Kristin Ruud is the founder of Northern Classics, an outdoor clothing brand that blends timeless, elevated aesthetics with high-performance technical outerwear for kids. A University of Michigan business school graduate, Kristin's career took her through financial consulting, hedge fund management, and commercial construction before an entrepreneurial spark and three kids under one and a half during COVID led her to launch Northern Classics. In this episode, Kristin shares how she identified a gap in the children's ski apparel market: technical gear that was either purely functional or purely cute, but never both. Kristin opens up about the challenges of building a brand from scratch with no apparel background, the power of community and customer feedback, and what it's like to see her designs "in the wild" on the slopes out west. As a mom of four (twins almost 7, a 5-year-old, and a 3-year-old), Kristin brings both personal credibility and infectious joy to everything she creates.

Notable Quotes:

"I always say I'm selling — I am my own customer."

"I try really hard to keep my kids at the forefront. I mean, they were the inspiration behind this brand."

Resources:

Northern Classics Website: northernclassics.com
Retailers: Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Over the Moon, Maisonette, Janie and Jack, select REI stores, and ski shops nat

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

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Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.

Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.

Email reservations@skiportillo.com and mention SKIMOMS.

Spring family fun in Ulster County:

Earth Fest at the Ashokan Center/April 19
Kingston Point Beach for the Hudson Valley Kite Festival /May 17,
Hudson Valley Faerie Festival/May 30

For more ways to get outside together this spring, head to VisitUlsterCountyNY.com and start planning your spring getaway.

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club

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