The story of Keen to Be Seen is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience. Founded by the dynamic mother-daughter duo Lesley and Ellyn Greenspan, this trailblazing brand is poised to disrupt the childrenswear market, one pocket at a time.
Tracing the Roots
Born and raised in Westchester, Lesley Greenspan grew up amidst threads, patterns, and a profound love for fashion. Her mother, Ellyn Greenspan, a revered fashion designer who once managed and ran one of the largest dress companies, profoundly influenced her. The mother-daughter duo shares a common thread of love for fashion.
Lesley’s path wasn’t linear. She interned with Elie Tahari and dove into the food business. She graduated from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, all while observing and learning from her mother. Ellyn, a Moore College of Art alumna, had set a strong foundation with her businesses, Cowgirls Heehaw and Bubbles Larue, selling products worldwide.
A Revolution Amidst a Crisis
The advent of COVID-19 brought unexpected challenges and opportunities. Lesley and Ellyn found themselves sitting on a stockpile of fabric. They sewed a silver lining from this abundance – designing masks that offered protection and communication. They garnered the spotlight as celebrities adorned their masks and eventually donated hundreds of thousands to hospitals and health institutions. Post-pandemic, Lesley returned to her passion, transitioning to childrenswear and giving birth to the revolutionary brand “Keen to be Seen.”
Designing the Future
Operating from two factories in Queens and Brooklyn, each housing 22 dedicated workers, Keen to be Seen specializes in unique denim wear for children. The brand’s flagship “Pocket It Jacket” has clear pockets encouraging kids to express themselves. The innovative design was trialed with children with learning disabilities before it charmed mainstream kids. The idea was to create a platform for kids to show off their accomplishments, like a well-earned ‘A’ grade, a cherished artwork, or a memorable keepsake.
Lesley’s Vision
Lesley Greenspan envisions making Keen to Be Seen a household name. Her strategies include showcasing their unique collection at schools, country clubs, and various tradeshows, capitalizing on the foot traffic to gain visibility for the brand. Lesley’s vision extends beyond fashion. She wants to see the Pocket It Jacket in hospitals. The inspiration traces back to Ellyn’s design of a jacket with a pocket for an insulin pump. With the “Pocket It Jacket,” Lesley hopes to make children undergoing treatments feel safe and allow them to engage in art projects.
Lesley and Ellyn Greenspan’s Keen to be Seen is revolutionizing childrenswear. Their unique blend of creativity, resilience, and passion is already making waves. And with Lesley’s vision steering the brand, the future of childrenswear looks promising and innovative.
For a first-hand experience of the child’s-wear creative brilliance, visit their website, https://www.keentobseen.com/. It’s a treasure trove of their unique childrenswear collection, giving you an interactive shopping experience while taking you through their inspiring story.
To stay connected and be a part of the ever-evolving world of Keen to be Seen, don’t miss out on their Instagram page. Follow them at @keen_tobeseen and step into a vibrant digital playground. This is where you can be the first to know about new launches, engage in engaging interactions, and get a glimpse of their happy little customers. It’s an enchanting opportunity to join them on their journey of bringing joy and expression to children’s fashion.
