2025 was an incredible year of growth and opportunity both for the Sparrow & Lilly brand and also for myself as a designer.
Running a small business as a one woman show is never easy. I am truly grateful for all the support from family, friends and most importantly my customers. What started as a passion project 6 years ago has slowly turned into an (almost) viable small business.
I design and make everything for Sparrow & Lilly myself and I work full time in Costumes for TV and Film. Having a full time job doesn't always leave me with adequate time to focus on my small business. I'll be honest sometimes it's a struggle. In the past I've even thought about calling it quits but at the end of the day I love creating. It brings me immense joy to create beautiful pieces of clothing and jewelry, and even more joy seeing other people wearing and appreciating my designs.
Last spring I had the opportunity to design costumes for a movie, Resilience, that shot on location in the UK. I got to work with an amazing international team of cast and crew that came from all over, Kona Hawaii, Samoa, Switzerland and Finland to name a few. Designing this movie was no small task as it had a large ensemble cast, 1970's time period and I had to prep everything remotely. Thankfully my husband was the stunt co-ordinator so I had him by my side every step of the way. Even though I had to put Sparrow & Lilly on the back burner during that time I was able to source some gorgeous fabrics from France and England for my Summer 2025 Collection.
Looking back at 2025 I have a lot to be grateful for. Here's a quick recap:
Spring - Costume Designer for Resilience, shot on location in the UK
Summer 2025 Collection - Postcards from Paradise
July - promo creative shoot at Grand Bend Beach with a very talented team. Shout out to: photographer - Michelle @ sisterhoodphotographyco.com, Models -Ally @ Dulcedo.com and Danielle @ IG danni_mmc, Special thank you to my photo shoot assistant and behind the scenes videographer Amanda @ IG amandajtothek
Nov - promo creative shoot in Kona Hawaii with another talented team. Shout out to: photographer - Anna @ byannagrace.mypixieset.com IG - @by.annagracee, Model - Francesca IG @francescalibarona, Hair and Make Up by Judy Cunningham www.hmhawaii.com ,IG @h_mhawaii
Sold Sparrow & Lilly at 3 stores, various locations.
Sold at my first market.
Jewelry sales were up.
A favourite dress design (The Pacifica Dress in Tropicana) sold to a new customer.
A huge THANK YOU again to everyone that supports Sparrow & Lilly. I am currently working on a new collection and can't wait to see what 2026 brings.