Name:
Philippa Briscombe
How your clients refer to you:
Owner / Creative Director
Company:
little P
Contact Info:
ph. 852 9189 9573, email: philippa@thepalmerstudio.com, website: little-p.com, instagram: @littlepforlittlepeople
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
We launched little P in Australia nearly two years ago, and our brand has been stocked in Barneys New York, ducduc and Babesta since last year. My family and little P are now based in Hong Kong.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
One part of our company, The Palmer Studio, started as a bespoke rug business, and continues to work on one-of-a-kind rugs for private clients and designers. But as a Mom to 4 children I couldn’t ignore the gap in the market for children’s rugs. I couldn’t find any that I liked, or that offered high quality with great design, so I decided to fill that gap by producing my own range.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
At little P, we pride ourselves on creating quality products that are well designed, and are not driven by fast fashion trends or mass production. They are designed with little people in mind — and their parents!
All our little P rugs are made using 100% NZ Wool, as this is the softest and the most durable fiber for rugs, and it’s also hypo-allergenic, so a perfect match for children. In addition, we offer the option to customize the size, color, or shape of any of our designs so clients can get exactly the rug that they want and need. And, of course, we can work directly with clients to create bespoke rugs for their children’s rooms as well.
little P’s range is expanding to include play mats, storage baskets, and cushions that have all been thoughtfully designed.
Our new play mats have been created to fulfil many functions: as a picnic blanket, a play mat, stroller cover, swaddle. They are screen printed by hands on organic cotton, and are reversible and washable.
Our storage baskets come in a range of colors that will fit into a children’s room, a living room, or even a laundry. They are laminated on the inside, so as well as being perfect for storing toys, they can be used for laundry.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love that having my own business gives me the flexibility to support the needs of everyone else in the family. They also get to share in my achievements - and of course my teens are very good at offering views on designs and products - so it is fun to be growing something meaningful that perhaps one day they may be a part of.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
I love visiting NYC and usually manage to pack in a feast of food, fashion, and wine! One of my rituals when in the city is lunch at Fred’s in Barneys - the food is always perfect and the people watching is unbeatable!
How do you benefit mamas?
We create great products that are lasting and practical, to add beauty as well as comfort to a child’s environment.
Babies grow so quickly, and new parents often end up with products that are outgrown in no time. We try to create products that are multi-functional and can be used for long periods of time. They are intended to be the opposite of fast fashion and furnishings.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
Hearing that people love their rugs and that the quality has exceeded their expectations always makes me happy. I have one lovely client that I am designing a sixth bespoke rug for, so that of course has been a great endorsement!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
There are so many stories about businesses that have been started by mothers and/or fathers, inspired by wanting to create something by their children.
I particularly respect those businesses that aren’t following a fast fashion mentality, and that are producing quality furniture or products. In NYC, it is hard to go past ducduc for furniture, and Oeuf is wonderful too. Personally, I am inspired by Raegan Moya-Jones, for her commitment and hard work in growing her brand aden & anais to the size that it is today.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
I used to think that I had to wait until everything was in place and perfectly planned before starting my own business. The reality is that as a Mom, there is no perfect time - there is always going to be chaos around you!!! You just need to commit to your idea, know what your point of difference is, and be true to your brand.
Whenever I design a new rug or product for little P I ask myself “Does this look like little P?” and “Does it have the same value and benefits of our other little P products?”
I really like a quote by Steve Furtick that I stumbled upon earlier this year. He said, “The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” What I have really learnt is that nothing comes easily and all success is due to perseverance.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
A few of my favorites would be to get ready for the morning the night before - pack kids bags, prepare their uniforms and lunches - for some reason this is always faster done at night than in the morning, and your day will start with more calm.
I am also a believer in not doing everything for your kids - get them involved from a young age in doing chores, as it will save you time and teach them responsibility.