Our mission is to reduce, reuse, and recycle the beloved-but-short-lived styles of our kids’ clothing.
Little Gems was founded by two local moms whose aim is to extend the life cycle of children’s clothing. Co-founders Katie McKiernan and Claire Hillesland initially bonded over the idea in a toddler parks & rec class and soon realized their individual backgrounds complemented their shared interest in children’s sustainability.
Credit: Richard Cahan for Evanston Roundtable
Katie first found her obsession for all things vintage from shopping thrift stores and estate sales with her late mother Cindy. She continued this passion with her husband Brandon when starting their vintage home goods business - Department Home - in 2012 where she started accruing her large collection of kids vintage books and toys.
While Claire’s art and design background focused on the sustainability and ethics of the modern fashion landscape–her interests specifically and predictably shifted to the children’s market once she started a family of her own.
Together they are so excited to present a shop that celebrates quality, pre-loved children’s clothing, gives a second life to bygone toys and books, and offers up a space that celebrates creativity and builds community.