Never underestimate the power of a thoughtful gift. In 1988, Olivia Siy was so smitten by a baby outfit she received that she ended up purchasing the store it came from: Hansel and Gretel, a one-stop clothing destination for newborns to teens.
In case you’re wondering, the outfit in question was a long-sleeve jumpsuit for a boy along with “adorable” German-made shoes. “When I was studying in university, I was pregnant with my first child,” says Olivia. “A co-worker gave me a gift from Hansel and Gretel and I went to the store afterwards to look around. I loved the clothing. I found out the owner at the time was selling the business, so I decided to buy it.”
Olivia found that owning a small business provided her with the means and flexibility to raise her son and daughter, now grown up. “Balancing work and motherhood is not easy, but I enjoy the work here,” says Olivia.