Meet Kelly Sandquist | Founder

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

Hi Kelly, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The main driver was to be in control of my own destiny and remove any restrictions and limitations that come with working for someone else. As I was building my career I couldn’t see myself continuing on that path for the long haul; that was not my purpose and was not going to fulfill me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While in college, getting a marketing degree, I had a professor take a survey asking who in the room thought they’d end up in sales. I, along with about 70% of the class, did not raise my hand. There was no way I was going to end up in sales. He looked around and told us that 80% of us would end up in sales; again I knew that wouldn’t be me. After getting my degree and going through the failed business attempt and crash of 2008, I ended up in retail (sales). A few years later I landed a position as a demo scheduling coordinator which was the sales division. From there I moved to a brokerage…again, sales.
I’ve had many successes and opportunities to learn and grow along the way in my professional and personal life. I thrive on change and with change comes challenge. I absolutely believe in manifesting- if you want it, put it out into the universe. I take it one day at a time and treat every day as an opportunity to win. Nothing good comes easy; the harder it is to get, the more you appreciate it.
I jumped into this business with a passion for design, creativity, growing families and a belief that I could do it. I took the risk and gamble on myself. It’s been scary, challenging, rewarding…a rollercoaster. I am still learning everyday with a goal to simply do better than the day before.

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.
As a San Diego native I have to say that you can’t say you’ve done San Diego without seeing both the bay and the beach. A week long trip gives you just the right amount of time to see the coast and enjoy the city. Go to La Jolla cove- if it’s warm weather go kayaking, if it’s cooler head to George’s rooftop for lunch, apps or even just drinks. The view is breathtaking. Head downtown to cruise around seaport village, grab an ice cream and walk along the bay- take in the boats, the Coronado bridge, the city sky line.
If you have kids the San Diego Zoo should probably make your hit list; if you have time to venture out the Wild Animal Park always delivers.
Best restaurants downtown for great views- Coasterra, Mr. A’s, Top of the Hyatt.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To encompass all in one…my family. Years ago my mom, sister and I embarked on the entrepreneurial path and took a stab at starting an online baby boutique focused on celebrating all of the “firsts” a baby experiences- first word, first step, etc. Our core product were cards and we started to dabble a bit with textiles- hats, blankets, etc. Needless to say we only survived about 2 years before we had to shut down. Fast forward to 2021, I became a mom. As a new mom I was a novice with all things baby, learning what I loved as I went. I discovered bamboo baby apparel when my daughter was probably about 3 months old and I was immediately in love. There was (is) nothing better for babies.
My inner-entrepreneur was awakened and I decided that I was going to try again at the baby business and start my own company, this time focusing on what I am passionate about- baby apparel. And one of my favorite parts…I name the business after my niece, Brooklyn Rae.

Website: www.brooklynrae.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopbrooklynrae/

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

Image Credits
@rhay_and_jas @_baby.ari_ @tate.and.jace