minou kids

I can hardly believe we are in the first week of 2016 and another year is already behind us – as is another Pantone color. Goodbye Marsala; hello Pantone’s color of the year 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity! For the first time ever, Pantone’s color of the year is two colors – two soft tones that reflect connection, wellness and a sense of order and peace. I love the soft hues of pink and blue together for both boys and girls because they reflect gender equality and blur the softer more sensitive side of boys, with the stronger, more assertive side of girls. Rose Quartz and Serenity are both colors I am excited to introduce into my beautiful boys’ wardrobe and decor in 2016. Will you dress your babiekins in Rose Quartz and Serenity?

We know Minou Kids best for bringing us the latest, coolest threads for our Babiekins. As Minou Kids celebrate their Birthday today!!

We took some time to get to know the stylish Mumma’s that work so hard to make shopping for our little ones as easy and enjoyable as possible. Mumma’s … Meet Marie-Michelle and Julie.

Photography // Kimberly M. Wang / eardog

Being such close friends must make for a great business partnership, What inspired you to start Minou Kids together?

Marie-Michelle : We quit our career’s after having kids to focus on our families. After a couple of years we were ready to get back to work and take on professional challenges. We wanted to start a business together (because we know we compliment each other very well) and we were not completely satisfied with the children’s clothing webshops already available so we thought ”Let’s do it!” Let’s create a one-stop shop that extraordinary women know they can trust for the best emerging brands in kid’s clothing.

The extraordinary woman is what we call our customer. It’s you guys, working Mom’s who never have enough hours in a day but still manage to get it done… (or most of it!) We built the site thinking of you and we hope you love it!

Through Minou Kids you’re both such an inspiration to other Mumma’s out there. I love to read ‘The Minouverse’, It must be a great way to connect and share your Minou favourites with your customers.

Marie – Michelle : I handle all the marketing and creative content. The Minouverse is my baby and this year’s project. Now that the site is up and in a good place, we can start focusing on other elements and creating relevant content. Connecting with our customers through the Minouverse will definitely be a priority this year. Stay Tuned!

We’ve just seeing this trade show season come to an end, you must have been crazy busy! … Is it the buying that you love the most? What is it that you’re looking for, when shopping for Minou Kids?

Julie : I’m the one who handles all the buying and I truly enjoy it. It’s always exciting and inspiring to see the designers latest creations. There is so much talent in this industry and buying for kids is so much fun.

When shopping for Minou Kids; I look for brands that are a good fit for us. We are all about what kids LOVE to wear so the clothes have to be easy, playful, inspiring….and I do love a splash of colour and a good print!

When I buy, I have three things in mind. Staying true to our own brand. Giving our customers what they are looking for. Introducing new artists and designers to our customer base.

You’ve just returned from some travelling, do you find your trips a great source of inspiration?

Julie : Absolutely, Marie-Michelle and I both travel with our families a few times a year and It’s a great source of inspiration. We are consumers of experiences and travelling is a great family experience.

We can’t wait for Spring over here, What will you girls be dressing your little Babiekins in, this season?

Julie : Rompers of course! We are also loving the bomber jacket inspired mini versions, sweatpants, crew neck sweaters and all the fun tees we have in the shop.

You have some adorable gift’s, I loved the Electrik Kids Mermaid Gown you posted on your Instagram… Want to let us in on your favourite gifts for under $40?

Julie : These Kina Booties and Slippers. Every baby deserves a pair. They keep the feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

You’re both stylish Mumma’s, Where are your favourite shopping haunts…and your go to outfit for the school run?

Marie – Michelle : I’m active so it has to be comfortable. I can often be seen in sweatpants with sneakers or espadrilles… Or Jeans, A good t-shirt or a shirt with rolled up sleeves and booties. During Fall/Winter I love leather jackets and coats. A good coat can really make an outfit.

Julie : Jeans, t-shirt and cute booties… with a big cardigan in the Fall/Winter

As for shopping haunts, we are always exchanging places and good styles. We are big online shoppers. We both like to shop at Shopbop and Intermix. For affordable finds and fun accessories we like Artiza, Zara, and & Other Stories. When looking for swimwear and beachwear we head over to Bikini Bird for inspiration and the latest swimwear styles…. And then there is our New York shopping haunts… and this would take a whole interview just for that!

Minou Kids must keep you girls busy, What do you enjoy doing to get some downtime?

When we are not travelling, boating or skiing snowboarding with our families, we love films, trying restaurants with our girlfriends. Reading Blogs, Magazines, Cooking. We love to shop for antiques and décor items for our homes. We are also runners and tennis players.

Marie-Michelle and Julie, Thank you so much. Happy Birthday from Babiekins!! Congratulations! It’s been fantastic to learn more about you both and Minou Kids. We look forward to seeing what the next year brings!

Head over and check out their New Arrivals for this Spring Summer. Amazing!