Founded in 2002, Little Hippie began as a modest project—seven baby t-shirts designed by Taylor Swope in her tiny New York apartment. Fast forward to today, and the company has blossomed into a full-on lifestyle brand centered around a love of music, awe for the wonderment of children, and a deep faith in the value of playing outdoors, earning licensing deals with iconic names like the Grateful Dead, The Jim Henson Company, and Care Bears.
In the latest episode of the Self Starters podcast, Swope sits down with host Steve Clair to reflect on the serendipitous path that led her from following the Grateful Dead across the country to creating a brand beloved by fans. “I never set out to build a business,” Swope shares. “It started as a creative outlet while I was following the music I loved, and it just snowballed from there. Little Hippie became my way of sharing joy, creativity, and a sense of wonder with the world. It’s still surreal to think about how far it’s come.”
Clair, whose podcast highlights trailblazing entrepreneurs and creators, found Swope’s story particularly resonant. “Taylor’s entrepreneurial journey is not only inspiring, but it’s also a testament to how passion can evolve into something extraordinary,” Clair says. “Her ability to blend her love for music, especially the Grateful Dead, with her creativity has allowed her to build Little Hippie into a beloved brand. This episode is a must-listen for anyone with a passion for art, music, or entrepreneurship.”
For Swope, the Grateful Dead’s ethos of self-expression and community remains the guiding light for Little Hippie’s evolution. “The Grateful Dead community has always been about more than just the music. It’s about self-expression, creativity, and connection,” Swope explains. “Little Hippie is my way of continuing that legacy, and I hope it inspires people to embrace their inner artist.”
The episode dives deep into the foundational principles of Little Hippie, from its roots in the counterculture and Deadhead communities to its broader appeal across generations. Swope’s brand serves as a reminder that the essence of the Grateful Dead isn’t just confined to the stage—it can be found in every corner of life, from the clothes we wear to the values we live by.
As the podcast highlights, Little Hippie’s growth wasn’t just about smart business moves—it was about maintaining authenticity while expanding into new spaces. Whether selling merchandise at music festivals or collaborating with legacy brands like Care Bears, Swope has kept Little Hippie’s mission at the forefront: to bring joy and inspiration through creativity.
For fans of the Grateful Dead, aspiring entrepreneurs, or anyone with an appreciation for the intersection of art and commerce, Swope’s episode on Self Starters is an inspiring listen. As Clair notes, “Her journey shows what’s possible when you follow your heart, trust your instincts, and let your creativity guide you.”
Watch the episode below or listen on Spotify, and visit Little Hippie’s website to check out a broad range of vibrant merchandise inspired by the Dead, Phish, and more.
Self Starters – Tapping Into The Dead: Taylor Swope’s Creative Rise With Little Hippie And The Grateful Dead