Clothing Designer Makes Big Business Out of 'Nano' Line

Even before Patricja Pienkowski came to America from Poland when she was 17 years old, she knew she wanted to work in fashion.

Now she not only works in the field, but owns her own baby and toddler clothing line run out of 10 Park Place in Butler.

began in 2004 when Pienkowski, a resident, decided she had gained enough experience working for Baby Guess and other children's clothing companies to start her own. Pienkowski graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and has always had a passion for designing clothing.

"This has always been my dream, so I decided to do it on my own," she said.

The company, which has two manufacturing facilities in New Jersey and six employees in , is continuing to grow.

"It was just just a natural thing for me to design a line and sell it and it's nine years later I'm still here," Pienkowski said.

Kim Hammond, a Nano employee and office manager, said Nano is unique because the clothing mixes wearability with high-quality appearance. The line is named "Nano," as in small, for the young boys and girls it is made for, ages three months to eight years old.

"[The clothing] looks presentable, but the kids can turn around and crawl around with their cousins," she said.

The line is sold mostly in high-end boutiques. A pair of Nano boys pants can retail for around $40 and shirts can range, depending on the location where they are sold, between $30 and $45 each. Even with high-end designs, Hammond said the fabrics used in the clothes are meant to be extremely comfortable for kids.

"Nano is like 'Casual Friday' for kids," she said.

Hammond said Nano does not try to offer "everything to everybody" but tailor to kids and parents who have a certain flair for unique patterns and fun colors. Pienkowski's designs often incorporate tie-dye, but only on one element, such as on sleeves, so as not to overpower the outfit. Simpler, solid-colored essentials, such as thermal shirts, are offered as well.

While the economy has affected many businesses, Hammond said it has not greatly impacted Nano.

"Business has been OK considering the downturn of the economy," she said.

The company has also been able to give back to children's organizations and charities, including supporting St. Joseph's Hospital, in Paterson, by donating baskets of clothing to mothers in need.

"It's important to do that aspect as well," Hammond said.

Hammond said the old industrial complex where Nano is located has been a good place for the company, although the majority of customers are web-based and do not travel to the borough. Still, Hammond, also a Bloomingdale resident, and Pienkowski consider the tri-boro home and are happy to support the local economy by doing business in Butler.