The most fashionable of tots share a style source: adorable handcrafted leather boots and moccasins from Sun and Lace.
Briana Raday runs the business from her Madison-area home that she shares with husband and two toddler sons, and loves seeing how babies and toddlers have worn her footwear along the stepping stones of childhood.
How did you start Sun and Lace?
Sun and Lace was born in August of 2015, a couple months after moving back to Wisconsin after nine years in Chicago. I’ve always made things for myself and boys, and one of those projects was a railroad stripe pair of moccs for my then-nine-month-old. Per most handmade business stories, friends said I should sell them and, voila, the idea was born.
I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit, having had all sorts of pretend businesses growing up. When we moved here, it was the perfect opportunity to start a legit business.
What has been your vision for Sun and Lace?
My vision for my company has evolved as my shop gains popularity. When I started this three years ago, I did not fathom that I would have sold nearly 1,500 pairs of baby shoes. But alas, here I am! My goal is to continue to provide quality, unique shoes for little feet while maintaining the personable vibe achieved through my social media and customer service. I may need to eventually hire a seamstress or two, but until then, it’s just me.
We understand that you sew the shoes and your husband paints them. How did you come to that arrangement and what is it like to work together?
We recently decided to take on this venture; the rainbow boots were the first ones made. It’s been fun. My husband likes to paint, and it’s been quite easy for him to make my design ideas come to fruition. The rainbow was actually his iteration, and he has some cool ideas for what we could do next. He’s also a big help in lacing up boots and helping me to get orders out.
How do you come up with your different designs? Do you have a favorite, or is there a customer favorite?
I am inspired by how I’d want to dress my daughter and my ideal fashion for my boys. The boots are definitely a customer favorite! I like to keep designs neutral so they’re a go-to shoe.
What’s the best part of your work? What’s the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is making time to get work done. I do most of my sewing during nap times, so if the boys don’t nap, it’s that much more challenging to get orders finished. I also want to be a present mom, so I try to refrain from working while they’re awake, which includes being on the computer and social media.
What keeps you inspired?
Looking at kiddos wearing my shoes!
What has doing this work meant for you?
Sometimes I get caught up in the production, but then a customer shares a picture of his or her babe wearing my shoes for a special occasion or just jumping in puddles, and it makes me stop to remember that people are choosing the little shoes I make to be a little part of their lives.