Today we’d like to introduce you to Alissa Gipson.
Hi Alissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always intended to start a line in the children’s apparel world. In undergrad, I studied business and eventually became an attorney; however, I also have a Certificate in Retailing obtained during my time in undergrad. I thought this would be a passion I would eventually pursue in retirement, but in 2020 a few events happened that led me to pursuing this dream now!
First, the pandemic showed me how quickly circumstances can change. Waiting until a long list of items has been accomplished or a certain amount of time has passed before moving forward with an idea is not always the best route to take. Living in the moment became so important to me. Second, the national response to George Floyd and all my buried emotions that were fully felt for the first time pushed me to feeling as though I needed to contribute to the changing narrative NOW, not 30 years down the road.
As I stewed over what I could do to make a difference, I introduced my one year old son to a box of crayons. His first choice was brown. I felt disappointed in his choice and suggested he pick a better color. In this moment I realized that we often teach our children that brown is an ugly, undeserving color, while also expecting them to love themselves or treat their brown friends with love and respect. There’s a disconnect and it shows. I decided then that I would start a line that highlights the beauty of the color brown, so that children grow appreciating and loving the color.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! Starting a business during a global pandemic is not for the faint of heart! There have been difficulties with timing, outrageous shipping costs, factories closing due to covid outbreaks and mandated lockdowns, marketing challenges…you name it!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Naseberry?
Our clothing line is called Naseberry. Although most fruits are brown when they are rotten, a Naseberry is brown when it is sweet and ripe. My mom and her family are from Jamaica, my husband and I were married in Jamaica, and the idea of the Naseberry was just the perfect namesake for this line that is so personal to me. Our vibrant, playful, hand drawn patterns are featured on high quality and hand picked organic fabrics that little ones can both dress up and dress down. I’m most proud of the idea that parents dressing their little ones in our clothing have an opportunity to remind their children that brown is a beautiful and worthy color and that they look dapper in brown! We currently carry sizes 6-12 months through 5T and offer organic embroidered tshirts, polos, dresses, and blankets in our stunning and unique prints!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have always loved the How I Built This podcast by Guy Raz. I have been listening for years and have always been so inspired by the stories told. It’s a great podcast for encouragement and a reminder that the path to success is anything but straight!
Pricing:
- Our current pricing ranges from $25 to $40
Contact Info:
- Email: naseberrydesign@gmail.com
- Website: shopnaseberry.com
- Instagram: @shopnaseberry
Image Credits
Crystal Nguyen
