We recently had the chance to connect with Gina Rothwell and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gina, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Thrifting. I’ve always liked a good rummage sale, flea market or resale shop, but now I am really taking it to another level. I have slowed waaaay down on any personal clothing spending, and really feel I need to check the resale outlets first before going to a regular store. I am also loving finding cool baby and kids items for repurposing/upcycling or just plain reselling.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Gina Rothwell and my husband Dave and I own Sol Baby, a baby/kids boutique in Hermosa Beach for the past 18 years. I truly believe we have a super unique, one of a kind kids shop! First of all, it’s in the most historic building in downtown Hermosa Beach on Pier Avenue, a place that housed some of the most iconic shops in this city. We have tried to stay true to Hermosa’s colorful, quirky, music and surf themed culture that established this city’s awesome vibe it is today. Within our own brand, we have created a large line of graphics from trendy mermaids and sharks to Hermosa, California and South Bay love designs that we print on onesies, tees, hoodies, trucker hats and more. I also curate an assortment of some of the hottest kids brands and styles that I find. We have not only had the brick and mortar for over 18 years, our website sol-baby.com has been running for 17 of those years, as well as having Etsy and Amazon storefronts. We have fairly recently entered the realm of wholesaling our designs and finding some success in that. Having other top tier kids stores from Los Angeles to Colorodo order from us is quite a special feeling that we are very proud of.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I feel like it was my husband who saw me clearly before I could see myself. We have been together for 30 years and this month will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. He has always believed in me and my ability to build something meaningful, even in moments when I doubted myself. He saw my creativity, my work ethic, and my passion long before I fully recognized them as strengths. His support gave me the confidence to take risks, like opening my boutique, and to keep going through the challenges of running a small business. It also was possible to start this and leave the corporate world because he stayed in his corporate position and was able to support the family.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
Just recently actually! My husband and I were considering fostering a dog. We lost our beloved dog last year and really miss having that companionship, so at first it felt like the right step. But after trying it, I realized that with everything else going on — including the demands of running and growing our business — we weren’t truly ready to give a dog the time and attention it deserved. It was a tough decision, but an important reminder that timing matters, and sometimes saying no now allows you to say yes when you can be fully present.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Honestly, the project I’m most committed to and excited about right now is a recycled and upcycled program I’m building in my boutique. I’m calling it -reSOLd, which I think is the perfect name—and I just love the idea of giving things a new life and turning them into pieces you can’t find anywhere else. I’d like to incorporate some kind of buy-back program for some of the brands I carry in my shop. I will most likely launch it for fall and do an interactive Flannel and Denim Bar that could be a special, possibly reoccurring event. It’s not something that will happen overnight, but I really believe it’ll make a difference for our community and world and for keeping the business fresh and sustainable,
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly feel I’m doing what I was born to do. No one ever told me what career I should pursue — my parents gave me the freedom to figure that out on my own. Over the years, my path combined both my creative side and my analytical side. I’ve always had a natural sense for fashion and design, but I also enjoy the numbers — buying, planning, and analyzing sales data to understand what works and what doesn’t. Those experiences came together and ultimately led me to owning my own boutique, which feels like the perfect balance of creativity and business. It really does feel like what I was meant to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sol-baby.com
- Instagram: @shopsolbaby
- Facebook: shopsolbaby
