Meet Yenny Sanders | Mom | Cuddle Sprouts’ Founder & CEO

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

Hi Yenny, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
It’s easy for outsiders to overlook the intricate details involved in bringing each product to life for an ethical fashion brand. From day one, Cuddle Sprouts has been rooted in a mission to help parents confidently dress their children in options that are safe for their babies and gentle on the planet, and bringing that mission to life takes a lot of heart and hard work.

I’ve learned there’s a depth to our creative process that often goes unnoticed. My team invests both heart and mind in everything they do behind the scenes at Cuddle Sprouts. There’s genuine passion and meticulous care poured into every tiny detail of crafting each product. And it doesn’t even stop with design and production. There’s also the packaging, marketing, advertising, and handling of the day-to-day operations. I assure you no step is overlooked, and no detail is too small.

In the end, it’s all worth it. All this hard work is about so much more than designing gorgeous clothing and nursery essentials for little ones. It’s about allowing parents to dress their children without fearing the lingering impact on their children’s skin or the environment. It’s about showing that style and sustainability can go hand and hand. It’s about giving parents and babies better so they can focus on embracing every day’s delightful moments. In order for us to achieve those goals, we prioritize careful consideration and uphold our utmost standards at every stage of production, from design to delivery and beyond.

What should our readers know about your business?
The idea for Cuddle Sprouts first came about after I gave birth to my second son. I was surprised by how difficult it was to find clothing for him that met my high standards for style, quality, and comfort, all while reflecting my values as a conscious consumer. With the prevalence of fast fashion, I wanted something that would provide stylish comfort for my son without harming the planet in the process. I’m sure any mamas out there understand the desire to give your baby nothing short of the best, and that’s exactly what led me to Cuddle Sprouts.

I didn’t want to be “just another” baby clothing brand. I spend countless hours researching the best fabrics, designing cute and practical styles, and learning the nuances of the clothing industry. There was a lot to learn, but I let my dreams of being an advocate for ethical fashion (and my love for my son) guide me every step of the way.

Of course, there are always corners you can cut to make a quick profit, but that was never what this was about for me. It’s always been about creating something better for babies and the planet. It’s about playing a part in empowering parents to confidently dress their children in comfortable and stylish clothing without worrying about the lingering impact chemicals and harsh additives will have on their children’s skin or the environment.

I’m proud to say we were one of the first baby clothing brands to make our clothes using TENCEL™ Lyocell fabric, a highly sustainable and certified EU Ecolabel fabric crafted from plant-based fibers. Between its natural softness and its breathable, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking properties, I knew Tencel would be perfect for the Cuddle Sprouts line. However, at the time, there wasn’t a lot of buzz around it yet. If anything, the fabric was just starting to gain attention in the bedding and sheets industry. However, after considering numerous textiles and doing lots of research, I knew it was the best decision not only for the brand but for babies and the planet, too—and I haven’t looked back.

That said, I’ll be the first to admit that starting and running a clothing brand hasn’t been easy. Rewarding? Yes. But it certainly has its fair share of challenges. I don’t think people realize all the intricacies that are constantly going on behind the scenes—I know I sure didn’t at first. But I have learned that persistence is your best friend, that you need to trust your journey and continue to work hard toward your dream.

Looking toward the future, I’m excited about more than continuing to design new styles and incorporate innovative practices into my business. I’m also thrilled to continue building a great community of eco-conscious moms and playing my role in making a difference in the industry. Cuddle Sprouts has always been rooted in my desire to ensure a better future for all our kids and the earth, and I’m eager to continue fighting the fast fashion trends by providing a better option for parents, babies, and the planet.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a small business owner, I’m all about supporting local and shopping small. So, when it comes to showing my friends around town, I’m always eager to take them to my favorite local spots.

As a Columbian, good coffee is a must. I’d start with my favorite neighborhood coffee shop, Alon’s Bakery & Market, for some coffee and breakfast. The one in Morningside is my go-to. Aside from their coffee, this place has so much to offer, from fresh baked goods to an inviting atmosphere.

Then, we’d spend the afternoon walking around the Ponce City Market. Between the numerous big name shops, local merchants, and variety of restaurants, it has something for everyone. Plus, if you head up to the rooftop, you can enjoy tasty food, delicious drinks, and fun entertainment on top of soaking in some of the best views of the city.

I’d end the day at Kinjo Room in West Midtown. The chic and elegant atmosphere makes it an intimate and inviting place to grab a bite with your favorite people. I can honestly say it’s some of the best sushi I’ve ever had—and their craft cocktails are just as good. No matter what you order, you can taste the freshness of the ingredients, making it one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be here today if it wasn’t for the unwavering support of two indispensable pillars in my life—my husband and my sons. Their patience and understanding have been the bedrock of my journey as both a mom and an entrepreneur.

Not only were my sons my inspiration for starting Cuddle Sprouts, but they continue to fuel my fire every day. Their love and support, along with my husband’s, spark my inspiration, ignite my drive, and inspire me to overcome the day-to-day challenges of running a small business. I could not do this without them.

I also want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my team, my small but mighty team of passionate and fierce women. I’ve always heard the expression, “It takes a village,” but it wasn’t until I started this business that I understood how true that was. Their unwavering support and passion have been instrumental as they continue to show up day in and day out, helping me navigate all of the intricacies involved in bringing my dreams to life.

Website: https://cuddlesprouts.com/

Instagram: @cuddlesprouts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuddlesprouts