Each month Studio T features one of our retailers.  This month we sat down with City Sprouts owner, Molly Curlee, to learn more about the store and Molly herself – it’s not every day you get named “Best All Around Kids’ Store” by St. Louis Magazine!

How did you decide to take the leap and open your own store? How long has your store been in business?

My first child, Maxine, was the inspiration for the store. When I was pregnant I searched for modern nursery furniture and clothing that was not frilly and pink but could not find it anywhere in St. Louis. I knew it existed because I saw so many cool products when I went to market to buy for Phoenix Rising, our gift store. We created a small baby section at Phoenix Rising and people loved it. When a space opened up across the street I jumped on it and opened City Sprouts. That was 8 years ago.

What is something that your customers would be surprised to learn about you?

I have owned another great boutique with my sister since I was 19. Also, I have a degree in biology with a minor in math. I loved science when I was a kid, it was like magic to me.

What is your favorite part of your day at the store?

Playing with the kids is the best. I also really enjoy putting together fun outfits for the kids and merchandising the store.

We know how special and unique all of our stores are, what makes your store unique?

We have an annual birthday celebration at the store and a great customer rewards program. We sell the best and most contemporary collection of children’s merchandise in St. Louis. We also have a great staff that provides excellent customer service.

At Tea, we “Go There”, how do you share in that mission at your store and/or in your life?

I try to sell merchandise from all over the world. We have bilingual books as well as wooden building blocks. I love to travel and cannot wait for my next adventure.

What is the biggest trend you see right now in either shopping or kid’s fashion? What are people coming in for?

People are still looking for products that are made in the United States. They are also looking for kids clothing that is fashion forward and easy to wear.

What do you do in your “spare” time? Laughable right?

Ha, what is that? I love my hot yoga class, but often do not have time to attend. I play with my three beautiful daughters and my German Shepherd.

How do you balance it all? What tricks can you offer us?

I currently live in a constant state of chaos. I have learned to let go of the little things and focus on the big picture. My house is messy, but my kids are happy – most of the time! I do not second guess my decisions and always look forward.

girls clothing - girls dresses - baby clothes

girls clothing - girls dresses - baby clothes

Things we found and want to share from this past week:

This Soba Salad with Miso Dressing from Epicurious is a weekend must!

Design Sponge’s Color Day 2013 is a fest for the eyes you won’t want to miss.

Diaper bags have never looked so good!

Slingshots – a thing of the past? No way! Seed bombs anyone?

These painted rocks are simply perfect!

girls clothing - girls dresses - baby clothes

turned out to look like this!

We’re so proud of our swim collection and shooting it on the beach was a blast. Lots of hard work goes into each image before you see it in the catalog and on teacollection.com, but we made sure to have some fun while we were there!

Have you checked out our swim collection? The trunks are bright and the bikinis are bold – your little citizen will be sure to stand out this summer!

girls clothing - girls dresses - baby clothes

girls clothing - girls dresses - baby clothes

And now we ask you… What advice would you give a new mother?

girls clothing - girls dresses - baby clothes

Earlier this week we asked you to share your family photos on instagram with the hashtag #teaheartsmoms. Keep tagging those photos – we love seeing all of these smiling faces. Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!

Things we found and want to share from this past week:

A beautiful DIY post for stenciled floor pillows by Handmade Charlotte for Paint Me Plaid

Coordinating outfits for Mother’s Day on Min_e Style Blog

Mother’s Day bath salts made three different ways on Design Sponge

A delicious recipe for Mexican horchata by Swati Bansal Rao

A gorgeous round up of fabrics on Fikou Mikou

girls clothing - girls dresses - baby clothes

girls clothing - girls dresses - baby clothes

Mother’s Day, the one day dedicated to all mother’s around the globe. You work so hard to keep the kids on schedule, to make sure everyone is fed, you sacrifice your few precious hours of sleep to tend to sick babies. It’s no easy job. Every Mother’s Day we try and thank those who’ve raised us and looked after us for so many years – the ones who still pick up our calls to listen and never stop encouraging us to explore the world. We’ve gathered a few recipes and DIYs for this year’s special day, and while we realize most of our Mother’s Days won’t be so calm and collected, it’s nice to dream, right?

This Mother’s Day, let’s…

Spend all morning diving into the pile of magazines and books we never seem to have time to read. Surround ourselves with fresh flowers. Drink our coffee slowly… in silence. Buy outfits for ourselves. Re-read old Mother’s Day cards and remember the first time we heard “mama”. Open pretty packages. Enjoy a long brunch with family. Remember the women who helped us become the ladies we are today. Get lost in art and celebrate the everyday beauty of being a mother.

[image source with links: books, farmgirl flowers, vietnamese iced coffee, tea collection, rifle paper co., lana lou style, gozlemeh fried eggs, blooming monogram diy, art by kiah)

girls clothing - girls dresses - baby clothes

Handmade Mother’s Day gifts; they’re usually colorful, sometimes pieced together in school, but always crafted with love. We are so honored to have Emily featured in DailyCandy.com’s round up of Mother’s Day gifts. The penholder is bright and messy, but you’ll find it on Em’s desk prominently displayed because it’s a constant reminder of her bright little messy ones, who are always filled with big hugs and kisses!

girls clothing - girls dresses - baby clothes