It started with my wish for a little shade. It was summer. I was in graduate school in Texas and loved to take walks, but when the sun was at certain angles, it was brutal. God forbid I ran into someone and needed to chat for a few minutes in full sun.

I wanted something to shield myself when I needed it.

I daydreamed of a little black umbrella. I could use it or, when I didn’t need it, I could carry it closed and, either way, it would be adorable. It would be a fashion accessory as much as a necessity.

Fast forward 20 years and I was still daydreaming of that umbrella. I couldn’t find anything like it so, when I left my job as a writer for the federal government, I decided to see if I could have one made.

To do that, I had to learn about umbrellas.

What I wanted was a smaller canopy than a traditional umbrella. My idea is that it’s just enough shade for one person. This umbrella is meant for a busy sidewalk as much as it is a neighborhood stroll.  Slightly bigger than the brim of a hat, and lightweight enough to maneuver easily. Closed, it would retain the elegant proportions of an old-fashioned umbrella.

Conveying these proportions to the various manufacturers was the toughest part. What I wanted bucked the trend of umbrellas with larger canopies and the ability to fold small. I wanted something that would look like a traditional umbrella, only on a smaller scale. I am a lover of fashion, so it had to be stylish. I wanted it to enhance the holder’s own self-expression, offering the combo of sun protection and a killer look.

I found a manufacturer who understood my vision and was excited to work with me to bring it to life. Together, we created a prototype of the classic parasol available on our website and in stores today. Made with special UPF 50+ fabric, our umbrella blocks most of the sun’s harmful rays. It is as useful and polished as I dreamed it would be. Soon, we hope to bring a retractable version to market.

With Stroll Shade, we aren’t inventing something new—we’re bringing back a lost ritual with a new twist. Not too long ago, women carried parasols daily for walking, socializing, and traveling. They weren’t just practical; they were a part of a complete look. We want to retrieve the custom of carrying small umbrellas for shade made with today’s sun protection materials so that we can step confidently and playfully into any bright day. 

Love,
Corinna