Local Baby And Kids Clothing Brand Thriving
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Lisa Capil is doing what she loves, but that doesn’t mean life is easy.
The wife and mother of three has her own successful clothing brand ‘Whoopzee Giftz’ – designing and making clothing for babies and kids.
But she also has a chronically ill daughter to look after, with an extremely rare incurable condition.
There are only nine known cases worldwide, and Hannah is one of them.
If Covid-19 taught us how to live more in the ‘now.’ well the Capil family have had to do this since their daughter first got sick.
Lisa has the support from her husband, who also built her a shop across the driveway in Chesney St, and her mother is always there to help when she needs it – whether it be putting the labels on the clothing or cutting out fabric.
“My mum got me back into sewing and design which I had previously done years ago and then the range just grew,” she said, reflecting on five years in business.
A lot of mothers want matching outfits with their daughters, and this is slowly evolving.
Lisa’s first career plan was to train as a midwife, but when her daughter became sick that wasn’t feasible.
‘Whoopzee Giftz’ started out as a baby gift idea for a friend, who she made a nappy cake for.
But then she realised it would be too difficult to ship them, so she changed tack to sewing – something she’s always had a passion for.
Lisa made some Harem pants and they sold out at the Southern Crafters Market, with people coming back for more.
“I spend a lot of time sourcing quality fabrics including organic and oeko-tex.”
With ideas buzzing around her head she employs a fabric designer who throws it all into perspective and then the sewing begins.
“It’s all about having something that is quality, but also affordable and I have spent time adapting my range to fit New Zealand children.”
Her clothing features a cross-over neck design to give little ones easier access over their head, and she also offers a custom-fit service for her products.
Lisa wants to open her shop more as it was currently by appointment only – to fit around her daughter’s needs, but is very flexible on times, including evenings and weekends.
You might catch her at the next market – either in Arrowtown November 22 or the Southern Artisan Christmas Fete – The Hideaway 201 on Saturday November 28.
Get in touch via Whoopzee Giftz Facebook Page and website whoopzeegiftz.co.nz