Boss Babe Amy from Tate & Adele

April 30, 2020

What is your business and what inspired you to start your business?

Hi, I’m Amy, the designer, seamstress, and creator of Tate & Adele!

My passion is designing and creating high-quality heirloom pieces that are made to last. Each piece is uniquely designed with your child in mind. All of my pieces can be worn, played in and saved to be passed down for future generations.

I discovered my joy and passion for designing unique and vintage-inspired children's clothing after having my daughter in 2013. I grew up with a mother who made my clothes and a grandmother who was a quilter. I was taught at a young age the value of well-made clothing and was given the confidence to make my own. In college, I pursued a degree in Interior Design and Fashion. I learned the skills of pattern drafting and construction to take my abilities to a more professional level.

I believe in creating pieces made with the highest quality fabric and construction. All of my designs are created to be a timeless classic piece, not a disposable piece. I search for fabrics that will carry through all seasons and create patterns that can grow with your littles. I want you to get the most out of every purchase from Tate & Adele and for it to last for future babes and generations.

I am so thankful for the small shop community I get to be a part of. So many of my designs have been inspired by the relationships that I have created.

Every item is made locally in Bend, OR.

Tell us about your latest collection!

The new spring line is true to the classic and vintage feel of the brand, with touches of whimsical details on a modern, neutral color palette. I chose fabrics that are a cotton linen mix. The colours are neutrals, able to pair with anything, but at the same time softer to reflect the spring season. I wanted this collection to be earthy and delicate. I love using linen fabrics and adding soft details to balance the texture. Mixing textures like this is once of my signatures you can see throughout all of my designs. Like other collections before it, this line mixes the softness of lace with the natural linen texture to bring balance and whimsy. The last month or so has been a difficult season for all of us, filled so with much negativity. I wanted to design something that instilled beauty and growth in the midst of a broken time.

Little girls clothing made with lace and linen

A little girl in a field of flowers smile up at the sky.

How do you stay motivated and inspired?

I think I am an artist at heart. I get inspired by so many things. Sometimes it is a fabric, sometimes a customer inspires me to create a new piece and other times it's a vision in my head. I love the design aspect of my job and coming up with new patterns and pieces is one of my favorite parts!

A little boy and girl dancing together outside on a cobble stone street.

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

Something that makes my business unique is the unexpected details I add to all of my items. Whether it's pockets, lace or wooden buttons, these little things are the signature touch you can expect to see on Tate & Adele clothing. I'm a big believer in high quality well-made children's clothing. It is important for me that every item is made with the most durable construction so that they last not only through everyday play, but for generations.

A little girl wearing a green lace romper holding a smaller one for her baby sister.

How do you maintain a work-life balance?

I am really bad at it. I try to work during the day while my kids are at school but running a business by myself seeps into other times. I have a separate work space in my home where I go to focus on my business and that really helps. I've had to work really hard to let go off other tasks at home so that my business gets the dedicated time I need it to have. Wearing noise cancelling head phones while I'm working is a strategy that works great for me and my focus. I also reach out to people in my life or in my community if there is a task I need help with. Building my website is a perfect example!

A little girl sitting on a white wooden chair wearing a blue lace and linen romper.

A little boy wearing a sweater with leather elbow patches sitting on a wooden step.

What is your proudest boss babe moment with your business?

Being able to contribute to my family financially has been a huge accomplishment for me. Turing my hobby into a successful business is an achievement that has made me very proud. It has taken a lot of hard work and commitment to get here!

A family posing for a family photo smiling at the camera.

What is your best parenting advice if you have children?

My best advice would be to do you. Do what allows you to be the best parent for your child. Don’t compare yourself to others. Look at the individual needs of your child. They are all so different and you are the best parent for them.