Shortly after welcoming her daughter Skylar in 2018, Jimena Bender found herself searching high and low for soft, gentle baby clothes and slippers. No matter where she looked, nothing seemed to measure up to the quality she wanted for her newborn. Synthetic and scratchy fabrics were everywhere and none of the products she found were “made from materials sensitive enough for sensitive, newborn skin,” says Bender.
Having recognized this void in the children’s clothing market, Bender felt motivated to create “something better.” And “better” morphed into Snuggles N Cuddles, an upscale online children’s boutique. With a background in fashion, Bender had the experience, knowledge and passion to power this type of startup.
A native of Lima, Peru, Bender knew that using Pima, “the king of cotton” and Alpaca fur would allow her to offer clothing of unmatched quality. To source the materials, she went to her homeland. The choice, she says, was deeply personal. “By working with generational artisans in Peru I was able to honor my roots and support traditional craftmanship. It felt like a dream come true,” she says.
Snuggles N Cuddles makes pajamas, bibs and plush toys from Pima cotton. It is gentler than cashmere and cozier than wool, says Bender, yet it is still lightweight. Pima is comprised of fibers that are longer than regular cotton and create stronger threads. As a result, it feels extra-silky, is more durable and more resistant to wear and tear than standard cotton.
“There’s no better material than Peruvian Pima cotton,” says Bender. “It’s hypoallergenic, breathable and known for its extreme softness and sturdiness.”
Slippers from Snuggles N Cuddles are made with alpaca fur lining. Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca doesn’t contain lanolin, which makes it less likely to irritate skin. The fur lining in Bender’s slippers is breathable and temperature-regulating, which keeps little feet cozy and warm in the winter and cool and dry in warmer weather. While the material distinguishes these children’s booties, Bender says something else sets her slippers apart. “It’s the craftmanship and the heart that goes into every pair, which are handmade by Peruvian artisans. No pair is exactly alike, so each one is truly one of a kind. They are super cozy.”
Bender emphasizes that her products are made from nature’s most remarkable fibers. “They are light and ideal for anyone with allergies or skin that’s easily irritated,” she says. “There’s something special about the combination of natural materials and timeless design that inspire the brand. The best feeling is seeing children, including my daughter, wearing these pieces and looking so cozy and cute. It makes my heart so full.”
Bender lives in North Stamford with her husband, her daughter and two goldfish. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with family and being outside, fishing, hiking, exploring the great outdoors and going to the beach to collect shells. She also loves visiting antique shops, planning gatherings at her home and celebrating life.
For more information, go to snugglesncuddles.com.