Some brands aren't born in a business plan — they're born out of love. From the need to create something for your child. From the desire to give the very best. That's exactly how, seven years ago, the story of Adele Darina — a brand born from a mother's courage to try, learn, and simply start.
Kristīne Ķestere is proof that creativity doesn’t wait for the perfect moment. It starts where you are — even if you don’t know how to turn on a sewing machine. From the first little blanket for her daughter to a brand with loyal customers and a wide product range — this is a story about perseverance, intuition, and belief in her idea.
In this conversation, Kristīne shares what life looks like behind the beautiful photos, why quality is her foundation, and what she would recommend to women who secretly dream of their own creative path
How did Adele Darina come about – from what stage of life, feeling, or need was this brand born?
Adele darina came about almost 7 years ago, when I found out I was expecting a daughter. Until I went on maternity leave, I workedin a leadership position at a law firm, and since I’m a Woman who doesn’t hold back, I didn’t understand whereto spend my time on maternity leave, so I started thinking what to do. I decided that I would sew for my for my daughter, a sheet, a blanket, a crib bumper and other things. Needless to say, at that time i didn’t even know how to turn on a sewing machine, let alone use one. Little by little I started sewing more and more blankets and other textile products and at first I started posting on my private Instagram, then andelemandele and so, somehow, over the years — we are here and now and a wide range of products and for many regular customers. So Adele was my inspiration.
You create things for the littlest ones—what does sewing and creating specifically for children mean to you?
At first I started sewing for the very smallest, because Adele was small, and I tried everything on her- she had
a lot of new little blankets and sheets, then the girlfriends around me started having babies, and it turned out that we specialize in sewing for the littlest children. But we also sew for older ones - bedding, teepees, canopies and other things. But my passion is the youngest children.
How do you choose materials for your textile products, and what is most important to you about them?
I choose high-quality fabrics, so I ship them from Charlotte
it's easy to work with them.
Of course, over the years I have also explored approximate customer preferences- in patterns, colors, therefore fabric variations are also essential and comparatively a wide range of fabrics.
Is there a particular client, review, or moment that reminded you why you do what you do?
I receive feedback and words of thanks almost every day, but I couldn’t single out one in particular,
because every thank-you gives the motivation to work and grow every day.
But probably those first thanks that sI got them 6 years ago; they were the most crucial in our growth.
What does your day-to-day look like behind the beautiful photos—the creative process, the workshop, the orders?
The work behind the beautiful social media page is very hard, but at the same time the most beloved. New products execution - from idea and drafts to beautiful presentation.
Behind the scenes, there is always the creative chaos - that means we are developing and growing.
Work didn't end at 17:00, I worked late into the evenings taking orders, shipping parcels on weekends, and generating new ideas at night as well.
What would you recommend to new moms or women who secretly dream of their own creative brand, but still hesitating?
I would recommend standing out; most importantly, define your own "Self." It could also be in an industry that has developed and There’s a lot of competition, but the key is to find a way to speak to your potential customers. Don’t be afraid from competition, because competition is a very strong driver to grow every day. Believe in your vision, because no one else will do it for you.
Kristīne’s story reminds us that great journeys begin in the quietest of places — at home, with a single idea and the desire to create something for your child. You don’t always have to know how. It’s enough to have the courage to start and the willingness to learn along the way.
And when the urge to create arises, the materials we work with matter. Quality fabrics are the foundation of things that last, are loved, and are passed on. At Šarlotes audumi, we believe in mindful making and are happy to be part of stories that begin just the same — with one mom, one idea, and the first stitch.
Maybe the next story will be yours. Let us know if you'd like us to share your experience.
