Suffolk native launches baby line
Published 9:48 pm Thursday, August 20, 2015
A Suffolk native has launched her own line of organic baby clothing and swaddle blankets that benefits animals.
Suffolk native Heather Ponce is pictured on a friend’s dock near Reid’s Ferry showing off a onesie and blanket that are included in her new line of fun-patterned, organic baby clothing.
Heather Ponce, a 2003 graduate of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, decided to launch the company after she had her son, Dylan, and realized none of the organic choices on the market were soft, durable and stylish.
She also wanted to create a company that helps animals.
“A lot of different children’s lines and baby lines help people, so it was kind of a niche,” she said. From each item purchased from the Carley Barley line — named after her late dog Carley, which she adopted from the Suffolk animal shelter and which died a year ago at age 14 — Ponce will donate $1 to help a homeless animal find a home.
“I knew I wanted to give back and have a connection with making a difference,” Ponce said.
Ponce launched the company in May of this year from her home in Boulder, Colo. The clothing is made using certified organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes, she said. All its products are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard and are free of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, formaldehyde, PVC and other chemicals.
“Unlike many organic infant clothing brands that frequently use plain designs and neutral colors, Carley Barley features playful prints inspired by Ponce’s visit to the Virgin Islands,” a press release states.
Infants and children are more susceptible to the adverse effects of exposure to toxic chemicals, according to the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
“Many understand the importance of providing organic food to our children, but as more studies reveal the harmful effects of toxins in our environment, I believe providing organic clothing is also an essential tool in keeping our children healthy,” Ponce wrote in the press release.
Unlike much baby clothing, Ponce has designed her line to be gender-neutral and long-lasting, so it’s always available to be handed down to younger siblings, cousins or friends.
The line is on sale at boutiques near Ponce’s home in Colorado and also is available online at www.carleybarley.com.
