Meet Flora Bonnel of My Spooky Baby

Today we’d like to introduce you to Flora Bonnel.

Flora, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Flora, a French mom (originally from Strasbourg, Alsace) who took an unexpected path from finance to fabric.

I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember. Drawing, painting, crafting, and making things with my hands have always felt like second nature. Creating has always been my way of expressing who I am.

As a teenager, I discovered the gothic movement and instantly fell in love. At 14, I started wearing black velvet dresses. Black metal music blasted through my headphones. I spent hours reading all the Greek tragedies (Andromaque was my favorite, I even played it at school), adventuring through fantasy video games or dominating board games nights.

But somewhere along the way, I lost myself. When it came time to choose a career, I took a more “reasonable” path to please my parents and studied economics. I eventually spent ten years working in a bank ; stable, logical, but not very me. I felt disconnected from the creative spark that had always defined me.

When my husband’s job brought us from France to the U.S., settling first on Cape Cod, south of Boston. I found out I was pregnant with our son.

I started looking for baby toys and clothes, but nothing felt right. I couldn’t find anything that matched our personalities. Everything was too pastel ; blue bunnies and so cliché… So I decided to create something different. I dusted off my sewing machine and started making spooky, unique little outfits that reflected our style.

Friends loved them and soon started asking for their own. What began as a personal project quickly turned into My Spooky Baby ; my small handmade clothing brand that celebrates individuality and alternative style for little ones.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Things haven’t always been as easy as they might seem. When I first arrived in the U.S., I was pregnant, didn’t speak much English, and had no family or friends nearby. It was a big change. Exciting but also incredibly isolating. Sewing became my escape, my calm space where I could create and keep my mind quiet.

Balancing everything hasn’t been simple either. Being a mom, running a business, and taking care of the house, especially with a husband who travels often, can be overwhelming at times. But this is what I love, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

When I started My Spooky Baby, I knew nothing about running a business or the specific regulations around children’s clothing and toys. I made mistakes, learned a lot, and tried things that didn’t work. But through all the trial and error, I found my rhythm, my own niche, and a community of amazing customers who truly get what I do.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about My Spooky Baby?
At My Spooky Baby, I create handmade clothing for babies and kids (from tiny newborns to size 10) and a few matching pieces for moms, too.
Inspired by goth, rock/metal, and Halloween vibes, I design clothing that lets kids show off their individuality while allowing parents to share a bit of their own style and passion with them.

Every fabric I use is thoughtfully chosen. I handpick designs that truly inspire me. I collaborate with talented independent designers to create exclusive prints, then have them printed right here in California. I love supporting other small businesses whenever I can!

I’m also always happy to take on custom projects, whether it’s a special birthday outfit, a matching set for siblings, or something truly one-of-a-kind. Seeing someone’s idea come to life through my hands is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people don’t know that I’ve never taken a sewing class or any kind of formal training. In the beginning, I’d spend hours watching videos late at night, pausing and rewinding while trying to understand each step. I made plenty of mistakes (and a few very crooked seams!), but each project taught me something new. Little by little, I improved, until sewing became second nature.

I think that’s part of what makes My Spooky Baby so personal. Every piece I create is a reminder of how far I’ve come ; from figuring things out at my kitchen table to running a small handmade brand that reaches families across the country. It’s proof that with enough passion and persistence, you can teach yourself almost anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://myspookybaby.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myspookybaby/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myspookybaby/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpookyBaby