Today we’d like to introduce you to Rekha Reddy.
Hi Rekha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
buboodee (which is a somewhat made up Gujarati term of endearment akin to calling someone “babycakes” or “babykins”, and my own children’s nickname), was conceived, so to speak, in the fall of 2024. It was right around Diwali, and we were planning our first family trip to India. I like dressing the kids in matching pajamas on flights, and I searched high and low for Indian-inspired designs, and turned up empty handed. Around that same time, we were also preparing for Diwali, and my son (4 and a half at the time) asked me why he has pajamas for all the other holidays, but not Diwali (in his mind, he’d come to understand that holidays mean themed pajamas). These small moments led me to a big idea, and got me thinking about the ways modern families are blending traditions to create new traditions that are reflective of their cross cultural identities. I knew there are other families like mine who are blending traditions to create beautiful new traditions for their families’ memories. From there, I set out to fill a void in the market, creating beautiful one of a kind pieces that reflect this, specifically with other modern families who appreciate culture, inclusivity, and blending traditions in mind. As I started developing these patterns, I realized that there’s so much about childhood that is universal across cultures, and that kids largely love and are inspired by a lot of the same things. Our evergreen collections reflect this, and are inspired by what I call “modern nostalgia”–shared moments between parents and their children that both find charming and memorable, and are fun for parents to re-experience through their child’s eyes.
I often say that while I design and produce pajamas, what I’m doing isn’t really about the pajamas. It’s about giving families another way to express their identities and tell their stories. In buboodee’s case, it just so happens to be in the form of unbelievably soft, beautiful pajamas that are cute, not kitchy, elevated, not appropriated, and look beautiful in your families’ photos that you scroll through at night once the kids get to bed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges is producing a quality product that is slowly, and intentionally produced in a space that is accustomed to impulsive drops and fast fashion. We are not that. Every detail is carefully considered (the two way zippers, the foot grippies on the larger zippies to accommodate early walkers and crawlers, the tagless tags for sensitive skin, etc), produced with the environment in mind (we produce in small batches to avoid textile waste, and there is absolutely zero plastic in our packaging; everything is recyclable or compostable, right down to the packing tape), and each collection is inspired by a specific story or childhood memory. The process can’t be forced! Add to that the current economy, where families are increasingly selective about where they perceive value and will spend their hard earned dollar. We are so grateful to our customers who love our product and our vision, and are helping celebrate cultural inclusivity and childhood nostalgia, one cozy pair of pajamas at a time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Buboodee ?
Buboodee is a children’s pajama company featuring premium bamboo pajamas in prints inspired by travel, culture, and childhood nostalgia. We are committed to using only natural fibers, environmentally friendly business practices (minimal, recyclable packaging, small batch production), and celebrating cultural inclusivity. Some unique facts about us:
– Our founder Rekha Reddy is a mom and practicing physician
– Our inaugural collection “India of my Dreams” features original hand-painted designs inspired by the often ethereal, whimsical sights and sounds Rekha experienced during trips to India as a child, and many of the same things that her own children found fascinating during their first visit there as well
– We are unique in that in a world of fast-fashion, we are slow and intentional. Every product is designed with the tiniest detail in mind, from the perspective of a busy mom and her discerning children. The patterns themselves are specifically designed to be beautiful and whimsical, appealing to adults’ aesthetics, and children’s imagination.
– We are unique in that one of our core principles is cultural inclusivity, and we specifically design for modern families who are blending cultural traditions. Whether its South Asian families’ modern Diwali celebrations, or interfaith families’ “christmukkah” traditions (we are the only company I am aware of that has Christmukkah patterns, for example), we love being apart of inclusive, modern family traditions.
What makes you happy?
My children are my greatest joy and accomplishment, and being their mother is my greatest joy and honor. Children are incredible–they’re like this clean slate with endless potential. Their natural inclination is to be curious, kind, and empathetic. There’s so much I learn from watching my own kids experience the world for the first time, completely unbiased and not yet jaded. Experiencing childhood along side them is like an opportunity to rediscover magic in the simple things, and help mold little people that will grow up to be the change I wish to see in the world.
Pricing:
- Zippies–$52
- Pajamas–$52
- Blankets–$75
- Baby Spa Towels–$60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buboodee.com
- Instagram: @shopbuboodee
Image Credits
aimee hamilton photography
