Interview with Jami Weisman and Andrea Gillman of Cut by 2 Blondes

As told by Butterfly Co-Founder Bradi Nathan

My son suits up for tackle football six days a week. I admit, he looks like a tough guy in his green and white armor until he rushes off the field requesting that I help him double knot his cleats. Jack is eight and weighs roughly sixty pounds, wet. And, while he may often look and dress older than his years, he’s just a little boy underneath it all.

Jami Weisman and Andrea Gillman are two mothers that have enabled countless boys to dress older than their years in a most hip and stylish way. Jami and Andrea’s company, Cut by 2 Blondes, offers cool dress shirts for boys and toddlers alike. Two moms found a void in the boy’s apparel marketplace and successfully filled it! In an exclusive interview with Butterfly, Jami and Andrea share their journey:

BN: What did you both do before you started your company?

Jami was a registered nurse and dabbled in interior design when her kids were little. Andrea has an MBA in Finance and worked as a management consultant when her kids were young.

BN: How did that prepare you to launch your own boy’s apparel collection?

We had absolutely no preparation! We saw a niche and filled it. As they say, "just do it!"

BN: What prompted you both to start CUT by 2 Blondes?

We were frustrated that there weren't any cool shirts that our boys could wear out to dinner, parties or just to look different than the rest of the kids. We decided to create a little version of our husband’s cool shirts - contrast cuffs and collars in yummy, soft fabrics that the kids would feel comfortable wearing.

BN: At what point did you know that you would be successful in a partnership?

We have been best friends for years and knew that we would thrive in a business partnership. We have had a fantastic time growing this company together.

BN: What resources did you tap into to launch this company?

We both invested a nominal amount of money to make our first collection. From there, we reinvested every dime back into the company and are now showing a profit!

BN: Where can the public purchase your unique shirts?

We are currently in 28 stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico and England.

BN: What qualities should one look for in a business partner?

Partners need to compliment each other. We have a great assistant that does everything we don't want to do!

BN: How do you juggle work and family?

We have perfected the art of juggling. We have asked friends to pitch in for carpools, planned dinners for the week on Sunday, and get home every night for dinner. Both of us feel as though we're better moms to our kids, better friends to our spouses, and all around, happier!

BN: What are typical days like for the both of you?

After getting the kids out the door for school, we start our day by either going to New York City to meet with our fabric suppliers or factory, or we head to the office and try to clear our desk of all the paperwork that has piled up.

BN: What do you gain from working?

We have a firm sense of what we are good at, but we are always pleased when we see our finished product. It's so exciting to create and deliver.

BN: How old were your children when you started this business?

Our kids were in middle school and high school. Just about the time when they had after school activities and lots of homework, which offered a bit more free time.

BN: How did your families' schedule change as a result?

It really didn't change very much. The kids are excited about the business and are willing to spread the word! They act as photo models, inventory movers and all-around cheerleaders.

BN: Why do you believe you are successful?

Perseverance, excitement and the love of what we do.

To learn more about Cut by 2Blondes, email one of the blondes at jami@CUTby2blondes.com or andrea@CUTby2blondes.com or visit their website at www.CUTby2blondes.com