How A Downers Grove Mom Built Little Love Tees

By Julia Mazurek

Late nights with a newborn can lead to many things: exhaustion, endless scrolling, and sometimes, inspiration.

For Gemma Korus, a local mom and longtime public relations professional, one of those sleepless nights turned into the beginning of a brand. Frustrated after unsuccessful searches for soft and simple t-shirts for her kids, she decided to stop looking and start creating.

“Building this brand while raising my kids here feels like coming full circle.”

— Gemma Korus, founder of Little Love Tees and Downers Grove mom

“I was on what felt like an endless search for everyday shirts for my kids. Something soft, with the right fit, and simple. But I kept coming up empty.” Korus recalls her frustration with options that were too tight, not soft enough, or covered in graphics that weren’t her style.

When her second child was five months old, she found herself scrolling through online shops again. And again her searches came up short. 

An idea struck – like lightning – after the
birth of Leo, and Little Love Tees was born.
Photo courtesy of Summer Brader photography 

“I remember thinking, why is this so hard? So I said to myself, let’s do this.” Less than a year later, Little Love Tees was born.

The brand launched in 2023 as a small collection of super-soft cotton t-shirts. The kind of shirts that kids want to wear every day and that parents appreciate for their comfort, durability, and easy style. The kind of shirts Gemma had been searching for unsuccessfully.

From Media to Motherhood to Merchandising

While the brand may be new, its founder brings years of experience in thoughtful storytelling and brand building. For 15 years, she has worked in public relations at Harpo Productions, where she learned and continues to lean into the power of intention and meaningful connection.

Those values shape the philosophy behind Little Love Tees. Instead of chasing trends, the brand focuses on quality fabrics, comfortable fits, and simple styles.

Since its launch, Little Love Tees has grown steadily through a mix of online sales, boutique partnerships, and grassroots community support.

The line has expanded beyond tees to also include sweatshirts, sweatpants, and dresses — including mom & me matching options.

Founder, CEO, and local mom Korus has been featured on ABC7 and WGN.

The brand’s website remains its home base, but customers can also discover the pieces through local pop-ups, boutiques, and social media, where a community of moms has helped spread the word.

“Word-of-mouth has really been our heartbeat,” she says. “There’s nothing more powerful than moms sharing their favorite finds with other moms.”  

Those connections have led to her clothes being worn by some celebrities and influencers’ kids. But the biggest compliment, she says, comes from the smallest customers.

“Hearing that we’ve become a child’s favorite tee is the ultimate compliment.”

The brand has also experienced a major milestone: a collaboration with Maisonette, an online destination for stylish children’s brands founded by former Vogue editors.

Rooted in Downers Grove

The brand built its foundation at community events like farmers’ markets.

Gemma grew up in Oak Brook and has called Downers Grove home for six years.  

“Building this brand while raising my kids here feels like coming full circle,” she says.

From local events, farmers’ markets, school fundraisers, and collaboration with small businesses, being connected to the community is an important part of the fabric of Gemma’s business. 

She adds, “Building relationships locally has been such a meaningful part of the journey.”

Simple by Design

At its heart, Little Love Tees was created by a mom who simply wanted better basics for her kids.  Because sometimes the simplest idea – like a really great T-shirt – can turn into something so much bigger.

For more information, visit littlelovetees.com.