The Wayne-based accessories company RainCaper, started by a mother and daughter team, is using fine art to make everyday items into something special, writes Lisa Dukart for Philadelphia Business Journal.

Jan Hartman and Lindsay Hagerman created the niche business in 2016 after Hartman closed her Wayne shop, Flag Lady Gifts, figuring after 24 years it was time to retire.

But then, in response to customer comments, she created a cape for rainy days that could also be used in cooler weather.

Hartman brought samples to the Philadelphia Gift Show and discovered they were in demand.

“[I had] no delivery date, no [stock keeping units], no price, no packaging, nothing. They said they liked them, here are your orders,” Hartman recalled.

She and her daughter started marketing the RainCaper signature piece in 2016 and have expanded with other apparel and accessories, from texting-friendly gloves to umbrellas, shawls, totes, and hats.

After Hartman made a custom piece for herself featuring a print of Maurice Prendergast’s “Umbrellas in the Rain,” they incorporated it into their products. It sold well.

 “And that was the aha moment. Maybe art is going to have some legs,” Hartman recalled. “And it really, really took off.”

Read more about RainCaper at Philadelphia Business Journal.

Lindsay Hagerman talks about using art to stand out on Shopify and Amazon.