One of the amazing things about editing this parenting site is that I have endless opportunities to get to know other local moms, families and family-oriented business owners all over the city. Recently, we had the opportunity to meet Lisa Taddei and Michele Brand, the two powerhouse mamas behind the new, Philadelphia-based design company, Lions & Lambs Decor and knew we wanted to hear their story.
Lions & Lambs collaborates with their clients to create inspired custom wallpaper and children’s decor and their stuff is gorgeous! For some amazing photos of their design collaborations, be sure to follow them on Instagram. Recently, we were able to talk to Lisa & Michele and hear more about their company, their love of design, and how their roles as parents informed the creation of Lions & Lambs.
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How did the two of you meet?
Michele and I met many years ago and reconnected in 2011 when our sons were born. We were both at a play date with a mutual mommy friend.
What was the genesis behind the Lions & Lambs concept?
We both wanted to create a company that would allow a children’s imagination to come to life. We feel that having a creative outlet as a child builds character and creativity and who wouldn’t want that for their children?
What sets you apart from other décor companies in the marketplace? What makes your products unique and special?
What sets us apart from other companies is the custom component and hands-on approach that we have with our customers. Having our designers and in-house printing equipment at our fingertips allows us to brainstorm and put our customers’ ideas into action, literally! We print all wallpaper 100% your ideas or ours, lets go!
What is the best thing about running your own business?
Of course there are so many obvious benefits of having your own company. It has been a true joy for Michele and I to put our plans into action and actually see them come to life!
What’s your favorite thing about raising kids in Philadelphia?
Lisa: I live right outside the city in Wynnewood but Hayden and I spend lots of time with friends in the city. One of the things that I love about Philadelphia is the instant connection that I made with other new mommies. My son is 4 now and we still take a class once a week with friends.
Michele: I love raising my two boys in the city. I feel that your children are exposed to a lot more and at a young age. Living in the city has it challenges because of space but it allows us to be more creative to find things to do and I feel that has made my older son more well-rounded and easy going.
We all like to romanticize city living and our commitment to exposing our kids to this crazy urban lifestyle, but it’s not all sweetness and light (SEPTA, anyone?). What is your least favorite thing (or things) about living in Philly?
You know, Michele and I truly love Philadelphia and all the “gifts” it can bring…(haha!) Even though this crazy city (and its semi-rural counterparts) can be challenging at times it’s the place we call home. I live in Wynnewood and Michele is in Bella Vista so we each get equal time inside and just outside the city. And I think we can speak for each other here but we wouldn’t change a thing… Besides, Miami is too hot in the summer!
Fall is upon us and before we know it, we’ll be virtually shut in with the kids for the winter. What’s your favorite indoor activity with your littles when you can’t get outside to play?
I’m glad you asked this! If we can get away for a bit (even with the boys), we like to head over to Primp and Play Salon on 10th Street in Center City, We actually did a really cute silhouette style mural over there so check it out! Otherwise we love all the exciting play spaces the city has to offer.
About Lisa & Michele:
Michele moved to Philadelphia in 2000 from Harrisburg Pa. Having a background in Fashion design her passion was very visible. She loves living the urban lifestyle with her husband and her 2 beautiful boys in Bella Vista.
Lisa currently lives in Wynnewood with her husband and son. Also having a background in fashion she knew when she returned to work that she wanted to do something that was fun,creative and created an experience for children.
Michele and Lisa are both mommies with a love for design. They both have a background in fashion and wanted to take their creative passions further. They wanted a rewarding career that could include their own children and put smiles on other children’s faces as well. By combining business, fun and an urban lifestyle, Lions & Lambs was born.