The Dreamers #75 - With Joey Rainbow

July 21, 2023

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Written by

July 21, 2023

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Written by

Welcome to the Dreamers and to the wonderful world of Joey Rainbow! A kids' fashion label that works with vintage threads and handmade treasures for radical minis! We sat down with Jade, the owner of Joey Rainbow, as we talk all things family and sustainability in a fast fashion world.

WELCOME TO THE DREAMERS.

COME INSIDE THE HOMES OF EVERYDAY FAMILIES AND BUSINESS OWNERS DOING LIFE THEIR WAY.

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Hey Jade, tell us about you and your fam.

My husband, myself, our three-year-old son Ash and our Blue Heeler' Bones' call Avalon Beach home - a beautiful coastal suburb on Sydney's Northern Beaches. We moved to Avalon about five years ago when we bought a house with my brother and his wife. Since then, both couples have had a child! So my son Ash can always call upon his little bestie Poppy upstairs for a play date, which is a lot of fun. We call our house 'The Commune' - there is always lots happening!

We are so excited to also be welcoming a baby girl to 'The Commune' in early October, so I dare say the busyness of our household will increase tenfold!

Our weeks are busy, so when it comes to the weekend, we love spending time together at the beach, and we are spoilt for choice with beautiful beaches in our area. Ash is happiest when he is exploring in the rock pools!

What inspired you to delve into the world of thrifted and vintage clothing?

I have always been a lover of vintage clothes and furniture. I much prefer to recycle quality pieces rather than buying into fast fashion, and I love the stories vintage pieces can tell. This passion led me to start a flea market in Way Woy on the New South Wales Central Coast, where I was living at the time (@woywoyflea). I'm not running Woy Woy Flea as often as I'd like to these days, but we have some fun things in the pipeline!

A couple of years later, scrolling on Instagram, I saw a post advertising a gorgeous vintage children's clothing business for sale, and I instantly jumped at the opportunity. The more I looked into the business, the more I fell in love. As a vintage enthusiast, a Mum to a young child and a graphic designer, I knew I had the opportunity to take Joey Rainbow to new places!

The question is... who's Joey? Can you share the story behind the name?

The name Joey Rainbow (aside from the reference to baby kangaroos!) refers to little humans looking for a colourful adventure. We sell sustainable clothing with big steeze factor. We want to see our little Joeys grow into bold and groovy kids, carving their own unique paths. Joey Rainbow is all about having fun - both for parents investing in our threads and for the little people rocking them!

Big Brother Organic Cotton Ringer Tee - Mustard

Bird Of A Feather Longline Cardigan - Ladies

Rad Dad Classic Tee Organic Cotton - Natural

Big Brother Organic Cotton Ringer Tee - Mustard

AUD $49.00

Bird Of A Feather Longline Cardigan - Ladies

AUD $179.00

Rad Dad Classic Tee Organic Cotton - Natural

AUD $55.00

Rad Team Organic Cotton Knit Kids Jumper - Cyan

Little Sis Organic Cotton Onesie - Brown

Rad Team Organic Cotton Knit Kids Jumper - Cyan

AUD $79.00

Little Sis Organic Cotton Onesie - Brown

AUD $45.00

Birds Of A Feather Kids Cardigan

AUD $89.00

Where do you find all your retro clothing?

I spend a lot of time carefully curating the Joey Rainbow collection. Most of our pieces are sourced from America, and I also spend a lot of time browsing online marketplaces like Depop and Etsy. I'm forever thrifting at my local Salvos and Vinnies stores too. A favourite product is our vintage towel shorts, which are made from locally sourced vintage towels. Nothing compares to the feeling of finding the perfect vintage towel to then recycle into one of a kind shorts!

Can you give us a sneak peek of the future of Joey Rainbow?

The dream is to have a cool studio space where I can retail Joey Rainbow while also working as a graphic designer. This would be a fun space where I can both operate Joey Rainbow more efficiently as well as immerse myself creatively every day.

What is the best part of owning Joey Rainbow?

Ash is growing like a weed, so it is nice to have a very large wardrobe of clothes to select from! We are always playing dress-ups – you see him featured on the gram regularly!

Is there a piece of clothing you thrifted that has a special story behind it?

Our vintage towel shorts are special, as the towels are sourced locally and then handmade by a local mama. She even screen prints the tags! They are so beautifully made and are a must-have for all minis! Even in the colder months, my son Ash lives in his, styled with a tee (Banabae of course!) and a vintage denim jacket. They are so practical for little adventurers!

Where can people find you?

Follow Joey Rainbow on Instagram (@joey.rainbow) to be in the know about our upcoming markets and latest arrivals. You will find Joey Rainbow at the organic markets in Warriewood as well as at the Palm Beach Markets. I love meeting all of my amazing customers and their minis in person! You can also shop online, with free local pick-up available.

Website: www.joeyrainbow.com

Instagram: @joey.rainbow

TikTok: /joeyraibow/vintage

Fav Banabae pieces?

My whole family love Banabae! Ash lives in his Rad Kid Tee, and my husband loves his Rad Dad tee, which I gifted him on his first Father's Day. The retro style of Banabae pairs so well with our unique Joey Rainbow pieces, and the quality is 11/10 - as tested by a busy toddler! Banabae is an inspiration for Joey Rainbow as another sustainable and fun Australian fashion label.

SHOP THE RAD COLLECTION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: