Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Callan.
Hi Jill, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
So, I actually didn’t start in retail at all. I spent almost 20 years as a children’s fashion designer in New York City — worked my way up to Design Director . And I loved the creative side, but I hit a point where I wanted more control over my own path. So in 2008 — yes, during the economic downturn, great timing, right? — I opened my first boutique in New York .
That experience taught me a ton, but life had other plans and brought me to Colorado. When I got here, I realized there were no kids’ boutiques in the area, and I just knew what I had to do . So I opened Petit Parker — initially in a spot that was, honestly, not great. Business was slow, and I knew if I didn’t make a move, I wasn’t going to make it .
The stars aligned and I found the perfect location on Mainstreet. I reopened on Mainstreet in March 2020. And again — great timing — a few days later, we shut down for the pandemic .
But I pivoted fast. Got the website in shape, did deliveries, offered private shopping — whatever it took . And it paid off. Now, foot traffic is way up, we’re seeing new families moving to Parker all the time, and I get to do what I love every single day . For me, success isn’t about the money — it’s about being happy. And honestly? It’s hard to be unhappy in a children’s store — everything’s just so cute .
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth. I moved here as a single mom, started over in a new city, opened in a spot that just didn’t get the foot traffic I needed, then finally got the perfect location on Mainstreet — only to shut down days later for a pandemic. But I just kept figuring it out, kept adapting, kept showing up. That’s the thing — it’s never been easy, but I love it too much to quit.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Petit Parker, we make parents’ lives easier and babies happier. I specialize in curating sustainable, high-quality brands that actually last, and we’re known for our shipping services and our Tiny Trend Experts who take the guesswork out of shopping. What I’m most proud of is finally creating my own line — drawing on my 20 years as a children’s fashion designer in NYC. And what sets us apart is the personal experience we offer. I curate everything myself, I know quality when I see it, and we genuinely care about making the experience easy for busy families. It’s thoughtful, it’s personal, and it gives parents real confidence in what they’re buying.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about having a smooth path—it’s about staying open to wherever the journey takes you and finding joy in the ride. Every twist and turn has brought me exactly where I’m supposed to be—running a business I love, in a community that’s embraced me, doing work that genuinely makes a difference for families. What I’m most excited about is what’s ahead: finally launching my own line, growing Petit Parker, and continuing to build something meaningful. I wake up every day loving what I do, and that’s the real win.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.petitparker.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petitparkerandco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petitparker/
