Meet Bailey Carpenter of Ashland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Carpenter

Hi Bailey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Why Cora and Violet? It took me some time to determine an appropriate name for my business. Not only a name that fits my brand, but a name that has significance. Growing up my mother was always busy sewing clothes for me, painting and creating; a true artist. She passed unexpectedly when I was 11, but her creations left a family legacy. Looking through her sewing cabinet I found a hand painted clothing label she had made and attached to a baby dress. It was a purple violet, with “Violet and Co.” hand written on the front, clearly in reference to my middle name: Violet.

Time has passed, and I have children of my own now. My daughter Cora is the reason that I started to sew unique clothing, and has provided me with creative inspiration. As I follow in my mother’s footsteps with a desire for unique creations, it was a natural choice to combine the names Cora and Violet, symbolizing two little girls, each loved by their mothers.

Sign up for our updates and sneak peeks here: https://www.coraandviolet.com/pages/early-release-sneaks

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While I love what I do, being a creative has its ups and downs. Selling my designs is like putting a little piece of my soul out into the world and hoping it (me) is well received. I like to think I have a quiet confidence, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get nervous before each launch, still after 8+ years of doing this.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Hi there! I’m Bailey, owner and designer behind Cora and Violet, est. 2016. I started sewing as a little girl, begging my mom to let me create anything and everything. Doll clothes to hemming, altering and eventually making my own clothes from anything I could find. Present day, things aren’t that much different. You can find me in my favorite antique stores, usually with one or all of my three kiddos in tow. Searching through textiles at vintage sales and making contacts with pretty much anyone that has a unique medium I think I can utilize. I am a gardening enthusiast, and I love any chance to travel.

I specialize in baby and children’s special occasion wear. Flowers girl dresses and one of a kind birthday dresses you can’t find anywhere else- That’s Cora and Violet. My designs are a window to my soul, inspired by the nature surrounding me, I try to find beauty everywhere.

I’m incredibly proud to say we are authentically handmade. I design each and every dress and accessory and we make everything ourselves. From hand cutting each leaf and petal, to individually attaching to the many layers of luxury tulle. It’s a rewarding feeling for sure, especially in such a fast fashion era.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
If you’d have asked me this at the start of my business my answer might have been somewhat along the lines of ambition and stacking cash, I was in my 20’s after all. (; At this point in my life, success is the time afforded to be around those I love. The ability to take the time for my health and wellbeing and the energy to do so for others. Work/ life balance is arduous and often times just out of my grasp. If I can figure that out, I’d say I’ve found my success. Ask me again in 10 years and see if my answer is still the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coraandviolet.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coraandviolet
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coraandviolet/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cora_and_violet