We had the good fortune of connecting with Olga Jaeckel and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Olga, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business? I always loved fashion but I never imagined that I could become a fashion designer. It happened organically and pretty much overnight. It’s all because of my daughter. We couldn’t find unique and fun clothes that we both liked while shopping together. I thought there was a niche in the market and I saw an opportunity. I wanted to create fashion-forward pieces that make children stand out and feel confident.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others? Little Olin is a European-inspired sophisticated clothing line for girls ages 2-12 that can be worn to school and for special occasions. With my seven-year-old daughter Maya as my partner and inspiration I created Little Olin to fill a gap in the market by creating fun, stylish clothing with unique details that are resilient and more affordable that other luxury clothing lines. Products ranging from tops, skirts, dresses, rompers, and shorts are produced in small batches by one of the top manufacturers using premium fabrics and featuring custom prints complemented by exquisite details. Playground tested and approved by a local community of mothers and daughters, Little Olin weaves together girl power, childhood and fashion.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to? It’s so tough during Covid. I love the museums and monuments of Washington DC. The cherry blossoms are almost here and it’s my favorite time of year. With the constraints of Covid we’d go for a long walk in Georgetown and waterfront and stop at an outdoor cafe for coffee.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition? 1. My children constantly inspire and motivate me. I learn so much from them. 2. My grandmother has always been an important role model. She couldn’t finish high school because of World War II. It bothered her so much that with three children and full household she went back to school and then back to work to achieve her dreams. When I was born, she retired and spent her time helping my mom raise me. She taught me how to knit and sew. I also learn how to be strong and focused from her. 3. The women in my life that I am lucky to call friends. I have an amazing support group of so many strong talented women who inspire me every day.
5 Questions with Little Olin
Founder Olga Jaeckel learned from a young age success is in the details.
How did you fall in love with children’s fashion?Growing up in Soviet Belarus, I felt like the only color allowed was brown. My school uniform was itchy, boring and dull, so my mom would make a few transformational tweaks like adding a cute ruffle. That’s when I learned my first fashion lesson: little details and small changes can make even a boring uniform into a pretty dress. As a teenager, I was blown away by the haute couture of runway shows. Fast forward many years later, I was shopping with my daughter and realized a market opportunity for fun, stylish clothing that is durable and affordable.⠀ ⠀
What makes your SS21 collection stand out?Our SS21 line is bright, fun and exciting. It’s a fresh breath of spring color to this stressful and scary COVID-19 reality. Details and unique styles, impeccable silhouettes and quality set us apart from the competition. Before we put our line into production, we test each piece with a community of mothers and daughters. We only produce the most popular items.⠀ ⠀
What spring trends will be popular for girls?Puffed sleeves and denim are going to be popular come Spring/Summer 2021. Buyers are excited about neon details on our tops, denims, skirts and dresses. ⠀ ⠀
How has COVID-19 impacted your business?We are fortunate at Little Olin to have a great production partner and wonderful customers. Our amazing retail partners in the U.S. are going through an extremely difficult period. We greatly appreciate their confidence in Little Olin and have worked hard to support them.⠀ ⠀
Where do you see the brand in the next five years?We would love to start a mother-daughter line. I want it to be an exciting collaboration with my daughter and an example to all my kids that you should follow your dreams, take risks, persevere, have fun and be successful.
Modeliste #the A list for your kids
Modeliste Magazine | May, 2020
Little Olin Founder on Facing the Cross-Border Challenges of Coronavirus