Meet Nicole Kaiser | Mom, Teacher, and Clothing Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Kaiser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Looking back, when my son, Orion, was born, I didn’t realize just how gender specific clothes were for kids and adults. I had never taken the time to really go through the aisles and see how companies target kids. That was an eye opener, to say the least. Even second-hand shops were organized with blues and greens for boys and pinks and purples for girls. This bothered me because as a middle school teacher and a new mom to a little bundle of joy, I knew that many students struggle with finding who they are, that kids love all colors, until we tell them otherwise, and that even adults love the ability to express themselves in various manners. When COVID hit, I was teaching from home and had a lot of time to dive into this hunt for gender neutral clothes. Sadly to say, it didn’t go too well. I really wanted my son to have the choice on what he wants to wear, no matter the color or the design. I wanted kids of all ages to have clothes that fit them, not run small simply because they are geared toward females. I simply wanted to make clothes that I, my son, and even my students could wear with pride and confidence.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Outside of creating clothing, I am a middle school teacher. Yep, the age at which kids learn to become their own person, step out of their childhood comfort zone, test the limits, and break the rules. This is the age that I feel deserve my designs more than anything, because they have the statements to make but not the words to always say them. I am so proud to be able to work with the nearby schools to make their clothing pieces for the students, for my students to ask, “Did Mrs. Kaiser make that?”, and to see the staff wear my pieces. There is an unexplainable feeling to know I made that and people chose to wear it.
Another statement that I hold true about my brand and my business is this, if I wouldn’t buy it at a price in which I’m selling, I don’t sell it. I completely understand that businesses need to make a profit and that this money helps pay my bills, but I am also a working mom and know that money is hard to come by these days and stretches less than it used to. So all of my pieces range from $10-$45 and sies vary from 0-3 months all the way to 5X, as no one should feel left out. I am proud to say that I make my pieces to truly include all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well this question caught me off guard because most of my time is spent taking my son to baseball practice or karate, but if we had a week…we are hitting up the mountains. As an avid snowboarder, I would take my friend to Steamboat because whether it is blazing hot summer or bluebird skies winter, Steamboat has something for everyone. The slopes are addicting, perfect for all stages of riding, the trails suck you in as the views erase any thought of being somewhere else, and there is night riding, which you can’t find everywhere. As for the summer time, this town is pet friendly, with dog bowls everywhere. The hiking trails and parks are extremely family friendly, going through and around the entire town. With free hop on and hop off busses, if you are a drinker, you can get anywhere without having to step behind the wheel. For the best Italian food you have ever had, you have to go to Mazzolas! It is a small restaurant that will have you licking the plate clean. There is a small movie theater to check out any of the new movies, but I would probably have most of my time being outdoors and enjoying the gorgeous scenery and the fantastic slopes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout might come as a shock to her, but I want to truly say thanks to my mom. She supported my business even before day 1. She has always looked out for my business in positive ways to grow, to expand, and to promote. Debbie probably owns almost all of my designs and wears them proudly, always telling people where to get it. She has even put my website on her car for all of Colorado traffic to see. She comes to my vendor events, talking up my product, trying on pieces acting like a customer, and even handing out my cards while walking around. I honestly don’t think For the behind the scenes, her business also files the taxes and organizes my books, which we all know is no easy or enjoyable task. I truly don’t think I could do this without her. She pushed me to start and continues to push me to grow. I am extremely appreciative.

Website: https://madewithorionslove.com

Instagram: @madewithorionslove

Other: TikTok: @madewithorionslove

Image Credits
Kate Norris
Brittany Ricci