Small to Big: Tea Collection

Tea Collection, a line of children’s apparel sold online and at boutiques and department stores, has found a way to stand out in a crowded market. “It’s about global connections,” says Leigh Rawdon, CEO and co-founder, along with Emily Meyer. Designers travel for inspiration. The fall collection, an homage to Argentina and Bolivia, has prints that echo the scrollwork on Buenos Aires balconies and the weave of Bolivian tapestries. Rawdon talks about expanding the business by deepening relationships with suppliers, stores, and moms.

When you’re a smaller business with mostly one or two styles, it becomes expensive to expand the line. This spring we said, “we’re going to bet on this” and expand the line, invest in the inventory, and expand the marketing.