In Piedmont, Sophie Thompson and Logan Simunek are living the 14-year-old dream by running their own fashion design business. Yes, the teens own, run and manage Sassy Sistaz Designs under the pseudonyms Natalia Banks and Brooke Clemons. Their franchise began when they were doing what they loved: sewing.
“We like a lot of couture magazines and Vera Bradley,” Sophie said. “Instead of buying what we like, we make it: wallets, book bags, wristlets.”
Starting when they were 12, Logan’s grandmother taught her to sew and Sophie took a sewing class. Sophie’s mom, Ginger Thompson, calls it serendipity.
right, Sassy Sistaz products await sale at Book Nook.
“Sophie’s always loved fashion, and one year, she asked for a dress mannequin for Christmas,” Thompson said, noting she gave the girls Sophie’s old toy room for a workspace, but that “they’ve also taken over my dining room table.”
Every day, in between softball and school, the girls work on Sassy Sistaz Designs. Logan carts her sewing machine between her house and Sophie’s, and they take inventory on what’s selling and what isn’t. Their space is filled with boxes of fabric, clothes and jewelry.
“We always add beads or jewels at the end to add a little of ourselves to the piece,” Sophie said.
They follow fashion trends closely, evident by their newest product: head bands.
When they purchase fabric, patterns and all materials, they figure how much of a profit they want to turn. They sell their wares online at sassysistaz.webs.com and at Book Nook, 7640 Northwest Expressway, owned by Thompson.
Instead of buying what we like, we make it.
—Sophie Thompson
“They don’t worry about risk like adults — they just go for it,” Thompson said. “For me, it’s kind of scary, because I judge through the eyes of an adult for starting a business. They’re having fun while they’re learning. ... They don’t just sit and dream about it; they get busy.”
The website, public relations plan, supply versus demand: The girls have done it all by themselves.
Drawing inspiration from Discovery Girls, Seventeen and Teen Vogue magazines, they make anything from makeup and book bags to hair accessories. Prices range from $10 to $30, depending on the product. The bright colors, paisleys and polka dots not your thing?
“Anyone can request fabric, embellishments and a style,” Logan said. “It may just add to the cost, but we keep a constant stock.”
For more information, visit sassysistaz.webs.com.
