Hello my darlings! I found today’s Plucky Pioneer, Sarah Waldo Jagger of Sarah Waldo Organics, via her brilliant blog, Going Starfishing. One glance at Sarah’s Jackie-Kennedy-Moroccan-pouf-wedding-dress header and I was sold. I eventually drifted to her company’s website and my admiration soared to even higher heights. A graduate of the highly esteemed Parsons School of Design, Sarah creates the most darling, socially-responsible and environmentally-friendly children’s clothing you ever did see. All the pieces are made of organic and natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk and are colored with low-impact or plant-based dyes. The pieces are also all made here in the United States by people who are not only paid a livable wage, but also receive full benefits…truly admirable! As for Sarah, the Cape Cod native previously worked in the children’s wear design department at Polo Ralph Lauren and was the first ever children’s wear designer to be nominated for the Parsons Designer of the Year Award. A quick tour of her blog and you’ll also learn she’s stunningly gorgeous and funny to boot! Without further ado, Sarah Waldo…
Five words used to describe yourself.
Passionate, generous, resourceful, committed and thankful.
What inspires you creatively?
Children! I love their energy, innocence and joy.
How would you describe your personal design aesthetic?
It’s preppy, classic, and beachy. They’re fun, easy clothes kids feel great wearing that parents feel great about buying. [Below, Sarah at her wedding with her flower girls—she made their adorable dresses and boleros!)]
What propelled you to found your own company?
I was working in the industry during school for companies I’d dreamed of working for. However, I quickly found myself really uninspired working in the corporate world. I didn’t want to work in a place that required me to compromise my social and environmental beliefs. Also, the thought of not being able to spend my summers on the Cape was pretty depressing!
Most glamourous part of owning your own company?
I can wear my slippers to work.
Least glamourous part of owning your own company?
I wear my slippers to work!
Best business advice you’ve been given?
Don’t wait! it’s never going to be the “right” time or get any easier, so just jump right in!
Creative businesswoman you admire?
Stella McCartney has set the bar so high for responsibility without compromising design.
Generally, I admire all the creative business women who can balance motherhood and with work and model doing what they love for their children.
Moment you knew you’d “made it”?
When Violet Affleck was spotted wearing one of our pieces!
Describe your typical work day…
In the life of a small business owner, there is no typical day. I always seem to have a million things to do, but it always seems to start the same way: I get up early with my husband (who is a high school teacher) and pack his lunch while he makes us oatmeal. Once he leaves, I throw our pup a ball for a bit before settling in with my tea and google reader. [Below, Sarah and her new puppy…awwww]
Your dream project?
Innuagration day outfits for Sasha and Malia Obama.
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
Growth! Both here in the U.S. and expansion into Europe, while eventually adding boys clothing and layette. Getting to the point where I was getting a paycheck would be really nice.
Also, starting little shop would be such a blast–perhaps something seasonal like John Derian’s Provincetown shop that he runs out of his house in the summer. [Below, Sarah and her handsome hubby on their wedding day.]
Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?
Make sure you really LOVE what you go set out to do. It’s not easy or glamorous to grow a business from the ground up–you won’t sleep much, you may be working other jobs to pay the bills. But, if you believe in what you’re doing it’s all worth it. You don’t want to be burnt out on your dream by the time you get there!
I think this is my favorite Plucky Pioneer yet! The clothes are to die for! I love that everything is organic and she has created a successful business without compromising her beliefs. Very inspiring.
oh my gosh HOW CUTE IT THAT LITTLE GIRL!?
Hi Sara and Stevi — so glad you’re pleased! You put it perfectly Stevi “a successful business without compromising her beliefs”—so inspiring! XO Katie
Love the interview, the clothes, the kids, the puppy! And I sent you a little love on today’s post – the Happy 101 award – because this page, and you, make me smile! xoxo, Stephanie
Oh to wear slippers to work! That is my ideal situation
I love that her dream project is to dress Sasha and Malia for their father’s Inauguration. Adorable!!
XOXO fallon
This clothing is just precious. I wish I could get Lucy to wear sweet clothes like this still. I’ll make one more attempt! Another great Plucky Pioneer. Let me know if you want an Interior Designer from the South as a Plucky Pioneer. I would love to be one. And, I’ve got to get you questions for Small Blog World. So sorry, have been swamped with work and life!
xoxo
G
Love it when I learn of a dignified, stylish line for kids and that the company is socially responsible on the back end. Great interview:)
OMG, I want a wardrobe from her line for my girls! And that little girl is SO precious!! *love* The pioneers just keep getting better and better! XOXO
Puppies and cute little kids! Such a happy post! She is so talented!
I was loving this interview to begin with…but then to come across the adorable yellow lab puppy…well forget it…this has to be one of my fave interviews now :)!! We have a yellow lab and they are just about the cutest thing on earth when they’re puppies!!
Sarah is completely inspiring! Wow, I think it’s amazing what she’s done and is doing. I loved her advice “don’t wait”….that’s something I keep struggling with!! I’m always waiting for the perfect…I don’t know what!
How precious is her work?!? I absolutely love it. Thanks for sharing!!!
yipppee! not only is Sarah a talented creative entrepreneur, she is a really WONDERFUL person! I have loved getting to know her from trade show to trade show..great interview ..and congrats Sarah!
She is real inspiration. It’s so easy to say “oh, isn’t it terrible what’s happening to our environment…” but it’s a lot harder to actually do something about it. The world needs more people like Sarah, thank you for taking action!
loved the pictures of her wedding and of her at work with her models. really appreciate her business advice too: just do it! great feature!
Congrats to Sarah on being such an inspiring vision of an entrepreneur! I really love these interviews–and they’re even better, by the way, with such cute kiddos and pups included!
Thanks so much for introducing me to another Cape Codder! I’m headed over to her blog to introduce myself! Love her clothes! xx
i want to be her friend!
So inspirational. Love her clothing from what I see so far… going now to check out the rest of it! Particularly love and appreciate the advice she gives now that I’ve started my own little venture. Cheers to you, Sarah!
Alaina
My absolute favorite Plucky Pioneer thus far… Just wonderful and so inspirational.
Would she make me an outfit!? Please… these are too cute for words!
Those outfits are adorable! So so cute. And to have Violet Affleck wearing one?? How exciting! :D
she is such an inspiration. and what a darling little girl!!
xoxo
Wonderful interview. Thank you.
LOVE her work! just stunning. this is how ellie likes to dress. great, great interview.
Oh my goodness! I keep gushing to my boyfriend about these cute kids clothes… I think I’m starting to scare him! As much as I love it, no more adorable kiddies!