Two alumnae from the University turned one’s layoff into a layout for fashion.

Eunice Hong Carter and Emily Bradford, founders of the clothing design company loblolly lane, use their knowledge obtained at the University in running their business.

“All of my business courses have helped me,” Bradford said.

Both Bradford and Hong Carter graduated from the University in 1998 with a degree in finance and advertising.

“[Bradford] brings all the business stuff,” Hong Carter said.

Hong Carter deals with the financials and business details of loblolly lane and began designing purses over a decade ago.
However, she said she pursued the dress making business when her designs began getting noticed.

Although Hong Carter has previous experience with fashion, including designing purses for the Country Music Television Awards, Bradford said she attributes the push for creating loblolly lane to her 6-year-old daughter, who wore the dresses to school.

The response was overwhelming.

“By the time I got from the [school’s entrance] to the hall, I was getting compliments,” Bradford said.

After the reaction at her daughter’s school, Bradford said she encouraged Hong Carter to make about 30 more dresses, which Bradford rapidly sold.

“I told her, ‘I think we really have something here,’” Bradford said.

loblolly lane was born, drawing inspiration for the company’s name from a street Hong Carter lived on as a child.

“It reminds me of a very carefree time,” Hong Carter said.

Hong Carter said the name relates to the style of clothing they design, which can be dressed up or dressed down — for everyday wear or a casual wedding.

While there isn’t a storefront in Athens, students can coordinate a trunk party where a loblolly lane representative travels to any resident with racks of designs.

The clothes range from girls’ sizes 9 months to women’s XL but can be altered to fit any figure.

With 50 fabric patterns, all 100-percent cotton and machine washable, Bradford says they have not forgotten their roots in the University when it comes to color schemes and design.

“Our blood does run red and black,” Hong Carter said.

With many stores closing up shop due to the recession, Hong Carter says she has not seen an effect on loblolly lane.

“Even with the recession and people watching their budget, [our prices] fall below [the] biggest competitors,” Hong Carter said.

Most of loblolly lane’s garments range from $20 – $30, and Hong Carter said everything is under $36, alterations included.

loblolly lane clothing is carried in boutiques in the Atlanta area, but custom orders can be placed via their Web site.

Hong Carter is now working on designing a handbag line and says she does her research and keeps up with what competitors are putting on their floors. Hong Carter said she compares loblolly lane’s style to J.Crew and Vineyard Vines.

“You can look unique and feel comfortable,” Hong Carter said.