Meet Stephanie Bryan of con leche apparel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Bryan.

Stephanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I went from being an engineer to a stay at home mom last year. I decided to start con leche apparel because I felt inspired to create a business that allowed me to channel my creativity while being able to have a somewhat flexible working schedule. My vision for the brand was an organic, modern, and mostly gender neutral infant apparel line.

I wanted something that was natural and attractive without being saccharine. I started out by screen printing my own designs on organic baby onesies. Initially, I had no idea how to screen print, but I taught myself the process so that I was able to create a quality product that I was proud to sell at craft shows, online, and at a few beautiful boutiques around the Phoenix Valley.

The process of building my business has been more rewarding than I ever imagined. It is a great feeling when others express support for my work, and I am motivated to persevere with my small business. There are big plans for the future of the brand, and I can’t wait to make them happen.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. Some days are great, and some days I have doubts as to why I am doing all of this. I am still a stay at home mom to my little son, and I have to find creative ways to make it all happen.

Most of my work on con leche apparel gets done during nap times and late nights, but it has all been worth the effort. I think a lot of success is built upon perseverance and the longer I have stuck with it, the more success and wins have come my way. Con leche apparel only just had its six month anniversary, and I plan to be around for a little while.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I screen print my own designs on organic gender-neutral baby onesies and create teething rings with a modern color scheme. All of my designs have a simple and almost minimalist aesthetic.

I think the thing that sets me apart is that my designs do not look like they were made for babies. I have adults tell me all the time that they want my designs in their size, or they want a piece of jewelry that looks like one of my teethers.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
I grew up in Virginia and got to spend a lot of time in nature. That had an integral part in making me who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: conleche.co
• Email: steph@conleche.co
• Instagram: conleche.co
• Facebook: conlecheapparel

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