Poey and Pie is a gorgeous handmade accessories and kidswear brand, run by stay at home mum Ali. As you will see, her style is wonderfully eclectic, mixing fabrics and textures to create a unique product. Originally from America, she moved to the UK 10 years ago after marrying husband Tristan, they have three children Joey 5, Eli 3 and Mabel just 7 months. I caught up with Ali to find out how she juggles being a mum and running her own business:
- Q: When and Why did you start Poey and Pie? I started Poey and Pie about 18 months ago. I’ve always loved sewing, since I started at the age of 13 when I began by making clothes for myself. Once I had kids I began to sew more things for them. Lots of people said I should sell the things I make, so I finally decided to give it a go! The name Poey and Pie comes from the boys’ nicknames – Joey Poey and Eli Pie – don’t ask me how those came about! What I love about what I do, is that it gives me the creative outlet and freedom I need for my own sanity, whilst still being able to be at home with my kids.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from? I grew up in the country and I have a picture in my mind of a beautiful spring day, the smell of freshly laundered clothes hung out on the line to dry in the gentle breeze. This picture is what I try to evoke in my designs – clean, simple and classic designs, a carefree simplicity. Having two boys has shaped a lot of my style. I’m not that into floral 🙂 I love stripes or geometric patterns. And I LOVE grey – it’s always been my favourite colour.
Q: What are the challenges of running your own business? At the moment, I wouldn’t really call what I do a “business”! I feel like I’m still very much in the hobby stage of things. It can be a bit tricky finding the time to sew whilst being a full-time mum to 3. But honestly my kids are very good at playing together and entertaining themselves. I’ll often sew while the baby naps and the other 2 are happily playing with their toys. They’ve got great imaginations so are not that demanding of my time 🙂 What’s most difficult is finding the time to keep a clean house!
Q: Have you got any plans for Poey and Pie? Who knows what the future holds! I’ll have a stall at the Barnes Fair this Saturday 11th of July from 9-5:30 and whilst I’ve loved doing it, it’s a TON of work to get everything ready. I also have an etsy shop, but my favourite sewing by far is when I get commissioned to make something specifically for someone. I like the more personal aspect of that and I think its more meaningful to the person receiving the item to know it was made entirely for them. One of my more popular items I get asked to make is the nappy bag. I think people like the opportunity to choose the fabric and have something a bit more unique, especially since it’s a bag that is going to get LOADs of use.
N4 Mummy Loves
- unique Fabric Mixing
- We know #whomademyclothes?
- Personalised product
- Great Prices
Nappy Bag – £70 Pouches – £5-£10 Dresses – £15 Baby Blankets – £25To have something made just for you, contact Ali via her Etsy shop, click here for the link.All photos used with permission of Poey and Pie, and taken by Jennalise Photography.