CSP Team Note: The following is an interview with Lori Myers, founder of Ootza Wootza, an ADORABLE children’s clothing line that you can find online. We loved getting to know what inspired her to start the line and what she sees for it now and in the future. She carries some of our very favorite Smarty tested-and-approved brands, and we L-O-V-E that she doesn’t forget the boys! Don’t miss her online ‘Wear’House Sale that’s going on now through February 14, and read on to see how YOU can win a $100 gift card to the site.
Can’t wait to see what your future holds, Ootza Wootza!
Photo credit: Instagram @everydaywithember
Your company has a very unique name! How did you come up with Ootza Wootza?
The name comes from a sing-song, baby-talk word that I made up. I would chant “ootsa wootsa” to my oldest son when he was colicky as a baby. Add a little bounce, and it would calm him right down. I sang it over and over. I can remember the tune to this day!
What is your background and why did you decide to launch Ootza Wootza?
I have worked in several different fields, but really enjoyed many aspects of retail. It has always been a dream to have my own business. I have made several attempts. This is the first one that has really taken off.
Several years ago, I went back to work part-time for a dear friend who was running her mother’s children’s boutique here in Charlotte. Many of your readers are probably familiar with Kid’s Place. They were the first children’s boutique in Charlotte twenty five years ago. I was only supposed to be working a few hours a week, but I immediately feel in love with the store. Julie pretty much gave me free reign to do window displays, change up the floor plan etc. I was in heaven! It was heartbreaking for me as well as many, many others when the decision was made to close the store. However, Julie made it a silver lining, for me, by really giving me a leg up to start my online business by helping me obtain fixtures and supplies as well as introducing me to reps and owners of some of the cutest boutique lines out there.
We try to pick the cutest lines we can find, especially for little boys. Little girls are easy, but it is so hard to find cute boys clothes, so we put a lot of effort in searching out the best. Also coordinating big sis, little sis with big and little brother is something we love to do. We also love lines that are different, whether they are organic, USA made, Mom & Pop lines or truly handmade. We love to support local artisans whenever we can. The priority however is always high quality goods, easy wearability and total cuteness.
What trends do you see for babies and toddlers?
We are seeing several different trends. The eclectic look seems to be a favorite for our 30-something moms. Vintage and retro looks are also very popular. The kid friendly look is also extremely popular for moms who want their kids to look their cutest even when they are doing totally kid stuff.
What is your dream for Ootza Wootza?
Today we are buying from the best boutique lines we can find. In the future, I would like to develop our own line as well as branch into some other areas more fully….for instance baby showers, first birthdays, etc.
Photo Credit: Dear November Photography
If you could dress anyone’s kids, who would it be and why?
My neighbor’s kids, my little ones friends, the babysitter’s kids and basically everyone I meet! I discovered at the Kid’s Place and especially after starting to buy for Ootza Wootza, that I adore baby and children’s clothes! I mean, selecting them, receiving them and especially seeing them on someone’s child makes my heart happy!
Tell us more about your ‘Wear’House Sale! What kind of goodies and deals can we expect and for how long?
You are going to find some incredible deals in our “Wear”house Sale! We have deeply discounted this past year’s Fall and Winter, along with some styles from last spring. They are all cute as can be. We are just growing by leaps and bounds and need to clear some room for our new Spring and Summer coming in every day. We are happy to pass on some good deals in the process. You can expect our sale to run through Valentine’s Day.
To shop our sale now for best selection – click here.
Photo Credit: Dear November Photography
Photo Credit: Dear November Photography
Photo Credit: Dear November Photography
Smarty Giveaway: Win a $100 gift card to Ootza Wootza
We’re also running an exclusive Charlotte Smarty Pants contest! Enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Ootza Wootza! Get a jump start on your Spring and Easter outfits with $100 to www.ootzawootza.com
To enter, sign up for our email list by 2/14/17 at midnight by visiting: http://tinyurl.com/ootzawootzaCSP. Once you’re on our list, you’ll be in the know for new lines, specials, events and much more, too!
Find more of Ootza Wootza’s adorable line on their website,
and follow them on facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
