The Gumballs & Overalls Story

Hi! I’m Jovan, a mother of two who just moved here from Seattle this summer. We decided it was time to be closer to my kids’ family. I bring with me a degree in Apparel Design and Development from Seattle Central College and more than 15 years of experience in the children’s apparel industry. 

I purchased Gumballs Boutique because I am super passionate about children’s clothes! What kids wear is an integral piece of their childhood experience. Remember that awful dress you had to wear on picture day? Or those crazy pants that you loved and wore ALL THE TIME as a kid? I want to sell pieces that kids love to wear! Comfortable, unique clothes that become their identity.  I believe that children’s clothing should be fun and memorable. Also, a quality that is able to be passed on and worn by many others. I especially love when clothes have a fun history, like, “Tabitha wore this to Thanksgiving, and then her cousin Jo wore it in a Christmas pageant.” 

I have always been a thrifter. As a young mom, I learned to buy quality brands used for my daughter, I would then resell them for the same or more than I paid! I remember being so proud of buying used cloth diapers and selling them later for the same amount we paid. I actually diapered my first baby for FREE other than the cost of laundry detergent! 

In the era of fast, cheap fashion and economic uncertainty, we have forgotten the value of something well made, the value in being able to resell and pass along clothes that survive - child after child. The phrase, “they grow so fast” is often used to justify buying poor quality clothing. To me, every moment is special. I prefer the phrase “they are only this little once.” Every day and every size is something to cherish, and is worthy of good quality clothing! Unfortunately, heirloom-quality construction is rare these days, and entirely unaffordable where it exists. I am so excited to offer affordable, quality clothing- both new and used. 

My mission with Gumballs is to foster a circular economy, where the items you buy here will hold their value, so they can be brought back to consign and be loved by another child, over and over. This process helps reduce your spending, supports a local business, helps other local parents and makers earn money, and helps reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry! It’s a win-win-win!