Meet Samantha Fishkin | Luxury Bamboo Sleepwear

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Fishkin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea for Shae & Palmer really came after the birth of my second daughter, Maddie Palmer, and not being able to find what I was looking for. I struggled to find pajamas that were both soft enough for her, but also classy enough to wear beyond bedtime. Everything felt either too basic or overly playful.

As a mom, I wanted pieces that worked for real life. I wanted the flexibility for my girls to wear comfortable ‘sleepwear’ that worked during morning snuggles AND coffee runs, shopping errands, and playdates. That’s what Shae & Palmer is – an elevated yet cozy bamboo sleepwear brand, where every detail in the fabric and design was thoughtfully crafted.

With my background in interior design, I’ve always been surrounded by beautiful patterns, thoughtful textiles, and spaces that feel intentional. I realized I wanted that same aesthetic for my children’s clothing.

And that’s how Shae & Palmer was born.

What should our readers know about your business?
Shae & Palmer is a luxury children’s sleepwear brand built for comfort with a design-forward approach. Our pieces are made from incredibly soft bamboo fabric that are created for not only sleep, but lounging around the house, and morning errands. We wanted to create a brand that looked great on people inside and out of the house.

My background in interior design allowed me to approach each collection the same way I would a space, carefully considering color, pattern, scale, and longevity. I wanted our prints to feel timeless and elevated rather than overly trendy or juvenile. I’m most proud of the balance we’ve struck between beauty and function, delivering pajamas that moms truly feel good about choosing for their children.

Building Shae & Palmer is a deeply personal journey. I’ve grown the brand alongside motherhood and a full-time career, learning each part of the process firsthand. From sourcing and production to brand-building and marketing, it hasn’t always been seamless. I’ve learned to trust my creative instincts, move intentionally, and let the brand evolve in a way that is authentic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s easy—I’d take them straight to the South Bay. Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach have this incredible local energy that’s relaxed, welcoming, and effortlessly cool. It’s the kind of place where days unfold slowly, and that coastal, small-town-by-the-sea feeling really captures the best of Southern California.

The morning would start with breakfast at Good Stuff in Hermosa Beach. A longtime favorite, especially with kids, since you can bounce between the tables and the sand. From there, we’d walk The Strand with coffee in hand, spend time on the beach, and ease into the day with no real agenda.

For lunch, we’d grab Bread Head to-go and take it straight back to the beach. It’s simple, delicious, and exactly how a South Bay afternoon should feel. Later, we’d bike between Manhattan and Hermosa, pop into local boutiques, or stop for smoothies and açaí bowls along the way.

Evenings are all about golden hour and laid-back dinners. MB Post and Fishing with Dynamite are musts, and for sunset drinks, The Strand House or Tower 12 never disappoint. We’d also carve out a day for Palos Verdes, taking in the coastal views, cliffside walks, and maybe a stop at Terranea for a drink overlooking the ocean.

We’d wrap up the week with a relaxed beach picnic or long brunch, soaking in that easygoing rhythm that makes the South Bay so special. What really sets it apart, though, is the sense of community. There’s a true locals vibe here. Friendly, supportive, and full of incredible food, small businesses, and creative people. It’s the kind of place that’s easy to fall in love with and even harder to leave.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without question, my biggest shoutout goes to my family. My husband, who has been my constant source of encouragement, and my girls, Ella Shae and Maddie Palmer, who are the inspiration for the brand and my biggest fans. Together, they are always pushing me to take the next step and reminding me, again and again, that this dream is worth pursuing. Today, I receive a daily reminder of our success when they refuse to wear anything other than “mama pajamas” and proudly tell all their friends about them. They are the heart behind everything I do and the reason I wanted to build something meaningful, beautiful, and lasting.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my grandpa. He was a successful interior designer and the reason for my entire background. My favorite childhood memories are spending summers at his store, flipping through wallpaper books and fabric swatches. Those moments sparked my love for design, color, and pattern, and ultimately shaped the creative path I followed. If it weren’t for him, I don’t know that I would have pursued a career in interior design at all—and that influence is deeply woven into everything I create today.

Lastly, I’m incredibly grateful for two very important communities that welcomed me with open arms. The community of fellow small business owners who took a chance on a new, local brand and chose to carry our pajamas in their stores (we are currently in 6 boutiques and quickly growing) and the mom community that has cheered me on from the very beginning – purchasing, sharing, and taking the time to write thoughtful reviews. Hearing parents say our pajamas are the softest their children have ever worn, and that their kids truly love them, is incredibly reassuring. Those moments remind me that I’m doing the right thing, and that kind of support has made this journey infinitely more rewarding.

Website: https://shaeandpalmer.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaeandpalmer/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shae-and-palmer-2a6a3934a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Shae-Palmer-61571266979202/

Image Credits
Codi Wilcox Photography