Lauren Brown’s daughter repeatedly requested an $89 hoodie, which she eventually received for her eighth birthday. This hoodie, from Pink Palm Puff, has become a significant trend among tween and teen girls, akin to the Stanley water bottle craze. Ada Brown, aged 8, explained her attraction to the brand due to its comfort, designs, and colors.
The brand was founded in 2023 by 15-year-old Lily Balaisis from Toronto. Her understanding of teen fashion and social media marketing quickly propelled Pink Palm Puff to popularity on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. The brand offers pastel-colored sweatshirts and sweatpants, with a beachy short pajama set introduced in February that immediately sold out.
Lily Balaisis emphasized the importance of comfort and design in hoodies, noting that they should either be on-trend or have versatile color options. The brand’s TikTok account boasts over 545,000 followers and 9.8 million likes, while its YouTube channel has 565,000 subscribers. The garments frequently sell out, creating challenges for some parents, especially during the holidays.
The brand’s growing influence is evident through the rise of counterfeit products. Lookalike hoodies with names like “pink pom puff” have appeared on Amazon and TikTok Shop, priced under $10. Lily’s father, who manages the business full-time, expressed pride in his daughter’s achievements.
Lily’s journey began at age 11 with a slime concoction, leading naturally to a fashion line centered on hoodies. The $89 price point reflects the cost of embroidery and the plush fabric quality. The brand emphasizes a luxury unboxing experience, encouraging online posts by teens.
Pink Palm Puff’s community-building strategy involved collaborating with young influencers sharing a “preppy” aesthetic. This term now signifies bright colors, pink, and ruffled skirts among young girls. The brand’s beachy motif resonates with its founder’s coastal inspirations.
Casey Lewis, a youth consumer trend analyst, noted the brand’s viral spread akin to the Stanley tumbler effect, where owning such items signifies belonging to an exclusive club. Scarcity plays a role, with a Facebook group dedicated to securing authentic Pink Palm Puff products.
At 17, Lily Balaisis manages her time between school and business travel, planning for college while expanding her brand. Future plans include additional hoodie colors, a swimsuit line, hiring staff, potential storefronts, and international expansion. She remains committed to maintaining product quality and aesthetic.
— news from Business Insider