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HOME GROWN & LOCAL
HOME GROWN
& LOCAL
baabaazuzu
HOME GROWN & Local
with baabaazuzu - The Original Sweater Gloves made in Lake Leelanau
— Sue and Kevin Burns, Owners
Baabaazuzu has been around since 1993! Tell us the short story of how it started. “It’s the result of a laundry error, which produced a carnage of my favorite sweaters due to Kevin’s good intentions of helping with the task. The sweaters became quite small and misshapen. I blended my sewing and design skills to repurpose the sweaters into wearables for our then young daughters. The designs were quickly coveted by many and baabaazuzu was born.”
What’s with the name? “I’m the “Zuzu” of baabaazuzu, it’s my nickname for Sue and the baabaa is a nod to the wool fabric used in our designs.”
Your company is the true epitome of re-cycle and up-cycle. How have you continued to stay so successful over the years? “It’s largely attributed to our loyal customers. People just fall in love with what we do, because our commitment to quality and design integrity is top priority. Our signature is the density to which we felt the wools, making them wind and water resistant, warm and durable. In addition to those qualities baabaazuzu originals are recognized for the exceptional mix of color, pattern and texture.”
Baabaazuzu is international, what countries and how many stores do you ship to? “We sell to over 500 retailers across the US, Canada and Japan. We exhibit at remote events, have a brick-and-mortar store in Lake Leelanau and a lively website. Baabaazuzu can also be found on Amazon Handmade and Etsy.”
With baabaazuzu, what are you most proud of? “Our ability to adapt and persevere. When you span three decades, you encounter challenges, change and hurdles, along with your successes. We have just never let anything get in the way of baabaazuzu.”
What’s next? “We’re opening a restaurant in Lake Leelanau. Bringing Coney Island hot dogs and ice cream to the county in a super cool space across from Boathouse Vineyards.”
