From Garage To Global: How Twin Sisters Built Canada’s Sweetest Baby Brand (Win!)

What started with silicone teething necklaces strung together during nap time has blossomed into one of Canada’s most beloved baby brands. This year, Vancouver-based Loulou Lollipop celebrates its 10th anniversary—and founders (and twin sisters) Angel Kho and Eleanor Lee are reflecting on the remarkable journey that began in a garage and now spans the globe. Reunited as adults after being separated as babies, the duo has built more than just a business; they’ve created a brand rooted in resilience, family, and heart. In this Q&A, Angel and Eleanor share the highs, the hurdles, and what’s next for their sustainable, mom-approved empire. —Noa Nichol

What do you remember most about those early days, stringing teething necklaces during nap time—and did you ever imagine you’d build a global baby brand from it?

A: When we started Loulou Lollipop, my girls were just 5 and 7 years old. I was working part-time as a database administrator at a mining company, and building a business wasn’t part of the plan; it just sort of unfolded. On the days I wasn’t at my day job, I’d squeeze in work while the girls were at school. Then, after school was family time: snacks, play, the usual chaos, and once they were in bed, that’s when the real hustle began. Most nights, we’d be up until 2 or 3 a.m., only to wake up a few hours later and do it all over again, surviving on little sleep and a lot of determination.
Looking back, I didn’t know where it would lead. It started as something small; just a creative outlet, really, but it grew into something far bigger than I ever expected. It was a chaotic, exhausting time, but also kind of magical. I had a dream of creating something meaningful, but to be honest, I never expected it to become a real brand, let alone one that families now know and love.

E: Those early days feel both fleeting and blurry—like snapshots in my mind, half-lit by exhaustion and the other half by a quiet kind of hope. I was a new mom, figuring things out one moment at a time. I remember stringing teething necklaces during nap time, not with a master plan in place, but because I needed something to hold onto—creatively, emotionally, and practically. At the time, I had just lost my job as an interior designer after the company I worked for went bankrupt. That was a dream I’d chased since I was a kid, and watching it fall apart was heartbreaking. But becoming a mom shifted something in me. I wasn’t thinking about building a global brand—I wasn’t thinking about building anything, really. It was all in the moment. There was no five-year plan. Just a deep desire to create, to provide for my family, and to pour my whole heart into whatever I was doing. Looking back, I didn’t imagine any of this. But I also didn’t put limits on it. I just kept going, giving it everything I had. And somehow, through that blur of diapers and deadlines, a brand was born—one that’s now recognized and loved by families around the world. It still humbles me every day.

What’s it really like running a business with your twin sister? Do you have that unspoken connection when it comes to decision-making?

A: Absolutely! We’ve definitely had our twin telepathy moments! There are times we’ll say the exact same thing at the same time without even realizing it. When it comes to the business, we’re usually aligned on the bigger vision, but we also have different strengths, which has been a huge advantage. It’s allowed us to naturally divide responsibilities and tackle things more efficiently as a team.

E: I’ll echo what Angel said—absolutely! We’ve definitely had our twin telepathy moments. There are times we’ll say the exact same thing, at the same time, or even dress up the same without any coordination, and just look at each other and laugh. It’s that unspoken connection that’s been with us since day one, and it definitely carries into how we run the business. When it comes to the big picture, we’re almost always aligned—same vision, same values. It’s not always perfect (we’re sisters, after all!), but there’s an unshakable trust and respect that underpins everything.

Your journey is extra special because you were separated as babies and later reunited. How has that shaped your personal bond and business partnership?

A: For the first six years of our lives, we actually lived in different parts of China; Eleanor was with our maternal grandmother, and I was with our aunt on our dad’s side. We were too young to fully understand the separation, but when we were finally reunited and started living together, it just felt natural. We were simply happy to have each other, a built-in playmate, a best friend. That early bond definitely laid the foundation for the trust and connection we have today, both personally and in business.

E: It’s true—we were separated as babies and later reunited, but I don’t actually remember the details. It just felt natural, like, “Oh, cool, I have a sister who looks exactly like me!” lol From the start, we were companions—always someone to play with, talk to, and look out for each other. That bond definitely shaped how we work together. There’s this deep, unspoken trust that’s always been there. We’ve grown up side by side, and now we’re building a business the same way—together, with a shared sense of purpose and loyalty.

10 years in, what does it feel like to hit this major milestone—and what’s one thing each of you is most proud of?

A: Honestly, it hasn’t fully sunk in yet; 10 years have flown by. When I reflect on it, nearly half of that time was spent navigating the pandemic, which brought its own set of challenges. We had our share of ups and downs, but we persevered and kept moving forward. I wouldn’t say we’re entirely out of the woods, especially with the current economic climate, but one thing I’m incredibly proud of is the amazing, world-class team we’ve built over the past year. It’s been a real turning point for us, and I’m so excited to see where the next five years will take us.

E: It’s still hard to grasp the idea that we’ve been in business for a decade! Just like a kid hitting double digits, it feels like we’ve grown up and figured a lot out—but there are always new challenges around the corner. What I’m most proud of is building a brand that people recognize and trust—and doing it with a truly world-class team. The talent, the heart, the passion they bring every day—it’s inspiring. We’ve come a long way, but what excites me most is that we’re just getting started. There’s still so much ahead.

Where do you draw inspiration for Loulou Lollipop’s famously sweet and stylish prints and products?

A: I’ve always loved visual eye candy; beautiful things that spark joy, and that’s something we don’t always get enough of when we’re deep in the day-to-day office grind. Travel is a huge source of inspiration for me. Experiencing new places, cultures, and design perspectives really excites me and often sparks fresh ideas. Some of our best creative moments have actually come while travelling. Eleanor and I have had some of our most inspired conversations mid-flight; just the two of us, talking through ideas with no distractions. There’s something about being out of our usual environment that helps us see things in a new way.

E: Our inspiration really comes from the world around us—travelling, experiencing different cultures, and spending time in nature, unplugged from the noise. There’s something about seeing how people live, the colours, patterns, and stories from different places that sparks creativity. Being outdoors, surrounded by natural beauty, also brings a sense of calm and clarity that helps shape our designs. 

What have your own kids taught you about product design (and maybe business!) over the years?

A: Courage and curiosity – that’s what my kids have taught me, both in life and in business. Children are naturally brave; they don’t start out knowing fear; that’s something they learn from adults over time. So I try not to project my fears onto them. Instead, I want to give them the space to explore, make mistakes, and grow. That mindset has also shaped how we approach our business. We stay curious, ask questions, and aren’t afraid to try new things. Even if we stumble, we learn and keep moving forward. It’s about having the courage to innovate and the curiosity to keep evolving.

E: Having my girl has been such an incredible advantage—she’s both my biggest supporter and my toughest critic! Lol. She keeps me grounded and honest about what really works and what doesn’t. More than that, she has taught me to be fearless and adventurous—not just in product design, but in business as well. Watching them explore the world with curiosity and boldness inspires me to take risks and keep pushing boundaries. Their honesty and spirit have shaped everything we create.

Building a brand as moms during a pandemic, navigating tariffs, and juggling supply chains—what’s kept you grounded through it all?

A: It’s been really tough; I won’t sugarcoat it. Navigating a business through the pandemic, dealing with shifting supply chains and rising tariffs, all while being a mom to two now-teenagers, is a lot. However, what has truly kept me grounded are a few key pillars, starting with my faith. Having a spiritual relationship with God has completely shifted my outlook on both life and business. Prayer has become a constant in my day; it gives me peace when things feel chaotic and clarity when I’m facing tough decisions. My church, life group, and the people who faithfully pray for me have reminded me that I don’t have to carry everything on my own. That sense of spiritual support has made such a big difference, especially during the hardest moments. Equally important is the incredible team we’ve built. Having people I trust, who care deeply about the brand and our values, has made all the difference. There were times when I felt like I was running on empty, and they stepped in without hesitation. It’s their dedication and heart that have helped keep things moving forward, and I’m so grateful for that. And of course, communities like WPO and the EY Winning Women network have given me a space to be real, vulnerable, and supported. It’s incredibly uplifting to be surrounded by women who understand the pressure and the passion, and who are willing to lift one another up. All of that combined is what’s kept me grounded.

E: What has kept us grounded through all the chaos, the pandemic, tariffs, and supply chain challenges is the incredible support system around us. Knowing we’re not alone, especially here in Canada, has made all the difference. There are many women entrepreneurs navigating the same hurdles, and organizations like WPO, EY, and BDC have been invaluable resources, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical support. Being part of this community creates a powerful sense of solidarity and resilience. We share advice, celebrate wins, and lift each other during tough times. On a personal level, my family and my incredible team have been my rock, keeping me focused and motivated when things got overwhelming. Ultimately, it’s the combination of that strong network, a shared purpose, and a commitment to persevere that keeps us moving forward, building a brand that’s not only Canadian but globally loved.

As a certified B-Corp, how are you continuing to push forward on sustainability and ethical production in 2025?

A: Becoming a B Corp was never the finish line; it was just the beginning. For us, it’s a powerful reminder of our responsibility, not just as a brand, but as human beings, living on this beautiful planet. It’s about asking ourselves, every day, what small but meaningful steps we can take to help leave the world better for the next generation. We serve families raising future world leaders, astronauts, artists, and global citizens. And I truly believe it’s on our generation to set the tone; to do better, to be more conscious, and to lead with intention. Sustainability isn’t a trend for us; it’s a mindset and a long-term commitment. B Corp provides us with a framework to measure our progress and push ourselves to go further. It keeps us accountable and challenges us to keep evolving. Whether it’s improving our materials, reducing waste in our supply chain, or deepening our relationships with ethical factories, we continually strive to do better. It’s a journey, not a destination.

E: As a baby lifestyle products and apparel brand, sustainability and ethical production are non-negotiable commitments for us, because the impact is huge, and we’re creating for future generations. Being a certified B-Corp reinforces that mindset, reminding us that this is an ongoing journey and commitment. It’s also about people; our team, our partners, and the communities we’re part of. We believe business should be a force for good, which means fostering a culture of care, fairness, and responsibility at every level. From the hands that make our products to the families who use them, we’re committed to making a positive impact through every step of our journey.

What kind of impact do you hope Loulou Lollipop leaves in the world of parenting—and what legacy do you hope to pass on to your children?

A: I hope that Loulou Lollipop leaves a lasting impression of joy, resilience, and hope in the world of parenting. Life, especially parenthood, is messy, challenging, and far from perfect. But even in the chaos, there’s beauty. I want our brand to remind people to look for the bright side, to laugh through the hard moments, and to embrace the imperfect with grace. For my own children, I hope they remember that success doesn’t come from shortcuts or luck; it comes from grit, hard work, and showing up even when it’s tough. I’m not extraordinary, I’m just someone who kept going. And I want them to believe that with the right mindset and heart, anything is possible. More than anything, I hope they grow up knowing the value of kindness, perseverance, and being a light in their community.

E: I hope Loulou Lollipop leaves a legacy of being a brand that truly shows up for parents. We’ve been there—we know how overwhelming and beautiful those early years can be. Our goal is to be that trusted companion along the journey: with products that are safe, designs that spark joy, and moments that turn into memories—like the baby chewing on our sushi teether that still makes us smile! We also believe deeply in giving back to the community that’s supported us. Whether through donations, partnerships, or lifting up other women entrepreneurs, we want to be part of a better future for families everywhere. For my daughter, I hope she grows up knowing that anything is possible with commitment, hard work, and heart. I want her to feel proud of what mommy built—not just the brand, but the values behind it. And most of all, I want her to believe in her own power to dream big and make a difference.

Favourite product you’ve ever created?

A: Can I pick two? Definitely our muslin swaddle blankets and TENCEL™ sleep bags. I wish I had the muslin swaddle when my first was born. I remember using those tiny flannel blankets; she’d get overheated and end up with heat rashes on her face. I felt so awful. I also tried every swaddler out there, but she’d break free and wake herself up. And the sleep sacks I found back then just weren’t of great quality. That’s why I’m so proud of our TENCEL™ sleep bags; they’re breathable, sustainable, and honestly kind of magical. They give parents peace of mind and help babies sleep better without loose blankets.

E: It’s really hard to pick a favourite product when you’ve poured so much thought and heart into each one. But if I had to choose, I’d go with our signature fun multi-colour novelty teether—what we started with—because it represents how far we’ve come. It’s a beautiful reminder of our roots and the journey we’ve taken. Lately, though, my new favourite is our versatile wet/dry bag. It folds up so small, yet it’s incredibly spacious—big enough to fit a few sleepers, a hooded towel, toys, and more. It’s become my go-to for everything from playground out,ings to swimming, shopping, and travel. It’s practical, stylish, and truly made for modern parent life.

Midnight feeding must-have?

A: It feels like a lifetime ago! I pumped exclusively for 13 months with my first, and nursed exclusively for 13 months with my second; two very different journeys. But if I had to name a must-have, I’d say: a helpful husband who handles those middle-of-the-night diaper changes. Total game changer, lol.

E: Oh … those early days, it’s over ten years now. Comfort was definitely everything. My must-have was a super-soft, plush, breathable robe, that I could throw on easily for those midnight feeding, a dimmable night light that kep the room calm without fully waking us up and a soothing lullaby in the background that just made those moments more manageable.

Current print obsession?

A: Still obsessed with our Vancouver print! It’s such a love letter to our city.

E: Definitely our Canadian Map print! Not just because it’s beautifully illustrated, but because it captures the spirit of adventure and reminds me of how vast and magnificent our country is.

Win!

Congrats Karla S. of Botwood, NL, who will receive a $200 to either site — open to US and Canada! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.