Powell designer sees growth in vintage kids' clothes

Samantha Miller first learned how to sew in home economics class while a student at Powell High School.Now, the 27-year-old Miller, owner of Little Bella Boutique at 113 E. Emory Road, has launched her own wholesale line of vintage-inspired children's clothes that will sell this fall in more than 100 boutiques across the country."Little girls dream of becoming fashion designers, but it never seemed like an attainable goal. I don't think I would have pursued it if it wasn't for Etsy. I have a vision for it now," she said.Miller reintroduced herself to sewing when she started making clothes for her 2-year-old daughter. 

"I kept making them and making them. She could not wear it all," Miller recalled.So she set up an Etsy shop, an e-commerce website devoted to handmade or vintage items. It did so well that Miller had to hire seamstresses to help her keep up with demand. Eventually she sought out a manufacturer.Miller moved her shop offline,crotcless bikinibodystockings opening a booth at the now-closed Turkey Creek Public Market. It did really well and gave her the confidence to eventually move to her storefront in Powell.This year was Miller's first time selling on a large wholesale level. Her spring season's designs sold in more than 120 boutiques. For fall, she will be in 130 locations, including Crenshaw Children's Shop in Bearden and Adorable Child in Farragut. 

"We signed a few; we lost a few. But those who stayed with us doubled their orders,sexy maid costume so that was really encouraging," Miller said.Some customers have likened Miller's style,crotchless bikini set for ages 12 months to 10 years old, to popular boutique clothing companies Matilda Jane and Persnickety.Miller plans to expand into some women's clothing next year to test the market and hopes to eventually add a line of boys' clothing."I'm really hoping it becomes a very well-known brand across the U.S.indian school girl bra pics I know from just this first year we can do it," she said.Her clothes are primarily sold in the Mid-South and Southeast, but she plans to target the Midwest and the West Coast with the help of two new sales reps.