Meet Paisley Kate, Founder of Heart & Harper

Heart & Harper, founded by 10-year-old Paisley Kate (PK) and her mother, is a shining example of inspiration and positive change. They work tirelessly to make a difference, spread kindness, and support various causes and humanitarian organizations through their philanthropic efforts. Their unwavering dedication and passion are a driving force of transformation. 

Giving back is at the core of our mission at DRP. We wanted to ensure that everyone could feel the magic of Heart & Harper, so we donated a brand new Shopify website to this amazing little girl and her mission. They gave us something special in return! We are thrilled to announce our own merchandise of featured bracelets, t-shirts, and accessories to benefit an organization near and dear to our hearts. The proceeds of the NEW collection will benefit the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Virginia Beach.

Meet Paisley Kate, Founder of Heart & Harper

Q. Tell us a bit about who you are:

A. Hi! My name is Paisley-Kate. I am 10 years old and on a mission to bring back kindness. Adults really overcomplicate how easy it is, and I’ve seen firsthand how hurtful bullying and lacking understanding of others can be. I am in 5th grade and a big sister to 3 little brothers. My dad is an Army officer, and I spend my time outside of Heart and Harper dreaming up new ways to help people, learning violin and guitar, and rocking the blue mat as an all-star cheerleader.

Q. How did you come up with the idea behind Heart & Harper? 

A. Heart and Harper was a really simple idea when I was a little bored during COVID. I love creating and making things, and I asked my mom if I could start a bracelet-making business. She told me no–not because my mom doesn't believe in my ideas and dreams, but well, I was only eight at the time.

She thought it would just be a phase for me. I came back to her with samples of the bracelets and a business plan, and while she was impressed, she still said no. I came back to her one more time, and I said, what if I donate all the money I make to people like Parker? She immediately said "yes," and an idea was born. I've watched my brother Parker, who has autism, struggle socially since we started elementary school. He is often misunderstood and labeled in really negative ways. I wanted to show him that if I could start a business and serve others through my love of crafting, he could do ANYTHING he wanted despite his differences. 

Over time, it has grown and evolved truly beyond my wildest dreams. For my 9th birthday, I knew I was serious about creating the change I wanted to see, not just for my brother Parker but for other communities that need help. So, I asked if we could turn my little hobby into a full-on business. I took to social media to start spreading the message that kind is still very cool, and the last couple of years have been incredible. 

Q. What’s your favorite part about running a business with your mom? Why?

A. I like that you asked about doing this with my mom. The truth is...no one sees how much work my mom puts into helping me with Heart and Harper (H&H), and she does it while also working her own job, raising us kids; she's awesome. I have come up with some really big ideas, and without hesitation, she starts figuring out how to make it work. 

My dad is also a huge part of H&H, and even my little brothers too. My entire family works so hard to get you your packages, answer your emails, and make things GO. I couldn't do this without any of them. But if I had to pick one thing that was my FAVORITE, which is really hard…, it is going on all the adventures we get to go on and meeting the people we are helping. Whether it's $500 or $50,000, we've gotten to spend time with some of the most amazing people ever, and while it's a lot of hard work to get these collections done, hearing how it impacts their lives is just amazing. I love bringing kindness to others.

Q. What do you love most about hand-making bracelets? 

A. The creative process: thinking of something and bringing it to life is really, really cool. But I love when my customers get their packages and tag me in their stories on Instagram. It's amazing to see something I created worn and loved by someone else! 

Q. Do you have a favorite piece you like to wear from your collection?

A. I LOVE embroidered bracelets. They are a newer product, and they are so, so cute and fun to layer with. But really...all of it. I can't really choose since I made it all haha, but everything I've designed or created was because I love it. So I love it all. 

Q. The DRP Team is thrilled to help you launch your new site! What are you most excited about and why?

A. I am SO excited about the new customization feature of my bracelets. It's been really hard for customers to order something specifically made for them, and this new feature on my website is going to make it so easy and really allow people to design something with me that is unique and fun while supporting my mission to help others! It's going to be so COOOL!!!!!!! 

Q. Who is the most influential figure(s) in your life?

A. This is a tough one, but absolutely my mom and Parker. My mom does her best to juggle all the kids, her job, H&H, and the time when my dad is gone with the Army, and she hardly (never) ever takes credit for any of it. I have learned everything I know about being hilarious (tehehe) and showing others empathy and grace from her. My mom is the hardest-working person I know, and she encourages me every single day, even if it means adding more to her own plate. And my mom will stop at nothing to give Parker everything he needs. 

And then my buddy Parker, this is all for him. But Parker faces huge mountains he has to climb every single day of his life, and I am just so proud to be his big sister. He influences me every day to not judge a book by its cover and to try and show everyone I meet kindness and empathy because you just never know what is going on in someone else's life. 

Also shout out to my dad; he shows me every day what service and sacrifice for others looks like, and I guess he should get an honorable mention here haha…. Just kidding dad, love you.

Q. Christmas Season is almost here! Can you share with us any new, and exciting merchandise or partnerships?

A. I AM SO EXCITED for this collection. I have designed and manufactured my own line of sweatshirts, which is absolutely CRAZY! They are so cute, and I just can't believe that something I dreamed up is a real life product. I have over 15 new holiday designs coming, and I can't wait for us to all walk around this holiday season spreading kindness with the cutest apparel ever! If I do say so myself. 

Q. What are your dreams for the future with Heart & Harper? 

A. I have learned so much in the last couple of years. I am hoping that I can buy a pop-up trailer selling my merchandise and go around the country speaking to kids like me, teaching them about my brother Parker and kids like him, and spreading the news that our generation is the one that has to fix the mistakes of our parents. WE CAN BRING BACK KINDNESS! 

I hope to be able to be a role model to other kids and show them that bullying is not the answer. Excluding others is not the answer, and hate will only drive us as a community further apart. My dream for H&H is that it becomes a household name for making a difference in others' lives. I hope to finalize the H&H foundation and create items that will specifically benefit people with autism. I would love more than anything to give out scholarships to help with things like therapy, bills, college, and everything I know my parents have struggled with while trying to help my brother. My dream for H&H and anyone who eventually works here is that whether we sell 1 item or 1 million, we are leaving the world better than we found it. 

Q. What are you looking forward to most in 2024?

A. SO MANY THINGS! I have a lot of fun collaborations coming up and some really big ideas that I have been dreaming up and saving money for to try and bring to life! I have my first Keynote speech in Austin, TX, in the spring, which is a dream come true. I hope we can continue educating people on autism and create a movement of change...Oh and reminding anyone who listens to me to be kind to someone today, it’s all that truly matters.