Ashley and Brandie Marzillo started Harper’s Unicorn in February of 2020. Because both Ashley and Brandi love to be creative, their business has evolved quickly and branched out. Their original business concept grew out of making custom items, like hair bows, for Ashley’s daughter Harper. The demand for these products was immediate with friends and neighbors, and Harper’s Unicorn was born.
The business began by making limited numbers of unique items with a personal touch, and soon expanded to include children’s apparel, which in turn led to developing into the specialized niche of “mommy and me” apparel sets. Harper’s Unicorn started out selling items at local fairs and events and then began selling their products online. With a loan from Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, Ashley and Brandie have purchased new equipment and have positioned themselves to respond to another trend in the industry – custom printed fabrics.
Ashley and Brandie are excited to share their custom fabric designs with their growing local and national customer base. Changes to the industry during COVID-19 have led to an increase in home-based fabric companies, which has led Harper’s Unicorn to invest in custom graphics and begin researching printers. Business growth has been consistent with the release of new product lines and increased marketing efforts. The business’ website is currently in the process of being redone, and with the new fabrics and machines, Harper’s Unicorn is adding ready-to-sell inventory to it’s offerings. The business has outgrown its original home-based space, and now the partners are looking for a suitable store space in The Dalles where they can display their apparel in the front and feature custom fabrics retail in the back. They have plans to participate in a few events this season and will be running some live sales through their Facebook page. You can find Harper’s Unicorn online here.
Sewing Machines and custom fabric-making machinery at Harper’s Unicorn!
Custom Fabrics
Harper’s Unicorn Owners Ashley (left) and Brandie (right) Marzillo