For students looking to support a local brand, the hoodie company Pippy is becoming the new go-to brand.
SJHHS student Piper Gentry (12) is the young mastermind behind Pippy’s cheerful and cozy creations.
Gentry found a love and a need for comfy warm clothes while living part-time in upstate New York. Her cold-weather wardrobe gave her inspiration for her brand.
“Last January I was living in Upstate New York in the very cold winters and all I would wear was hoodies, I knew I needed to start making money so I thought why not start a business about something I love,” said Gentry.
Gentry received most of her guidance and inspiration from her parents. Her mother, a well-experienced photographer, and her father, an entrepreneur, both helped Gentry start her own business as a success.
“[My parents} have taught me a lot and have helped me throughout this whole process. My dad has taught me a lot about running a business and is helping me so much to be the best I can be in the business world,” said Gentry.
With the support of her parents, she began conceptualizing designs and determining marketing strategies in January of 2024. She wanted to use her brand as a means of spreading kindness and positivity.
“One of the hoodies has the phrase ‘Love you most’ on it! I think that this is a very tender and meaningful phrase that everyone needs to hear! It is printed in a handwritten font so it looks like a note from a loved one,” said Gentry.
“The hoodies have quotes and inspiring words on them to make people feel noticed and heard,” said Zoe Pollei (11), a model for the brand.
When looking for a manufacturer to actualize her creation, Gentry wanted to prioritize quality.
“…I spent a lot of time going back and forth trying to get the design printed on the hoodies just right, through all of this there was a sixteen-hour time difference so that made communication tricky,” said Gentry.
The search was over in March when Gentry found a suitable manufacturer to make her hoodies come to life. Within those next months, the surreal process began, including receiving samples of hoodies, making changes, and perfecting every part of her business she could before launching in the following fall. Gentry manages all aspects of her brand from the shipping and manufacturing process, down to the promotion on social media. 
“I work with my manufacturer in China to get my designs onto the hoodies, After that they will produce the hoodies and ship them to my house. Then I will fulfill each order at my house and send it to each customer,” said Gentry.
Gentry finally found her current manufacturer in March of 2024 and was able to launch her brand in November of that year.
One of the key components Gentry focused on before and after her official launch was promoting her business to all audiences, especially teenagers through social media. Although promoting her brand through social media was to gain the attention of teens, Gentry has seen her hoodies connect with people of all ages.
“I would say her hoodies are inclusive like it’s for anybody of any age. Any teenagers, both boys and girls, so anyone can wear her hoodies,” said Annabelle Halladay (11), a model for the brand.
Pippy has since then continued to gain popularity amongst teens, receiving positive reviews of its products.
“The hoodies are actually really good quality, and they’re really durable, and heavy weighted so it feels like a blanket on you,” said Halladay.
Gentry is continuing to work on her brand, Pippy, and looks forward to the future of her brand. She plans to expand her brand by creating more designs and styles.
To support Gentry and Pippy check out @pippy_co_ on Instagram!
