Go Ask Mom

Made By Mom Gift Guide: Chapel Hill-based clothing line for tween girls grows

CALZICO was developed by a Chapel Hill mom with help from her tween daughter.

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Shannon Tennyson, owner of CALZICO, with daughter
By
Sarah Lindenfeld Hall
Editor's note: Shannon Tennyson and her clothing line, CALZICO, which was developed for tween girls, is next up in our Made by Mom Gift Guide features.

As just about any mom of a tween girl knows, the struggle to find age appropriate, but fun clothing for these often hard-to-shop-for girls is real. The cuts and styles are too young in the kids section and too old in the junior section.

A couple of years ago, Shannon Tennyson was in the middle of the same struggle, trying to find something just right for her tween daughter. She founded CALZICO, an innovative line of clothing for tween girls developed with the help of her daughter.
I featured Tennyson, who has worked as an independent corporate change management consultant for 20 years, last year. This year, CALZICO is featured in Go Ask Mom's Made by Mom Gift Guide. Her clothing and accessories might be just right for the tween girls in your life. I checked in with Tennyson to get an update on the brand since we last spoke. Here's a Q&A:
Go Ask Mom: What's been up with CALZICO since we last checked in a year ago?
Shannon Tennyson: We launched online! This year, we participated in several 'pop up' style events in various cities as well as other small business and sustainable fashion events to promote our collection. We have five styles for 'tween' girls ages 6 to 14 and all with multiple color options. In addition, we are excited to say that select items are now available at two retail locations - FrolicStyle.com and in-store at Glee Kids in Chapel Hill. 
Courtesy: CALZICO
GAM: Tell us about the reception so far.
ST: Reception has been good. Parents comment on the quality of the fabric and construction and clever styles. They like the dress, jacket and zipskirt. Tweens often comment on our insanely soft fabrics and easy-to-wear styles. They even wear their items to bed, we hear. But they gravitate to the dress and tees too.

Once tweens put an item on and feel how comfy it is, they usually don't want to take it off. We have also received welcomed feedback (we love talking to customers) which we can incorporate into future styles. That even includes several moms who asked if it comes in their size, which was quite unexpected. 

GAM: What's popular in your current line?
ST: It depends on the age of the tween, but tees (select colors are sold out) and the jacket and dress are definitely favorites for older tweens. Moms like that it's feminine, but not too dressy and sexy and that kids can wear the jacket multiple ways for longer than one season. Tweens like the colors, comfort, and of course the dress pockets. Younger kids seem to really enjoy the zip skirt with a removable layer and the ponchos have been popular in store items.
Courtesy: CALZICO
GAM: What do you have planned for CALZICO going forward? How do you hope it will grow?
ST: Being a start up is a tough journey for sure, but we have plans to participate in regional and small business events this year. We also want to increase our in-store presence and hopefully add to the collection in 2018.
CALZICO's website has more information about this local line of clothes for girls.

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