"the bosses"
Anne and Darren Kennon - Anne is the day to day in-store contact. Darren is the muscle and maintenance behind the scenes (he also came up with the great store name!). Anne worked in retail for several years before opening It's Hip to be Round, and also has a long history in providing customer service working in Country Clubs for almost 10 years, managing their fitness centers. She eventually found her longing for clothes overriding her desire to exercise on a regular basis, and attempted mass retail. Not enough customer service there, so she went to manage Carytown boutique. When that store closed, Anne took her customer service abilities, entrepreneurial initiative, and capitalized on Richmond's need for stylish and comfortable maternity apparel.
"the manager"
Rebekah Lehto - Rebekah is the one you'll see most often in the Carytown store (and at West Broad Village on Thursdays). Rebekah is a 2004 graduate of VCU, with a Bachelor's in Fashion Merchandising. She and Anne started working together in 2004, and have scarcely been apart since. Her fashion sense and 5+ years of wardrobing Richmond's pregnant mamas have made her the resident expert on all things maternity....and nursing too.
"the help"
Lacy Hickl - far wiser than her college-girl demeanor belies, Lacy has been with it's hip to be round since 2008. If you want an honest opinion and a sense of what is in style RIGHTNOW, Lacy is your girl! Her infectious laugh will keep you coming back every weekend.
What do we sell?
For starters, we sell moderate-to high-end maternity apparel. Washer to dryer, work to weekend, we've got the clothes that will make your 9 months a celebration of your pregnant body, not a prison sentence. Thrown in with that is our cute and functional nursing wear, for both in and out of the house. Lastly, our "unmentionables" section, made up of compression hose, back supports, and other "doctor recommended" pregnancy accessories.
More important than what we sell is what we give you for free: advice on getting dressed during your pregnancy. We know the brands, we know the general ups and downs of pregnancy. And most importantly, we teach you how to shop for your growing shape, no matter where you shop. We might not know your specific body, but we know what the clothes will do (and what they won't do!), and can advise you on the sizes and styles that will be the best value for your dollar.
Why are we here?
We are here to provide you, the pregnant woman, a wardrobe that is consistent with your pre-pregnancy style (what we call your real life style)....without breaking the bank. We understand that pregnancy is an exciting and special time in your life, whether this is your first or fifth pregnancy. Our styles are just like what your non-preggo friends are wearing, but are designed with your growing belly in mind. We also order in limited quantities, so you don't see your "got to have that amazing outfit" on every pregnant woman in town!
