Inspired by Alex and Jane Shapemakers

There are a lot of things I obsess about as a mom such as eating whole foods and using paraben-free personal products.  I prefer to think of it as being proactive and informed.  Obsess just sounds so negative.  But above anything else, I want my children to be good people: happy, self-secure, and following their joy.  In a world that is filled with instant gratification and self-entitlement, this is not an easy task.

When I found out about Alex and Jane Shapemakers, a Birmingham-based online clothing company for children, I felt a connection with this company developed in 2011 that has a fascinating backstory.

Alex, who is a mere seven years old, has always loved art.  He created amazing shape-driven designs, and he and his mother, Marcie Zoref, came up with the idea to use clothing as a medium for his art.  Marcie, who works as a mental health provider, wanted to include a positive message on the clothes to promote harmony, diversity, and a positive sense of self, such as “Aim High.  Make Your Mark” and “Live Admire Share.”

“It is my hope that the positive messages inspire our youth,” said Marcie Zoref.

I love the clean, yet fun and youthful look of these shirts and onesies, and the messages are just awesome.  In a market flooded with clothes that are, in my opinion, too grown up for little kids and sayings that have a tendency to perpetuate an inflated sense of entitlement, I think this line of clothing is a breath of fresh air.

As if that is not enough reason to love Alex and Jane Shapemakers, they ensure environmentally-friendly practices by reusing shipping materials whenever possible and using vegan clothing.  Also, they work with Detroit-based companies for services such as the photographer, web designer, and graphic designer.

I am inspired that Marcie was able to show Alex at such a young age that anything is possible.  Often times, I think following a passion gets lost in the shuffle of figuring out life.  I love that she truly saw her child had a talent and showed him that he can do something really special with it. It is my hope that I can not only be as encouraging of my children’s talents, but as open-minded in letting them see where their passion can take them.

Alex and Jane Shapemakers also are available at several local retailers including Peek-a-bootique, 6911 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfieled; Bella Belli Maternity, 790 North Old Woodward, Birmingham; and the Wild Chase Kids Boutique, 8801 Macomb, Grosse Ile.