The ‘Glamorous’ Life: Ellen Uzarowicz, Founder & Designer, Right Bank Babies

This first interview in The ‘Glamorous’ Life series is with Ellen Uzarowicz, Founder & Designer at Right Bank Babies. Ellen and I have only met on the phone and through email (that is pretty common these days, right?). I discovered Right Bank Babies, named appropriately after the Fashion District in Paris, at ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas in September of 2007. I walked by Ellen’s booth (I was also exhibiting) and had to drool over the beautiful, reversible dresses (I can’t resist stylish stuff that is functional, 2 looks with one outfit – I was hooked). Almost 2 years later, I got a chance to interview Ellen, here is just a glimpse into her glamorous life as a mompreneur.

Tell me about you and your business. Did you always want to have your own business?
I knew I wanted to start my own business after I got my MBA in Paris in 1994. I dabbled in decorative painting and murals until I had my first daughter in 2004. I started out selling high end infant car seat covers. I was appalled by the fabric options at the time for Infant Car Seats etc and had always looked up to the French for their eye for fabrics. So, I began designing beautiful car seat covers out of upholstery fabrics with tassel trims and matching blankets. I immediately became pregnant again (happy surprise!) and I gave birth to my second daughter in early 2005.

It was then that I started making clothing from leftover fabrics based on classic patterns I remembered from my childhood. I then started making simple reversible dresses in bright patterns and kept getting stopped in the street so I began using my contacts to create clothing.I started with 2 simple little pieces and now we have about 25 designs per season.

Stylish & Reversible - Love it!

In fact, I try to stick to classic designs and avoid the trendy. The patterns that have been around for decades have stayed around because they work on babies and children. There is a level of practicality I aim to stick to – designs that grow with your kids, designs that can go on over the head or be buttoned or zipped on. Outfits that are easy to sleep in and clean. And my favorite – reversibles.

We started out just selling the reversible Dresses and Rompers to boutiques and gift stores and even furniture stores. And then we had a wonderfully huge PR surprise when we opened up People Magazine and saw this. At this point we stepped it up a notch – and hired a PR company.

It’s really over the last two years that we have rounded out the line. This year we are in select Nordstrom stores and Chasing Fireflies catalog, and we are selling all over the world.

What made you take the leap to start your business?
My husband and I quit our jobs and moved to LA to follow his movie making dreams. Being in LA gave me the opportunity and connections to start the business. It grew slowly at the beginning and then just took off. It feels like overnight I went from running the business out of my bedroom to 8 employees in an office and warehouse.

Heidi Klum with daughter in a Right Bank Babies' dress.

What’s the most “glamorous” thing you’ve ever had to do for your business?
I think the Award Show gifting suites are really fun. You meet so many celebrities. Baby Couture Magazine did a two page spread article on us in their magazine and for me that photo shoot felt pretty glamorous.

What is the most bizarre thing you were doing while on a business call that you wouldn’t want the person on the other end to know?
Probably changing a diaper or cleaning up baby vomit. In the beginning there was no way to hide that I worked from home – there was always baby and toddler chatter in the background.

What do you wish someone had told you before you started your business or what advice did someone give you that you wish you had listened to?
It took me a long time to learn how to be a “boss”. I really wasn’t comfortable in that role and I wish someone had trained me and told me just how important it is to set guidelines from the beginning.

What’s the biggest surprise you’ve found about running your own company?
How much fun it is. It’s like a third child and I love it and I love going to work.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned along the way?
Trust your instincts.

Looking back, is there anything you wish you could have done differently?
No, I think everything has happened exactly how it needed to.

Visit Right Bank Babies to see their beautiful collections. Use coupon code ‘RBB Fan’ to get 10% off your order of $150 or more.