Diary Of A Hip Lil Sprout

We're so excited about this designer spotlight! Emily McMaster, owner and designer of Mabo is also mama to two sweet girls Ruby and Mabel. Her girls also play a role into her easy to wear, minimalist designs. We just love everything about it especially that they're all made here in the good ol' U.S. of A!

Diary of a Hip Lil Sprout: What was your original vision for your brand and how does it compare to today?
Emily McMaster: I think it's actually pretty close to what I originally envisioned, possibly besides that, I thought I'd be more interested in wholesaling to stores than I've ended up being. I'm really happy with how the company has grown and developed and with the beautiful and supportive customers I've gotten to know and love. 

DHLS: Where do you draw inspiration from and when did you decide children's design was your "thing"?
EM: Quite a few styles have been inspired by my own clothes as a child that my mother very carefully chose and saved. I also draw inspiration from classic films (both the children's and adult styles) and from adult clothing that I love! I also try to draw inspiration from the fabrics themselves. because often that's what I fall in love with first. I read a quote on Patagonia's (one of my favorite companies for their ethical focus and wonderful products) Instagram that I loved and come back to it quite often; "Let the materials shine in their own light. Don't fight them, let them do what they naturally want to do!"
As for deciding when it was "my thing", my mom had saved all of my most "special" childhood clothes in a cedar chest and when Ruby my first daughter was born, we opened it to see what might fit her. I think seeing how long some of the beautifully classic styles lasted and how they represented that fleeting nature of childhood really put an importance on children's clothing for me that I hadn't previously had. Living on a budget in NYC, I found it frustrating that the most simple and timeless clothing was the most expensive and started making similar styles for Ruby myself. People seemed to like them as my passion for creating grew, so after we had Mabel and moved back to Utah (and had a little extra time and money) I found a pattern maker and manufacturer and decided to go for it.

DHLS: When is your next drop for summer?
EM: A restock on our playsuits (this week!) and then we're on to FALL. So excited about our knits, socks, and mostly the shoes!

DHLS: What can we expect to see from Mabo in the near future?
EM: Hopefully just more organic growth for the company and our manufacturers. We're opening a brick and mortar store in Salt Lake City this winter with Mabo and other like-minded children, women, and home lines, which should be really fun in a different way. I'm also introducing a line of shoes, socks, and knitwear this Fall. There's so many new products I'd love to develop. It's exciting to learn about new manufacturing processes and creative outlets!


GIVEAWAY
Emily and our team have a little giveaway for our readers! One lucky winner will receive the Annie Pinafore Dress in Blue Striped Linen. All you have to do is follow @mabokids and @lilhipsprouts on Instagram and comment here what your favorite Mabo piece is. One entry per person please. Last day for entries is midnight PST on Monday, June 15. Winner will be announced here on the blog on Tuesday, June 16. Good luck!

Giveaway! Win this Annie Pinafore in Blue Linen

Mabo Kids is restocking this week! Head over to Mabo to see what you can get right now and to see past collections. Also check our Facebook BST group for a second chance at owning a piece for your own collection Ace & Jig, Brass Razoo, Duchess and Lion (handmade and vintage) Resale. For outfit inspirations go to our Facebook group Diary of a Hip Lil Sprout.