Our Story

I’m a 40-year-old mother of two, Santino (our little wild man, “Sonny”) and Frankie Jean, our sweet, feisty newest addition, partner to my best friend and husband, Greg and the heart behind Sonny & The Lion.

Our family has moved with intention over the years. From the Midwest to the mountains, from Illinois to Bend and most recently Arizona. We were guided by a desire to build a life that feels more connected, grounded and aligned with what matters most. Like so much of motherhood, those choices were shaped by love, shifting priorities and a growing awareness that families deserve better support.

Sonny & The Lion began in the earliest days of my first pregnancy. As I researched maternity leave in the U.S., I was shocked by how little support working families receive, but nothing prepared me for the lived reality of postpartum recovery.

Those early weeks were both disorienting and beautiful. I was healing physically, navigating breastfeeding and falling deeply in love with our son all at once. That love anchored me, but the realization that many mothers are expected to return to work just TWO WEEKS childbirth felt impossible to reconcile.

I vividly remember Day 14 postpartum, still struggling to get out of bed, when it hit me that countless mothers were already back at work. Healing, pumping, handing over newborns and showing up as if nothing life-altering had occurred. Just the thought of leaving him wrecked me. I could not fathom the reality. I was devasted for a million mothers I had never met.

Sonny & The Lion originally started as advocacy for Paid Family Leave. Over time, my focus sharpened. While systemic change remains critical, it became clear that maternal mental health sits at the center of everything. When mothers are supported, families thrive. When they’re not, the ripple effects are profound.

Today, Sonny & The Lion exists as both a family clothing brand with purpose and a growing community rooted in honest motherhood, mental health and joy. We create thoughtfully designed clothing for the whole family. Pieces meant to be worn, lived in and loved, while also creating space for connection, conversation, and care.

 

Giving Back

A portion of profits from every item sold is pooled quarterly to support one mother at a time. This approach allows us to offer meaningful, practical support based on real needs with care, dignity and intention.

As a growing brand, we believe impact is strongest when it’s thoughtful and human. Our quarterly model helps ensure that support is tangible, respectful and rooted in community.

 

Our Purpose

Sonny & The Lion isn’t just about what we wear, it’s about how we show up.

It’s about honoring mothers without glorifying burnout.

It’s about acknowledging the mental load while still making room for joy.

It’s about family, community and showing care through action.

When you wear Sonny & The Lion, you’re supporting a brand that believes mothers matter. Not just in words, but in practice.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, ally or simply someone who believes in dignity and care, we’re grateful you’re here. You’re part of The Pride now and we’re stronger because of it.