Technology

Meet the 17-Year-Old Founder Behind Pink Palm Puff: The $89 Hoodies Taking Gen Alpha by Storm!

2025-03-22

Author: Jia

In an age where fashion trends can spread like wildfire through social media, one brand has captured the hearts of tweens and teens alike—Pink Palm Puff. Founded by Lily Balaisis at just 15 years old, this Toronto-based label has skyrocketed in popularity, offering $89 hoodies that have quickly become a must-have status symbol for young girls.

The buzz surrounding Pink Palm Puff began in summer when Lauren Brown's 8-year-old daughter, Ada, insisted on owning one of these chic hoodies. What fascinated her? "I thought they would be so comfy, and I loved the designs and colors," Ada shared. As the obsession grew, so too did the brand's visibility, largely thanks to digital platforms like YouTube and TikTok, which significantly amplified its reach.

Lily Balaisis is no ordinary teen; her talent for tapping into the ever-changing landscape of fashion and social marketing has been instrumental in the brand's meteoric rise. With over 545,000 followers on TikTok and nearly 565,000 subscribers on YouTube, Pink Palm Puff’s community continues to grow. The brand was meticulous in crafting its identity, launching with pastel sweatshirts that not only look good but are also exceptionally comfortable, according to the young entrepreneur.

What's more, Lily's passion for hoodies isn’t new. "If you looked in my closet, there were hundreds of hoodies; I would call myself a hoodie fanatic," she explained. This genuine love for the product has undoubtedly translated into her business acumen. Additionally, the hoodies come in luxurious packaging, complete with dust bags that elevate the unboxing experience—a clever marketing tactic tailored for the Instagram generation.

Interestingly, the appeal of Pink Palm Puff doesn't stop with the hoodies; in February, the brand expanded its offerings to include matching pajama sets—also priced at $89—which have sold out rapidly, indicating a strong market demand. This appeal even led to the emergence of counterfeit products, signaling that Lily's brand is solidifying its place in teen culture.

Despite the pressure of running a business at 17, Lily is balancing her entrepreneurial aspirations with her educational goals. She's transitioning to online schooling to accommodate her growing schedule and plans to further her education in college. “Managing my time is definitely the hardest part,” she admits, though she remains energized by the thrill of her venture.

Looking ahead, Pink Palm Puff is set to launch more colors and even a swimsuit line, with dreams of expanding internationally. Balaisis is committed to ensuring that any growth maintains the brand's quality and aesthetic appeal.

Pink Palm Puff's ascent is likened to the popular Stanley tumbler, which saw sales soar from $70 million in 2019 to a staggering $750 million in 2023, primarily driven by the power of social media. As Lily Balaisis continues to make waves, one thing is for sure: she is redefining teenage entrepreneurship with her stylish and trendy approach to fashion.

Stay tuned—this brand isn’t just about hoodies; it’s about creating a cultural phenomenon and shaping the next generation of fashion!