Meet sisters Hannah and Rachel O’Leary of Jubee & Co who are passionately and meticulously designing children’s clothing with an emphasis on quality, durability and timelessness.
Putting their heads together one day, sisters Hannah and Rachel O’Leary made the decision to call on their extensive careers in fashion and embark on something for themselves. ‘I had just had my second child and we often discussed that we felt the local market was lacking clothing for children that was timeless,’ explains Rachel. ‘There were lots of dinosaurs and unicorn prints but nothing classic that you could build upon.’
Having worked across multiple facets of the fashion industry, including retail, design and visual merchandising, the duo knew they had a strong base knowledge to propel them to where they wanted to be. ‘We used a lot of what we had learned and applied it to the local market,’ explains Hannah.
With a strong farming background they were passionate about producing garments that were not only timeless and simple with an uncompromising quality, but that were hardwearing and robust. ‘We wanted to merge classic country styles with high-quality fabrics, while staying true to our roots,’ explains Rachel. ‘Kids are busy and they get dirty so we wanted to ensure we were designing and producing items that would let them be kids but that were iconic.’
And that is exactly what they have achieved, with beautiful high-quality fabrics curated into designs that allow kids to run, climb and play, and parents to effortlessly curate children’s wardrobes with a focus on long-lasting quality fabrics and timeless designs.
Going into business with a sibling is not always a straightforward process but one they have mastered. ‘We think the same and have very similar opinions, which helps,’ laughs Hannah. ‘We do the design together and then I tend to pick up most of the business side of things, while Rachel looks after the creative.’
However, the sisterly connections don’t end there with the name of the business, Jubee & Co, a beautiful ode to another O’Leary sister. ‘Julia is our younger sister and was born with cerebral palsy,’ explains Hannah. ‘We call her Jubee and she is a huge part of our lives. She is incredibly special to us and has shaped us into the people we are today.
‘When we were talking about business names we knew we wanted one that was really special to both Rachel and me and Jubee & Co fitted. We have both been carers for Julia at different times of our lives, and she currently lives with me three days of the week, so is often helping behind the scenes of the business as well!’
Despite living an hour apart and Rachel having three small children, the sisters are regularly together designing their next releases. ‘We love a stripe,’ they laugh. ‘And this summer there is lots of sage and blue coming through in classical prints.’ Natural lightweight fabrics are favoured by the duo who spent hours liaising with their international suppliers to achieve exactly what they want. ‘Our long-term goal is to produce in New Zealand,’ continues Hannah, ‘but at the moment that just isn’t possible so we spend a lot of time making up samples and going back and forth until we are happy.’
For those seeking something a little special, or a classic piece for their children that is going to last and last, there is no doubt this dynamic sister-duo have you covered!
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