working out the details, but we are really excited about a Bobo Choses & Kodomo event in April!

8) What are your favorite gift items/recommendations at the store for the upcoming holidays?
Our customers are loving the Mini Rodini reindeer collection, Mama Couture Dolls, and Tutu Du Monde tutus.

Thank you for this great and inspiring interview Surabhi!

Photo Credit: Katii Tornick

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Birds of Nature – kids shoes

Just recently I discovered Birds of Nature through Instagram and next to the cute shoes they make I fell in love with their aesthetics. Everything looks so calm, passionate and sweet.

The brand is based in Berlin, Germany and Wassenar in The Netherlands. Two countries I know very well.

Mijke and Ilse created a brand that lives from a big love of craftmanship. The little shoes are hand made in Portugal from carefully selected leather.

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I like that these leather shoes are different from the moccs that you can find here and there. They have their own character and come in lovely earthy and natural colours.

The small {pre-walker} sizes come with a suede sole and the bigger sizes with a natural flexible crepe sole.

‘Our collection balances fine, natural, high quality materials, with carefully thought-out design and attention to detail.
All our other collectables are made with the most care in our own studio.‘

Above a few of their models and different colour ways. They change by season!

This Adventure Bootie looks super comfortable – don’t you think?

Photography: Iris Dorine

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CIFF Kids winter edition 2017 {international brands}

The trade show season is not that far away anymore. Soon after we celebrated Christmas and the New Year we will start discovering what our kids will wear next winter {2017/18}.

After I missed a lot of shows in the past {because of our new baby arrival and travels last summer} I am very much looking forward to go back to the fairs. One of them will be CIFF Kids in Copenhagen in the beginning of February. 1-3 February to be precise at Forum Copenhagen.

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If you are around please say hello, I would love to meet you!

During the next weeks I will give you some more details about the show. Who is new for example and what I will do there. {next to discovering new brands and styles}

Today I would like to show you a few international brands that will exhibit at CIFF Kids in February 2017.

Bamboo&Love creates beautiful baby clothes with an environmentally friendly and sustainable sourcing process. Bamboo offers unique comfort and exclusive .

Minimalisma is a timeless children’s wear brand. Made from the softest of the soft materials. Everything is simple and luxurious.

Lovelyten – a pure and natural kids clothing brand. Made from TENCEL which is considered one of the most ecological and sustainable fibers. It is extracted from wood pulp and is 100% biodegradable.

Where is Marlo is a contemporary fashion brand for children from 3 to 12-years old created by Anne-Sophie Bitz, a Swiss fashion-designer. The collections are manufactured in Portugal with GOTS certified materials.

Jam London – making beautiful and versatile children’s clothes to treasure, pass on and gift.
All creations are suitable for casual wear as well as special occasions. Timeless but modern!

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The best chairs for kids

Yesterday evening I was in the mood to compile a selection. A selection of something essential. Something everyone has at home. That we need and use every day.

And where I can show you different styles and great products that will make your day-to-day family life a little more beautiful. Let’s talk about chairs. I found some really great styles for various age groups and tastes.

I am sure there is something you will like on this list of the best chairs for kids!

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Let’s start with the first image. From top to bottom LEFT side:

1. Design classic by Hans J. Wegner. Peter’s Chair is for small children. It is sturdy and safe and made from four pieces of wood that can be assembled and disassembled again and again!

2. Homerun kids chair. The legs mimic a baseball bat. For kids from 3-5. Available in various colours and in a bigger size as well.

3. Toddler sized chairs that come in a set of two – you can choose between bear or rabbit {and birch or walnut}.

RIGHT side:

1. Vintage style chair for kids from 3-6 years by Les Gambettes. Available in various {many!} colours and in a bigger size.

2. Cool and colourful LOTTUS chair for kids from 4-8. Available for teens and adults as well.

3. Beautiful desk and chair set by Plan Toys. From age 3. {available in green too}

From top to bottom LEFT side:

1. Modern interpretation of the classic wooden armchair – for teens {and adults}.

2. Fish, parrot, horse, cat, beaver, bear, hedgehog or lion. Lots of animals to choose from and surely one that your child loves. Chairs from Riga Chair! 3-6 years.

3. Child’s chair made of raw, finely-polished birch plywood. From 2 to 8 years of age. Seat and backrest covered with high-quality felt – available in three different colours.

RIGHT side:

1. Rattan chair for children from 2 to 6 years. A sleek model that is made in France and can be combined with this lovely desk {which can turn into a lovely bench later on}.

2. Cheerful mouse chair for small kids.

3. We do wood toddler chair made from bamboo.
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Main Sauvage

There is something about soft toys that make them hard to resist.

They are cute, soft or probably both. And everyone goes ‘awwwwww’ and before you know it you have a nice little collection at home and your first child is only 2 months old.
And then there are soft toys that are cute and soft and just incredible stylish. More like an accessory! A decor object!

One of these cool friends you can find at Main Sauvage.
A young French brand of fun and hip soft toys for kids {and their parents}. Made in small quantities these friends are Eco-friendly and help to preserve traditional skills.

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