Conversations with Jill Callan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Callan.

Hi Jill, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My story starts from when I was a little kid! I used to sit with my Grandmother who went to fashion design school and make paper dolls with her. I loved that we could design anything we wanted to put on them. Following that passion, after graduation from University, I moved to NYC and started designing menswear.

Quickly I discovered that I preferred designing children’s clothing. For the next twenty years of my life, I started as a Designer and worked my way up to Design Director for a prominent company. After managing the design team for most of my career, I decided to open my own shop that would specialize in small, independent designers. I did that for approximately ten years.

I moved to Colorado in 2017 and noticed there weren’t really any shops that catered to families looking for quality yet stylish clothing. So in 2018, I opened Petit Parker with the goal to bring my aesthetic and design background to Parker while still focusing on independent designers from around the world.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest struggle was getting through the COVID-19 aftermath. I had my grand opening on Thursday and then all of America was shut down on Monday. Parker families were amazing though. I did deliveries almost every day. The hardest part was the next year!

While going through it, we were all in the same boat and really didn’t know what was going to happen next, so I just sailed through it like everyone else. Then came 2021… it was time to pick up the pieces and figure out how to keep things going long-term. I think it is all just a process and there are always going to be ups and downs.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I think what sets me apart from other children’s boutiques is my store’s charm, personalized service, and the distinctive products we carry. I personally choose everything in the store with a discerning eye for quality and style. Since I like to focus on independent designers, I am constantly scouring the market for new and interesting takes on children’s products.

I think I am most proud of the personalized service and attention to everyone who walks in the door. I love meeting new people and chatting with the regulars. In my eyes, I see everyone as a friend and want them to feel that way when they enter! I honestly want everyone to be happy when they leave and know they are excited about what they purchased.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love best about Parker is that it is so clean and fresh! Coming from New York, it has been quite a change… for the better! Included in that are also the people nice and friendly. The thing I like least is rainy days!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.petitparker.com
• Instagram: @petitparkerandco
• Facebook: @petitparker
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/petit-parker-parker-3

Image Credits
Wonderstruck Photography and Laura Pressman