Business & Tech

10 Questions: Local Mom Launches Inspirational Clothing Line

Patch sits down with Birmingham's Marcie Zoref, who launched Alex & Jane Shapemakers late last year.

Launched in late 2011, Alex & Jane Shapemakers is an inspirational and educational clothing line launched by area resident and Birmingham-based psychologist, Marcie Zoref. The clothing line provides high quality clothes designed by children with an intent to educate and promote harmony, empathy, a sense of self and diversity awareness. Alex & Jane sells clothes for infants, toddlers and youth, with sizes ranging from newborn to youth size 12-14.

Zoref, 40, named her clothing line after her children, Alex and Madison Jane.

Birmingham Patch: At what moment did you decide to start Alex & Jane Shapemakers?

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Marcie Zoref: Alex was doing artwork one day when we decided to incorporate his drawings and ideas into a fun children's clothing line. My son has always been very creative and we thought this would be a fun way to help support youth.


Patch: What inspires you every day, when you come in for work?

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Zoref: My children — I love seeing their smiling faces and their enthusiasm about the clothing line. It's rewarding to see how happy Alex gets when his new designs show up on clothing.


Patch: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Zoref: I wanted to be a physician because my dad was a rheumatologist and he's my mentor. I knew I wanted to be in the helping profession which is right where I am today with Alex & Jane and my psychotherapy practice.


Patch: What are the some of the biggest challenges facing you as a small business in Birmingham?

Zoref: The poor economy and unemployment in Michigan clearly affect small business owners like me.


Patch: Why did you choose Birmingham for Alex & Jane Shapemakers?

Zoref: I love the Birmingham community and this is the location for my psychotherapy practice as well. I'm also an Oakland County resident and Birmingham is close to home for me.


Patch: What have been some of your most rewarding, fun experiences so far?

Zoref: For Alex to see his artwork on shirts and to see people in our community wearing Alex & Jane clothing. We are also looking forward to visiting Los Angeles next week to meet with local boutiques in the LA area.


Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Zoref: My personality is really playful, active and energetic which is why I enjoy creating fun and educational kids clothing. Working on Alex & Jane brings out the child in me.


Patch: What's the one thing about your business that you would never change?

Zoref: I love how we include inspirational sayings on clothing and incorporate children's ideas into designs. Kids will always play a huge role in our company.

 

Patch: What's your favorite spot in Birmingham?

Zoref: Alex loves because of the turf box sledding.


Patch: What would you like the Birmingham community to know about yourself?

Zoref: My interest in helping and supporting our youth by promoting children's sense of self, harmony and diversity awareness through Alex & Jane clothing.

Have a business you would like to nominate for 10 Questions? Email your recommendations to Laura.Houser@patch.com.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Birmingham