Women-Owned Business Series: Elizabeth from Elizabeth Cotton

Welcome back to our Women-Owned Business Series! Today we’re highlighting Elizabeth from Elizabeth Cotton, a luxury sleepwear brand made right here in NYC. After struggling to find comfortable pajamas with high quality material, Elizabeth took the matter into her own hands. Read more about her journey below!

First, tell us about your business and anything special we should know about it or you.

My sleepwear brand is called Elizabeth Cotton, and I started it in 2005 after unsuccessfully trying to shop for a “nice” set of pajamas in upscale lingerie stores in NYC. At that time you could find beautifully made lingerie made from gorgeous silks and French lace, but when you looked at the more comfortable sleepwear options, something you would buy just for a cozy night at home, in the same store the quality of the fabric and construction was not on par with the sexier lingerie.

Why do you feel a connection to your work?

I like making things that make people comfortable. It is a simple attainable luxury to climb into your favorite pajamas at the end of the day, or to snuggle up and watch a movie with a cozy throw. We also manufacture in NYC and have worked with the same factory for the past 20 years. I firmly believe in making things in the USA if you can, and am committed to making our collection here.

As a business owner, community is everything. In what ways do you serve your community and how has your community served you?

We manufacture all of our products in the United States, and have worked with the same factory in NYCs Garment District for the past 20 years. I firmly believe in making things in the USA if you can, and am committed to making our collection here.

What advice would you give to others who want to start a small business?

Do your research before starting. Don’t be afraid to start small and take your time.

What women inspire you and why?

I’m inspired by women who are passionate about what they do. In the fashion world I really admire Malia Mills who has made her incredible swimwear in NYC since 1993! Recently I read a book called The Perfect Predator by epidemiologist Steffanie Strathdee who saved her husband’s life by working with her colleagues and their extended network to treat her husband with bacteriophages after he was sticken with an antibiotic resistant organism and that was incredibly inspiring. I highly recommend it!

What do you think are the most significant challenges for small business owners or women in leadership positions?

If you are a female business owner who happens to be a Mom, probably managing work-life balance.

Congrats to Elizabeth Cotton, who will be celebrating 20 years in January 2025! Make sure you check them out, especially this holiday season!