Discover: Mountain Cub, A Children’s Boutique
“Think Colorado vibe meets mountain cool. Mountain Cub is a boutique for
all the fun, adventurous kids out there.”
Tell us about yourself! What’s your background and what do you do?
Hi there! I’m Stephanie! I’m a mom, a wife and a career-woman. I’m originally from Texas, but now live in Littleton with my little family. I’m an advertising professional (specifically I work in account services for an advertising agency), but recently felt called to embark on the journey of entrepreneurship. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and I’m always in search of my next big adventure.
How did you learn your craft? Tell us about your first finished product.
For the past ten years I’ve been working in the advertising industry, most recently with a focus in retail. I love what I do, and the creativity behind it, but I really wanted a business of my own. I wasn’t a business major in college, but I feel like I’m pretty resourceful, and I’ve always found a way to do something or figured it out on my own. So after I decided on the idea for Mountain Cub, I bought a book, “Start Your Own Business”, and took off running. I have retail experience, and I’ve always loved clothing, but the true lessons of entrepreneurship are really something you learn from trial and error. I’ve made some mistakes, and will probably make a million more, but it’s the learning and growing that is so fun!
“…I’ve always loved clothing, but the true lessons of entrepreneurship are really something you learn from trial and error.
I’ve made some mistakes, and will probably make a million more, but it’s the learning and growing that is so fun!”
Where does the name of your business come from?
Mountain Cub really comes from the feeling I wanted to evoke. Think Colorado vibe meets mountain cool. Mountain Cub is a boutique for all the fun, adventurous kids out there. Plus I have my own little Bear at home!
How long does it take to make your product and what’s involved in the process?
I don't make the clothes, but I do personally select and curate every item in the boutique. Every now and then I even get feedback from my husband and son! My buying process typically starts six months prior to the upcoming season. I stay up to date with current trends and new brands, but I also pay attention to what my customers love and best-selling categories so that I am always bringing in fresh styles that are both parent and kid-approved.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My son, Bear, is the primary inspiration behind Mountain Cub. After he was born, I found it so fun to dress my little man. However, I couldn’t really find cool, modern clothes that fit our lifestyle and his personality. We love being active, but we also love cool craft breweries and nice restaurants. We spend our time equally between adventuring in the mountains and exploring Denver. That’s where the idea for Mountain Cub started. I wanted to bring awesome, quality kids clothing to Denver and beyond.
What’s your favorite product that you’ve created?
I'm currently loving the outerwear I have in the boutique right now. All the pieces are super comfortable and versatile, which means kids will get a lot of wear out of them.
What question do you get asked the most at pop-up markets?
"Where do you get the clothes?" I'm always on the hunt for fresh styles and new brands. I source brands from all over the world, but I would say the majority of the clothes in the boutique are designed here in the US.
What’s something unique about you that most people don’t know (or wouldn’t guess)?
Mountain Cub is actually my side-hustle. Honestly, I don't usually tell people that because I'm worried people will think I don't care as much about it as a full-time job. If anything, it should show how much I love Mountain Cub. I'm constantly thinking about my business and how to improve and grow it. Plus, all my non-working hours are dedicated to it; taking pictures, working on my website, attending pop-ups and markets. I do it because I'm passionate about Mountain Cub, and I'm encouraged by what I've created so far.
What’s your favorite beverage to sip on?
Mimosas, usually. However, I'm always up for a really good margarita if chips and queso are involved.
What’s up next for your Mountain Cub?
My husband and I recently bought a vintage travel trailer! It was in pretty bad shape (what can I say, I love a good fixer-upper), but I have a really cool vision for it. My goal is to turn it into a mobile boutique for Mountain Cub. So if you want to follow along with the trailer's "before and after", be sure to follow Mountain Cub (@mtncubboutique) for all the behind the scenes!
What's your favorite family-friendly activity around Denver?
My family and I love hiking, camping and stand-up paddleboarding in the summer. We try to get up to the mountains and ski as much as possible in the winter. And of course, we enjoy trying new breweries and restaurants all year long!
Spring Kick-Off Sale: Up to 30% sitewide, plus free shipping over $75.
Buy 1 item, take 10% off. Buy 2 items, take 20% off. Buy 3 or more items, take 30% off!
