Meet Debraeyia Drayden | Founder | Piper Lane Kids Co.

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

Hi Debraeyia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Oh gosh – where to begin?? I’ve always loved creating! It’s an activity that allows my mind to flow freely and without restraint. While most of my career as an adult has been spent in a different discipline, Piper Lane Kids Co. allows me the ability to just “run with it” and get lost in the process. Being an entrepreneur is certainly not for the faint of heart and having that level of creative control is something I’ve always craved. As a business owner, I get to challenge myself in ways I’ve never experienced before, while at the same time expressing my creative abilities freely! Plus, I get to spend irreplaceable time with my children during their most formative and important years, so for me – that’s a win!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
First, the challenges never end or go away! If anything, they continue to become more complex and are far from easy, especially when the majority of the day-to-day work is handled by me, solo. PLKC (Piper Lane Kids Co.) isn’t my first adventure in business, so I’ve had the opportunity to experience the ups and downs along with the difficulties in brand building. I’d say that’s prepared me to be ready for them when they come… and trust me, they DO come.

I’ve learned so many lessons along the way: From handling customer service issues, which is a very big one, to not taking everything so personal – which I tend to do, considering it’s my brand, my baby! Even the most minor of details, such as image placement and packaging, can all make or break a brand and believe it or not, the slightest variance can do wonders! Being a business owner means being imperfect, being humbled, knowing you’re not for everyone, and having a desire to listen and learn. I think that’s the biggest lesson – to listen and learn. Your customers and clientele will tell you all you need to know if you just pay attention…

I’d love the world to see myself and the brand I represent as so much more than what it is at this stage. Piper Lane Kids Co. is a bevy of handmade goods that is the quality and consistency I believe we all desire as consumers. From the stitching to the packaging, nothing but love is poured into the products you purchase. As a mom, I want affordable & quality products that won’t harm my kids or my family and are unique. I don’t know about anyone else, but seeing the same thing in the next person’s hands isn’t exactly my idea of appeal. We don’t mass-produce – we do so in small batches, our products are QC’d by a human, are handstitched by a human (on a machine of course), and are made to last. If you purchase a PLKC product, you should find comfort in knowing it was made right here in Texas and is made to last with proper care! Plus, they make for great conversation pieces!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh wow… Houston is so large! I’ve lived here for almost 20 years and still haven’t explored all there is to see and love about this gem of a city…

If I had to start somewhere, I’d begin with a stop in The Heights. One of my favorite hidden gems is The Barking Pig – some of the best pizza I’ve had in a while. I’m a foodie, so I can’t miss an opportunity to stop by Lucille’s. They have some really good cocktails (my favorite is the Strawberry Smash!) and the food is amazing! We could also check out Cidercade for some fun and house brew… The Woodlands is my side of town, so checking out Market Street is a must, along with heading over to Cynthia Woods Pavilion to check out a live event. With so much to see and do, I am sure we’ll be far from bored!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being an entrepreneur can be lonely. Especially in the building stages. I have a very tight-knit circle and appreciate their support and encouragement more than they will ever know or than I can show them. My husband is beyond supportive. From embracing the mile-long list of honey-dos to taking on our three boys solo, to in the beginning – working many hours away from home to help fund the PLKC journey, it wouldn’t be right to NOT acknowledge him.

My kids – man. I have triplets who just recently turned 9 and they are the brand. From the logo to a lot of the patterns that make the cut, they are very involved in what Piper Lane Kids Co. is. I love having them involved in various parts of the creative process and am so very thankful for their genuine desire to be a part!

I have a very dear friend – one of the first to purchase our products. She’s cheered me on from the beginning, supported and encouraged me endlessly, and has always been in my corner. In this day and age, that is invaluable and irreplaceable, so for that, I am forever grateful and humbled.

Website: https://www.piperlanekidsco.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/piperlanekidsco/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/piperlanekids

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

Image Credits
All photos were taken by and are property of Debraeyia Drayden/Piper Lane Kids Co.