When Quinn Reitz had her first chid and couldn’t find a nursing tank top that was stylish and comfortable yet provided easy access for breastfeeding, the new mom took the untraditional route and designed her own.
“I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, which was a tank top made made from cotton fabric that wasn’t clingy, had built-in padding and thicker straps, a top that would be cool but appropriate to wear in public,” said Reitz, who at the time was a TV news reporter/anchor.
Working with a small batch manufacturer, it took her two years to develop her idea into a finished product. “I made 20 samples of that tank top until I perfected it,” she joked.
When she finished the tank, perfect for Florida’s hot summers, she started working on a lightweight, yoga-style hoodie. Her designs feature a discrete two-way zipper that can reveal either one or both breasts for pumping or nursing multiples. She also designs the clothing to conceal a postpartum belly without looking baggy.
Little did she know that her idea, along with a lot of hard work, would turn into Nursing Queen, a company that sells more than 200 products, including nursing tops, dresses, scrubs, pajamas, sweatshirts, swimsuits and “mommy and me” tops shirts and onesies to customers worldwide.
The business that started in her guest room nine years ago quickly grew to fill her garage and she-shed in the backyard. It now calls Plant City home, occupying a temporary space in the Tillman Business Center, located at 737 Tillman Pl. Suite 102, until their permanent location in the same complex is constructed.
The location, which employs local Plant City residents, also offers a small retail space, including a discount rack, where customers can come in and say hi and even try on the apparel. Breastfeeding moms can even avail themselves of the nursing chair.
“We love Plant City so much,” said Reitz. “A couple of the folks I’ve hired to work with us were born and raised here so we’re learning about the community. We’re definitely blessed to work with great people.”
The company just celebrated its 100,000th order, which is fitting that it occurred in August, during National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding a light on the importance of lactation and celebrating the benefits of human milk.
Reitz said meeting the needs of breastfeeding women is the best part of her job. “It’s cool to be able to help other nursing moms, who will send pictures and share how our clothes have helped them feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public,” she said. “No other job has given me this kind of fulfillment.”
For more information, visit nursingqueen.com, contact Reitz at help@nursingqueen.com or find someone at the store weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 737 Tillman Pl. Suite 102.