Sydney Overlie
Co-Founder of Matchbox Bedding
We couldn’t be more excited to feature the always stylish, co-founder of Matchbox Bedding, Sydney Overlie. Entrepreneur and mother of 3, Sydney currently resides in Marin County where her children attend Marin Montessori School.
Tell us about your past career path and how it led to Matchox.
I have always been creatively motivated in the pursuit of a career. After attending graduate school at Parsons and having some key internships at fashion houses, I started a handbag company out of my New York apartment. After running my business for several years and learning some hard lessons in the process, I ultimately decided to pivot to a more traditional role as a designer at a fitness company.
A couple years later, I became pregnant with my first child, and realized very quickly that I wanted to devote all my energy into being a stay-at-home mom while my children were young.
It has been such a privilege to be able to be with them full time, but after my third child was born I was itching to be creative again. That’s when my close friend, Alana Young, and I decided to start a business together. Matchbox Bedding was born out of a mutual love of interior design and childrens’ wear and a gap we had noticed in the market.
How has motherhood informed your current career path?
Without the experience of being a mother, my new business wouldn’t exist. Motherhood has inspired my new career path by choosing to make a company centered around beautiful pieces in the home that would be both pleasing to parent and child. After decorating our children’s nurseries and struggling to find gender-neutral bedding that could be mixed and matched, my partner and I were inspired to create our own children's bedding company.
Creating Matchbox has allowed my children to witness first-hand what it looks like to have an idea and bring it to fruition. I hope it inspires them the same way they inspire me every day.
Tell us something that is bringing you joy as a mother right now.
Watching the siblings play blissfully together. Not every moment is perfect-fights and bickering continue daily, but we’re at a place now where all three are often in their own little world together. One of the many benefits of their Montessori schooling is to live in harmony with each other, despite their different ages and stages. Stumbling into their playroom and watching them make each other giggle or show each other grace when one knocks over a block tower or Lego creation warms my heart.
As your eldest child is growing into those elementary aged years, what are a few ways you hope to give him some independence?
I have been amazed to watch my eldest take on more responsibility at home since he has entered into his elementary years. He has daily chores which foster independence- such as feeding our dog, watering plants and helping clear the table. He is in charge of his daily routine with a laminated checklist we made together. We also have been giving him more choices to empower his decision making skills- whether that's choosing his lunch for school, having the freedom to pick out his clothing despite color coordination or weather, and choosing how to decorate his bedroom. We try our best to nurture his passions to promote his sense of identity and independence, even if one of those passions right now are my biggest fear- snakes! It's been a privilege so far watching him gain confidence through more independence.
With your launch of Matchbox, what did you keep in mind when designing for children's aesthetics?
Our collection is comprised of playful patterns in neutrals. The crib or bed in a child’s room is the anchor to the space, so the bedding you select really set the tone for the overall room. We designed our collection around neutrals to allow for versatility and serenity in the child’s space.
Neutral bedding can easily adapt to changing themes or décor in the room. So if your child’s preferences change or you redecorate, you don’t have to invest in new bedding every time. A neutral base allows your child to express their personality through their favorite toys, books or artwork, creating a personalized space within the room.
What do you do for self-care?
As mothers, it often feels indulgent to even have a moment to ourselves in our busy lives where the primary focus is taking care of our children. I try and carve out a moment or two in my day to do something that isn't for my business, my house, or my kids. Maybe it's as small as doing that extra step in my skincare routine, getting a cappuccino in the middle of the day, hiking with a cozy playlist, cooking a new recipe, or a weeknight dinner with girlfriends. I've found that the more I take care of myself, the better mother I am.
What are your morning routines like?
I try my best to set the alarm before the children wake but most days a child or two is my alarm clock. Usually my daughter will come into bed and sweetly cuddle, or on rare occasions they'll leave a rubber fake snake under the covers and watch me jump out of bed! I have never been a morning person so our children know to be calm and quiet in our bedroom in the morning- besides the occasional snake prank. Our eldest helps me prepare breakfast, I usually burn my mouth from hot coffee, and we talk about one thing we’re excited for that day. After drop-off I go on an hour long walk or jog to clear my head, return phone calls, or listen to an Audiobook. Currently listening to Meryl Streep narrate Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and let me say it’s a joyful way to start the day.
A few family favorites.
Chore Coat Jacket- The perfect season-less piece for kids that can be personalized.
Farmhouse- We love all Sophie Blackall books and this one is a current favorite in our house.
Picnic basket- Each child has one and loves putting their farmers market produce inside or filling it with toys on the go.
Zip Bags- We couldn’t live without these bags and they’re cute enough to carry on their own. We fill with, snacks, sunscreen, wipes, card games and small toys.
Giant Jenga- The kids have spent hours playing with these or using the wooden blocks to create mazes or towns.
Local favorite outings and activities to do with your kids
We go to the farmers market together almost every Saturday. Our children love selecting flowers for their rooms and produce to cook with for the week. We spend most weekends going on hikes, piling in the car for a day adventure, or setting up picnics on our Matchbox quilts. Exploring West Marin is one of our favorite things to do- the kids have yet to try oysters but they love sitting by the water collecting shells.
Photo cred: Jamie Grenough (family photos) Greer Rivera (matchbox photos)