The world of childrenswear has witnessed a transformative wave with the emergence of Keen to Be Seen. The dynamic mother-daughter duo, Lesley and Ellyn Greenspan, are at the helm of this fashion-forward endeavor. Their collective passion, creativity, and resilience have shaped this innovative brand and ignited an artistic legacy in the fashion industry.

Lesley Greenspan’s roots in the fashion world run deep. Growing up in Westchester, she was the eager apprentice to her mother, Ellyn, a successful fashion designer who managed one of the largest dress companies of her time. Ellyn, a Moore College of Art alumna, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a worldwide presence through her businesses, Cowgirls Heehaw and Bubbles Larue.

Before she embraced her role as a business owner, Lesley’s career path was as diverse as it was enriching. From internships with the renowned Elie Tahari to ventures in the food industry, Lesley’s experiences were varied and expansive. Yet, her Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) background solidified her passion for fashion.

March 2020 marked a significant turning point in Lesley’s journey. As COVID-19 gripped the globe, Lesley and Ellyn’s compassionate and entrepreneurial spirits joined forces. With a surplus of fabric and a mother’s ingenuity, they began creating masks. Their unique designs, facilitating protection and communication, rapidly gained popularity, with celebrities joining their growing customer base. This led Lesley to set up a Shopify store, skyrocketing their outreach and laying the foundation for Keen to be Seen.

Keen to be Seen operates two factories in Queens and Brooklyn, employing a dedicated team of 22 workers each. The company specializes in childrenswear denim, with a flagship product that exemplifies its commitment to innovation – the Pocket It Jacket. This unique jacket, adorned with clear pockets, allows children to showcase their personality and accomplishments, promoting self-expression and engagement. The jacket’s design was tested and loved by children with learning disabilities, reinforcing its versatility and appeal.

Lesley envisions a promising future for Keen to Be Seen, with aspirations of becoming a household name. She actively showcases her innovative products in schools, country clubs, and trade shows and remains committed to supporting various foundations. Moreover, Lesley dreams of seeing her jackets being worn in hospitals. Inspired by her mother’s pocket-ed jacket designed for an insulin pump, she believes these jackets can provide comfort and creative outlets to children undergoing treatment.

The journey of Keen to Be Seen is an artistic legacy, blending inspiration, compassion, and creativity into a brand that celebrates children and their individuality. Follow their journey on Instagram @keen_tobeseen or explore their innovative range on their website. As the spotlight shines on the Greenspans’ journey, their artistic legacy continues to inspire and evolve, just like the children they design for.