Meet Michelle Guillen | Founder, Little Love

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Guillen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea originally came to me in early 2020. We had our first born, Adrian, December 2019. I was never one for loud colors and prints – neutral colored clothing in the softest textiles was of the utmost importance to me.

Our son was born in the 99th percentile for height and weight — from there he continued to grow at the speed of light. Durability and sustainability were also important to me, buying clothes bi-weekly just wasn’t cutting it.

Having lived in South, FL all of my life — the heat also played a part in his day-to-day wear.

Finding clothing that hit all of these markers (and then some), seemed impossible — until I came across BAMBOO.

So many companies were popping up around the globe, so I started researching to find the safest brands for my baby boy. That was when I discovered that in spite of my love for this “magical” material, the way it was being processed and manufactured by the majority of these companies, was incredibly toxic.

So, I decided to create my own company. Now, I control everything from harvesting of the materials, to processing, manufacturing and shipping.

What should our readers know about your business?
As any parent knows, the first few months are a blur. Overnights are spent getting to learn these new little beings we created or adopted. Mine were spent nursing my endlessly hungry “large” baby. Once I was able to get him back to sleep, I would pull out my laptop and spend the “in-between” time, building my business plan and interviewing clothing manufacturers in Asia.

I started researching the harsh solvents and chemicals that were being used to break down bamboo. I also began researching alternatives: organic materials that would have the same effect, be significantly safer, and be recycled infinitely in a closed-loop system that would be sustainable.

Once this was completed, I got to work on the packaging. I must have ordered clothing from 20 different competitors. What was consistent in their packaging? Polymailers. Polymailers are made out of polyethylene, a light resin, and the most widely used plastic on the planet.

Once I opened the packaging, more plastic — so much more plastic. I began reaching out to companies and landed on a 100% recycled paper mailer, which once used, is readily curbside recycled. We also use an algae-based ink to print our logos, hemp-based hang tags, and compostable internal packaging made of corn which breaks down at the same rate as food waste. Our shipping labels are also fully recyclable.

All of our packaging is meant to begin the process of breakdown the minute it leaves our facility.

We genuinely care about your Little Loves and the environment that they’re going to be left with. Our goal is to incorporate sustainability in all aspects of how we operate our business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Brunch:

Juvia has the most beautiful view. I enjoy sitting outside while drinking a glass of rose. Anything Chef Sonny makes is perfection. He is very ingredient conscious and tries to source as much as he can locally. The hamachi and stuffed roasted zucchini are a few of my favorites.

Dinner:

Orno, Chef Niven owns a farm in Homestead where he plants/ harvests produce, and spices used in his daily cuisine. His food is exquisite and his command for spices is un-parrelled. He also has a phenomenal wine list. The braised short rib is my go-to. Make sure you make a reservation!

Things to do:

Key Biscayne is absolutely gorgeous. You can find a lot of little honey pots with crystal clear shallow water and breath-taking views. Costa med is great for a more casual family lunch, The Golden Hog is a great market to pick up snacks and wine and The Rusty Pelican and Lightkeepers are great for more upscale dinners.

Pinecrest Gardens, Fairchild Tropical Gardens and Vizcaya are all near each other and beautiful places to visit. You will see a lot of lush greenery, plants and trees native to South, FL. All (3) are family-friendly. If in the area, Anacapri has great Italian Cuisine and a phenomenal wine selection.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents taught me to earn my seat at the table. They also taught me that we are not meant for everybody. Sometimes we have to build our own table, and invite those who share our vision, to sit with us.

I want to thank them for teaching me to push past my limits — and I want to thank my grandparents for teaching me that fear and discomfort produce growth.

All that am I am is because of you. Thank you. 

Website: wearlittlelove.com

Instagram: instagram.com/wearlittlelove

Image Credits
A Little Story Photography