Whimsie Todd was built with a mission behind it. To be a thoughtful heirloom collection that wasn’t dry, cold, and outdated. To bring gorgeous, but fun prints and themes to littles and their mamas. To create an interactive experience where little artists can be involved in the dress making process. To involve littles and older kids by giving the big brothers and sisters a way to read to the younger kids… but see their own dresses in the books! The children’s books are such a huge part of the unique design of this business and it really centers around learning, growing, and imagining beautiful childhoods.
❋❋❋
Hi friends! Chelsea here.
Ever since I can remember, I wanted a family. I prayed for years that someday, I’d have little girls to dress. When I found out I was pregnant with twins, I prayed even harder… that they were girls! Guess what? My wishes and dreams came true. Isabella Loire (named by her Daddy & middle name a wine region in France.. cause, duh!) and Emerson Opry (named so her nickname could be Emmy and middle name an ode to Nashville music) came into the world in 2022 and this was the real start of my baby-fashion journey. Honestly, I knew very little about baby clothing until the girls. I would occasionally scour Marshall’s with goo-goo ga-ga eyes and dream of being a Mom, but I didn’t know the difference between poplin and linen. I didn’t know what smocked meant. I didn’t even know the word “gingham” for crying out loud! For me, this passion was completely formed from my excitement and love for Emmy & Izzy.
As a blogger, I received press boxes from all over. I didn’t know what brands to like? I didn’t know what I loved yet… but it was sure fun to dress my babies. A local boutique (Plaid Rabbit) worked with me on styling the twins and I would take fun, professional photos of sweet dresses. It was then that I found my true love & calling; children’s clothing!
For 20 years, I’ve been a photographer; everything from weddings to families to musicians to maternity to newborns. I’ve always been an artist and designer at heart.
When I started sewing in 2023, I realized quickly that I was not a perfectionist and I also didn’t have the patience to sew for sale. I did, however, love the designing process. I loved picking out fabrics and drawing out sketches. It took me two years to realize that I could actually grow Whimsie Todd without being the sewer myself. I love drawing, painting, writing, and dreaming.
In 2025, I found a local seamstress to help make my patterns and dreams come true. I had all the tools, I just needed to put my dreams into action! ✟ ☾ ♡ ❋
Thank you for your support of this little business. <3
the story behind the books.
As a creative child, Chelsea was nearly obsessed with arts, crafts, dancing, painting, baking cakes, sewing with grandma, dressing like her dolls, and putting on little shows. The most important quality of her early childhood was simply loving and channeling a wild and whimsical imagination.
Now, in Nashville, Tennessee, Chelsea gets to dress up her “live” dolls, her twin girls! (Jokes!) Whimsie Todd was designed as a brand with the child’s interests first. What would a child love to wear? What would a child love to feel? How would a child find these heirlooms valuable to them, even while they are young? Interactive & artsy clothing, books, & toys, of course!
generations of love
Everything I know about sewing, I learned from my Grandma Bonnie.
Bonnie Ellen Bunch! My family is full of strong, entrepreneurial women and my grandmother has always been a huge supporter of my ideas, projects, brands, and businesses. She was a salon shop owner herself and whatever crazy business skills she had trickled into every female cousin and aunt that I have. My grandmother likes to brag about how no one thinks she is as old as she is. I love her sass & personality and I will always be trying to emulate her love for people and Jesus in Whimsie Todd as well.
One of my favorite things to do is shop with my Mama. It’s something that we find connects us. I’ve always been a shop-in-person type and so it was important that I get Whimsie Todd into boutiques around the globe. Not only are boutiques also small businesses" that help little communities, they allow gift-givers to put their hands on the fabric and feel it before they invest. It allows them to see the beauty of the prints and fall in love — in person!
