Five years ago, in the months following Covid, I found myself navigating new motherhood with Carter, who was not yet a year old. Like many moms, I was searching for clothing that was functional, affordable, and beautiful, something my baby could crawl, play, and grow in without feeling restricted. But what I found in stores didn’t match what I envisioned: the options were often overdesigned, brightly branded, and impractical.

That gap inspired me to create Carter and Me: a brand that celebrates freedom, comfort, and simplicity. From the start, my focus has been on functional play outfits, clothing that allows babies and kids to move, explore, and just be themselves. Neutral tones and earthy colours became the heart of our aesthetic, chosen not only for their timeless appeal but also for their practicality, easy to mix, match, and layer without needing mountains of clothing in every size.

What makes me most proud is not only how far Carter and Me has come, but what we stand for. Every piece is thoughtfully designed and made right here in South Africa. We work exclusively with locally sourced cotton knit fabrics, and our professional seamstresses handmake each garment in-house. Nothing is mass-produced, nothing is imported, just lovingly crafted clothing that honours our values of quality, sustainability, and authenticity.

Looking back, I see more than just a business. I see late nights sketching ideas while Carter slept, the joy of our first orders, and the community of moms and families who have supported this journey. Carter and Me has always been about more than clothes, it’s about giving children the comfort and freedom to be themselves, while giving parents the confidence that what they’re buying is made with care.

We’re so excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share the next chapter with you. Thank you for being part of our story, here’s to clothing that lets kids be kids.