If their neighborhood in Orland Park had a best-dressed list, it’s a good bet that Tricia Fry’s three children would be on it.
That’s because Fry designs many of the colorful outfits worn by Michael, 8, Brooke, 5 and Brianne, 3. She owns Flash Inc., a home-based business that she started in the 1980s.
The company began as a dance wear company, and Fry took the name from the movie “Flashdance.” Ripped sweatshirts and leg warmers were all the rage when Fry started, but she left those behind in the early 1990s when she switched her focus to children’s wear.
Motherhood was just one reason behind the change, Fry said. Her son was diagnosed with cancer in 1993, and although he is now in remission, Fry said she wanted to create a clothing line that would have a positive impact on children’s lives.
“I wanted to do something that would make children happy,” she said.
Her Ladybug Group is just the sort of clothing that inspires smiles. The knit fabric has red and white stripes and features buttons that are hand-painted in black and red to look like ladybugs. Fry’s color-coordinated outfits even include matching hats and socks.
A girl’s empire waist top runs $35.99. A sailor-style hat is $11.99 and ruffled socks decorated with a ladybug button are $6.50.
Fry designs mostly for children from infancy up to a girl’s or boy’s size 12. She finds, however, that mothers as well as kids want to wear her clothing. “It’s a unity thing. Kids think it’s really neat that their mom can dress like them,” said Fry, who makes a limited amount of adult apparel.
Fry designs two lines a year, each with 80 pieces. She employs eight salespeople who sell through home parties. She said the greatest reward of working from home is being able to spend time with her children.
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Flash Inc.
Phone: 708-448-9194
