About Us

Susu & John co-owner Mary Patrick had sewn for family and friends for over 40 years before she got the idea to make and sell a unique baby bonnet based on a family heirloom pattern. Her daughter Janie Brooks McQueen was a natural business partner, with a background in journalism and PR, and experience with small business startup through her publishing company, Fine Lines. The two decided to name the bonnet after their charming coastal town, which is the picturesque backdrop of many Hollywood films including The Big Chill and Forrest Gump. Demure Mrs. Smith, houseguest of Mary's neighbor Cynthia Cook and the first Beaufort Button BonnetTM model. Employing Janie's infant twins Sophia Susannah (Susu) and John Lathan as models, Mary and Janie came up with their first bonnet collection, which quickly drew a buzz . Realizing baby boys need sun-cover and style too, they added a boy's bucket hat with a unique button-all-round design, and named it the Beaufort Button BucketTM. The website Janie created started drawing interest from other parts of the country, and the young line soon landed in the Atlanta handcrafter's boutique Beehive Co-op, and consequently in prestigious style e-newsletter Daily Candy . After a splashy feature in the Hilton Head Island Packet in August 2009 and inquiries from retail stores, increased demand required outsourcing help fast. Mary quickly found wonderful sewing and design talent right in Beaufort County--Betty and Roger Hodge, Wanda Ardell and Estelle Rivers. Susu & John, whose corporate offices are located in metro Atlanta--where Janie lives with business partner husband Josh, the twins, and older sons Riley and Thomas--remains committed to producing all products in the USA. Mary and Janie--Beaufort, March 2009. Back to home          Susu & John Classic, Stylish Baby Bonnets, Hats & Clothing