Pepa started Pepa & Co after living in London for five years and seeing a gap in the market for fashionable yet affordable Spanish clothing. The inspiration for the shop came from her mother and the stylish way she dressed her children. The store features both classic and contemporary lines of clothing and has a location in Fulham as well as online.
WLM recently caught up with Pepa…
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a Spanish entrepreneurial girl, sociable, hard worker and a little bit crazy…I have been living in London for over three years, getting married this year after meeting my Londoner fiancé just the first week I landed in London! Actually it was his aunt who was next to me on my flight and introduced us—like a movie love story!
I am passionate about fashion, design and art; I consider myself a very creative person. I worked as a nanny for two years before launching Pepa & Co, when I discovered my passion for children’s clothing.
What inspired you to make the move to children’s fashion?
I have always been involved in fashion and creative works as a hobby, but I never took fashion seriously as my professional career. My background is in economics and marketing. But actually turning your hobbies into work makes a big difference as the passion and creativity are reflected in the final work you offer to your clients.
What is the main thing that sets Spanish kids’ fashion apart?
Spanish children’s clothing brands are elegant, classic. All our brands are made in Spain, using top-quality materials, with high attention to detail, and some of them are handmade. The soft colours, Liberty and traditional prints remind us of the vintage style of old times. There is something in the Spanish children’s clothing designs that makes everybody love them and easily identify it as Spanish style.
What are some of your top-selling items?
I am very pleased to say that after only five months, my first winter collection is almost entirely sold out! The first things to run out were the sweet handmade sequin skirts, ideal for celebration time. Our high-quality winter jumpers were very in-demand as well, and the Liberty print bodysuit has been a star product—coming back next year! And we all love our high-quality leather shoes. Our range of clothes, from exquisite Spanish brands which cannot be found on the high street, gives Pepa & Co its distinct charm and unique style at a very reasonable price.
Tell us about your Kenya jeans project.
Mike, my fiancé, introduced me to Kenya, the country where his mother was born. It was also where he spent his early years being chased by Tigger, the pet cheetah! Today, his Aunt Rocky runs a breathtaking eco-lodge called Ol Malo, on the edge of the Samburu National Park. Rocky’s daughter, Julia, runs the Samburu Trust, which supports and protects one of the most threatened ways of life in Kenya, the Samburu.
After this first unforgettable trip to Kenya, I instantly fell in love with the Samburu children—so happy, well natured and full of life. I was amazed with the colours of the fabrics they wear. I knew if I was able to start up a business and keep the attention of many customers, I wanted to use it to support this community at the same time—the “Kenya Jeans” project was born!
Every morning mamas from the Samburu tribe hand-embroider all Pepa & Co’s jean pockets at the Sampiripiri workshop, using sustainable materials and ancient craftsmanship techniques.
Each pair of Kenya Jeans provide Samburu mamas with work and a salary that allows them to hold on to their traditions and lifestyle. It also improves their quality of life by giving them and their children access to food, education and health. Every bead supports a mama.
Where are some of your favourite spots in west London?
I love west London, this area offers a lot to do and at the same time it lets you enjoy a bit of peace and quiet in the middle of busy London. I love Bishops Park and the beautiful cafe in Fulham Palace. It has a huge, gorgeous garden with outdoor tables where you can enjoy a coffee whilst your kids are playing around in a big, safe garden.
I am very glad we got a new Spanish restaurant close to home—just in Parsons Green, you can find La Tienda, great for brunch, tortilla de patatas, mmmm, my favorite!
I love going for a walk on the riverside from Putney to Hammersmith Bridge, it looks like you are in the country! On your way back don’t forget to stop and have a beer in a fab pub, Duke’s Head, the food is absolutely delicious there!
To view more, visit www.pepaandcompany.com
