Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp & Grits Kids was founded in 2007 by former art teacher Megan Hewitt in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Hewitt began designing children's clothing after leaving teaching to stay home with her first daughter. Her collections were inspired by her children and the Lowcountry surroundings of Charleston, with an emphasis on traditional Southern styling, colorful original prints and affordable clothing that allows children to dress like children.

The company sells coordinated clothing for infants and children, including smocked dresses, bubbles and rompers, boys' shirts and shorts, sibling-matching outfits, swimwear, loungewear, school uniforms, holiday collections, shoes, hair bows and other accessories. Its principal Shrimp & Grits Kids collections use classic designs, while its Serendipity collections feature more whimsical prints created by Hewitt.

Shrimp & Grits Kids originally expanded through trunk shows, personal selling and independent affiliates. The company reports that its affiliate organization grew to more than 2,000 participants nationwide. Its current program includes Hostesses, Associate Sales Representatives and Sales Representatives. Hostesses earn 10% to 17% in store credit, while Associate Sales Representatives earn 10% to 18% cash commissions on purchases made through their referral links. Participants qualify as Sales Representatives after generating $2,000 in seasonal sales and may then earn commissions on both their personal sales and sales produced by a team of Hostesses.

The current structure is more accurately described as an affiliate and social-selling program with a limited multilevel component rather than a conventional inventory-based MLM. Participants primarily share referral links, promote new collections through social media and organize virtual or in-person trunk shows. The company also sells directly to retail customers and offers wholesale accounts to independent boutiques.

Megan Hewitt, Founder, Owner and Designer