Community Highlights: Meet Katyna of Wandering Child Co

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katyna.

Hi Katyna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Wandering Child Co. started in the most unexpected way. Back in 2017, after we bought our first home, the previous owners left behind a sewing machine. I had no idea how to sew and honestly felt intimidated by it at first. My mom even suggested I sell it, but something in me wanted to try. So, I turned to YouTube and slowly taught myself.

I started making little things like dolls that definitely didn’t turn out how they were supposed to, but I didn’t give up. Eventually, I made my son a pair of shorts. I still remember how proud I felt seeing something I created with my own hands actually come to life, and how happy he was to wear them. He wore those shorts constantly until they were way too small for him. I actually had to secretly remove them from his wardrobe because he loved them that much. From there, I kept sewing for my children, sharing my work online, joining Facebook groups, and eventually selling handmade pieces to other families.

What started as curiosity became something much deeper. In 2019, Wandering Child Co. officially came to life and eventually was featured on QVC and HSN, which felt surreal considering how it all began.

Today, the brand has grown into this whimsical little world inspired by childhood wonder, heirloom pieces, and all the cozy, magical things I loved and longed for growing up. Everything I create is rooted in emotion, nostalgia, and creating meaningful memories for children and families.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. A big challenge came when COVID happened. Like a lot of small handmade businesses, it really disrupted everything. Supplies became hard to find like fabric, elastics, and other basic materials I relied on were suddenly scarce because so many were being redirected toward mask making. It forced me to slow down and constantly adjust how I created and produced things, sometimes pausing entirely or redesigning based on what I could actually get.

On top of that, I was still learning everything as I went. I didn’t come into this with formal training in sewing or business, so a lot of it has been trial and error. Figuring things out late at night, balancing motherhood, life, and trying to keep everything moving forward at the same time. There were also moments where I questioned myself creatively and professionally, especially when comparing my journey to others or feeling the pressure of constantly creating and showing up online. Burnout is very real when you are the designer, seamstress, photographer, marketer, customer service representative, and everything else all at once.

I’ve also gone through seasons where I had to step back and pour into myself personally. Over the past few years especially, I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on healing, self-growth, and reconnecting with who I am outside of productivity. That journey has shaped the brand just as much as sewing did.

But there’s always been something deeper in all of it that kept me going. Sewing has found its way to me more than once in my life in very unexpected ways, and I don’t take that lightly. Sometimes it feels like there’s something bigger connected to it for me, even if I don’t fully understand it yet. So, I’ve learned to keep going, stay open, and trust the process of creating.

Even through the hardest seasons, I’ve held onto the vision behind Wandering Child Co.. It’s not just about making clothing or products. It’s about sharing my gift, creating something meaningful that families can hold onto, and using that creativity in a way that also gives back in a bigger way.

We’ve been impressed with Wandering Child Co, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Wandering Child Co. is a handmade children’s brand rooted in craftsmanship and heirloom-inspired design. I create clothing and accessories that are meant to feel whimsical, comfortable, and a little bit timeless.

What I specialize in is thoughtful, small-batch handmade pieces. A lot of my work is inspired by childhood wonder, cottagecore aesthetics, and the idea of slowing things down in a world that moves very fast. I’m known for designs that feel soft, reminiscent, and emotionally connected, not just trendy or seasonal. Every piece is created with intention, from the fabric choice to the way it’s finished, because I want it to feel special enough to be remembered.

What sets my brand apart is that it didn’t start from a business plan, it started from curiosity, necessity, and a very personal creative journey. I taught myself how to sew, and that learning process is still very much part of how I create today. There’s an honesty in that. I’m not trying to mass produce or chase fast fashion cycles. I’m building something slower, more intentional, and more personal. Most of my clothing is also designed to be worn year-round, made to last, and created with room to grow so pieces can last rather than be quickly outgrown.

What I’m most proud of, brand wise, is that it has grown into something that people connect with emotionally. I’ve had the opportunity to be featured on platforms like QVC and HSN, which was surreal, but what means the most to me is hearing feedback from parents who genuinely love the brand and appreciate the quality and intention behind each piece. That connection is what I care about most.

More than anything, I want readers to know that this brand is about more than clothing. It’s about cherishing the journey, preserving childhood in a tangible way, and honoring the small, meaningful moments that make up a life. It’s about memory, softness, imagination, and creating pieces that families can hold onto.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One of the things I’m most proud of is that Wandering Child Co. also has a social good mission built into it. I believe creativity should extend beyond products, so a portion of what we do goes toward supporting children and families in need, including initiatives such as feeding programs for children in Kenya and healthcare support for kids in Haiti. It’s important to me that the brand doesn’t just exist to create beautiful things but also contributes in a meaningful way wherever it can.

At its core, I hope people feel that intention when they come across my work. Everything I create is rooted in love, care, and the belief that even small things can carry a lot of meaning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wanderingchildco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderingchildco
• Facebook: www.instagram.com/wanderingchildco
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wanderingchildco
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/wanderingchildco