Confident, ambitious and adventurous. This is how Penn State student Sydney DeMedio describes her clothing brand, Wander Babe. The travel-inspired apparel puts comfort and fashion at the center of airport attire. VALLEY had the opportunity to speak with DeMedio about being a student business owner, upcoming product releases and the future of Wander Babe.
Meet Sydney
Currently a sophomore in the Smeal College of Business, DeMedio started the clothing and accessory brand as a way to help people feel comfortable and confident while traveling. Her designs are influenced by her own travel habits.
A lot of my designs come from different travel memories or just inspirations that I get from traveling.
DeMedio said that her favorite place she’s traveled to so far is Rome, Italy. She gushed about the city’s rich history and the various cooking and food tours.
When she’s not traveling or running Wander Babe, she’s going to class and taking exams like every other student. DeMedio admits that it’s difficult to balance a business with academics and a social life, but focuses on improving her time management to accomplish her goals.
Wander Far, Wander Always
When asked about the recent discourse surrounding airport fashion and whether travelers should wear laid-back clothes or professional outfits, DeMedio emphasized that people should wear whatever feels comfortable.
People just want to feel cozy on the airplane or the train, wherever they’re going. So, that’s my take on it. I just say, be comfortable, but, you know, keep up a cute look as well.
Jet Set To McLanahan’s
If you’re still looking for comfy fits for campus or the perfect sweat set to wear on spring break, Wander Babe has you covered. Their website has a variety of sweat sets, hats and luggage tags to fit various personal styles. If you prefer to shop in person, you can take a walk down College Avenue to McLanahan’s to check out two different sweat sets and other Wander Babe accessories.
After McLanahan’s reached out to her via Instagram to carry part of her collection, Wander Babe held a pop-up in front of the store on Oct. 10 to promote the launch. DeMedio describes it as “surreal” to pass by the store knowing her products are inside, and she loves seeing people sporting her brand out in the wild.
It’s insane that people are wearing it out on campus. It’s so fun to see everyone wearing it.
Where To Now?
DeMedio offered VALLEY some teasers about what’s next for Wander Babe. In the short term, expect some new color drops for Valentine’s Day. She also wants to do pop-ups around college campuses, so be sure to follow them on Instagram and TikTok for updates!
In the next few years, DeMedio hopes to take Wander Babe to the next level by eventually collaborating with different airlines, airports and influencers. Her dream would be working with American Airlines or Emirates.
For those interested in working with other ambitious peers, DeMedio wants to grow her team in the future. She recently hired a social media intern, but down the road, there may be positions for accounting or supply chain interns.
[I] definitely want to incorporate students, and be able to grow with them.
Let us know where your wanderlust takes you, and show off your Wander Babe fits by tagging @VALLEYMag on Instagram!
