How did you get your start?
When I was 10 I was given my first sewing machine. I sewed for friends and family and had my own customers by the time I was in high school.
How did you start your business?
I opened Banbury Cross in 1996 in Natchez, Miss., and then in New Orleans. We had four shops before Hurricane Katrina. Our house flooded and I lost all of my patterns and fabric, but by October we had reopened in Baton Rouge and Metairie.
What’s special about Banbury Cross?
Everything! We’re a family-run business and we hope the 10 (with two more on the way) grandchildren will carry on our tradition of caring for every single customer.
What’s Banbury Cross’ specialty?
We are a one-stop shop for infants up to girls 16 and boys 12. We carry the often hard-to-find basics, as well as special occasion wear for the whole family.
What do you like most about the business?
I love it all; I find it really satisfying providing clothes that both children and parents will love.
What else do you like about running Banbury Cross?
Our loyal clientele. It’s special to have a mom coming in to shop for her new baby and you’ve sewn for her as an infant. Serving generations is a privilege and seeing the items become heirlooms, an honor.
What are you excited about at the moment?
The new spring arrivals; the special outfits for weddings, First Communions and Easter; the fun, colorful vacation clothing; and our Mardi Gras collection.
Which are you favorite lines?
Including our own, clients love brands such as Feltman and Florence Eiseman
