It all started with an overpriced and unimpressive birthday suit. Sharon White and Kristen Williamson, once teachers at St. Thomas Aquinas, found they had a few things in common. One, they both hailed from the Southeast — Louisiana, to be exact — where even the smallest residents are expected to don dressy attire for special occasions. Two, they both gave birth to boys in 2004, an event that led to a business venture and partnership that’s keeping them happily busy these days. When Sharon hit the Dallas shops seeking a cute birthday party outfit for Michael, who was about to turn 1, she “spent $75 on an outfit that wasn’t even that cute,” she says. And while she didn’t find the perfect clothes for her little one, she was sure she’d spotted a niche. Her friend felt the same way, and less than three months later, White and Williamson were selling the inaugural 13-piece boys clothing line, petit frére, at Dallas Market Hall. From their neighborhood homes, these mothers of invention design whimsical garments — dressy and casual — in which kids can be comfortable and have room to grow. Today the line has expanded, as has each woman’s family. Williamson is now mom to another boy and White a girl (luckily, petit frére recently launched a girls’ line too).

To find a list of shops selling the petit frére line or contact the founder, visit petitfrere.net.

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