To dream of having a clothing line when you grow up is one thing, but to establish one at the ambitious age of 16 is another. Junior Sarah Malphrus has accomplished this.

For over a year now, the clothing line ChimChiminee has produced “vintage, do-it-yourself clothing inspired by scenes from my childhood,” Malphrus said. “I especially like choo-choo trains and that sort of idea.”

Malphrus’ clothes are truly original. “I get a lot of my fabrics from dumpster diving, but there are some neat fabric stores where I like to shop,” she said.

Although Malphrus really admires singer Gwen Stefani’s type of style, her mother has been the most influential. “My mom has been sewing since she was a child, which helps because she knows everything there is to know,” she said.

Most designers only illustrate what they want others to make, but Malphrus does it all on her own. “Sometimes my mom adds the finishing touch but I’m pretty independent.”

Skirts, purses and tote bags are her specialty. “I used to make a lot of shirts but they are too detailed to make in abundance,” Malphrus said.

Although business isn’t necessarily hectic, “there are some busy periods. I have a website that people can order off of, but I mostly stick to local advertising, although I have had a few out of state orders,” she said.

For Sarah, this isn’t just a hobby. “I really have a passion for it and I would love to go to design school and make it into a life profession.”