We're constantly inspired by the talented makers that are within our community and in our markets! In today's segment of Meet The Makers, we're getting to know Ali of Eugenia Kids. We love her vintage-inspired hair accessories (& your kiddos will too!) - we can't wait to see what else she has in store for us at our Findings Market Spring Fair this May!
Meet Ali of Eugenia Kids
How did the idea for Eugenia Kids come about? What started this journey and what continues to inspire your amazing work?
I had an idea to start a children’s brand in 2021, using a $200 savings bond from my late grandma, Helen Eugenia. We started out on Etsy making sensory play kits for kids. I’ve always loved kids apparel and accessories. I still buy accessories meant for kids because they’re more fun. From there I decided to make some hair clips that I would put in my daughter’s hair, but that I would also wear. I started with Peanut, Nugget, Tater Tot, Half Pint, and Pee Wee. For the shape, I wanted something unique that also felt a little vintage, and after poring over photos of vintage hair accessories and sketching a bunch of designs inspired by pennants and ribbons, I landed on our custom shape. I love vintage-inspired design, self-expression, and hair accessories, and to be able to work in a Venn-diagram of the three is just awesome. Getting to decorate people's heads with fun, silly stuff brings me so much joy.
Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?
Sometimes an idea just pops in my head, like Butter Noodles. My daughter was 3 and was refusing to eat anything nutritious and I was like I should just make clips that say Butter Noodles. Other times I make mood boards on pinterest with ideas of words and images and colors that remind me of a certain season. For one collection I was really inspired by the colors in a Batsheva runway show so I chose acetates informed by that color palette. It's different every time which keeps it fun.
What is essential in your workspace? What helps you set the mood and get into your creative flow?
Today, I am just in my hammock swing listening to a gardener nextdoor leaf blow. A combo of tranquil and agitating is a nice way to keep me on task.
We're so excited Spring is here along with its warmer weather and sunny days - how do you incorporate the spirit of spring into your products?
This spring I was really inspired by the 90s take on 60s surf culture and the Bambi April Showers sequence. I draw inspiration from my own childhood and pop culture references, as well as my 4 year old daughter and current millennial mom culture. I try to walk the line between the crunchy granola mom who loves wooden rainbows and the tween inside me who grew up with *NSYNC. I think that kinda sums me up in general. I try not to take myself too seriously. We have glittery pink clips coming for Mother's Day that say 'Hot Mess' inspired by myself.
Is there anything new you're working on or any fun new collections you're bringing to our market?
On April Fool's Day I joked that I was making Latino Space Hunk hair clips - so a clip pack that would say Pedro Pascal, Oscar Isaac, and Diego Luna. People were so desperate for it to be real that I decided to make them. Fingers crossed they'll be ready for the market!
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