Continue to help others and keep giving, sharing contacts and information with people you meet along the way. Don’t be afraid to do this the rewards are tremendous.
Stacey Goldstein grew up in the garment business and always had a passion for wanting to follow in her grandparents footsteps. Stacey’s grandparents Jean and Henry Feinberg were in the apparel business since the 1920’s. Henry was one of the original manufactures on 7th Ave ( garment center) and was the owner of a company called Highlight Fashions. Stacey’s grandfather was well known in the industry for producing garments that were fashion forward high quality and fit flawlessly. Stacey’s grandmother Jean owned a designer dress shop in Brooklyn where her customers were the wealthy socialites of NY, actresses and politician’s wives. Her specialty was exclusivity not mass-produced items. Both emphasized the importance of the fit of a garment and that is something that Stacey will not compromise on with Lola Getts.
Where did the idea for Lola Getts come from?
In 2009 my life changed forever and I made the decision to do something that would empower women and make a difference. I was done raising my children and it was now my time to focus on my career instead of someone else’s. While in a cycling class in Arizona I asked myself ” Did the plus size woman not come to the gym because she had nothing to wear?” After doing extensive research I found out their was a void in the marketplace and I was going to figure out a way to offer this woman fashionable, great fitting and affordable active wear made exclusively for her. Lola Getts was launched in July of 2012 with my partner Jodi with one goal in mind: We were going to give the plus size women garments that would make her feel good and confident so she could embrace her active lifestyle whatever it may be.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
No day is typical when you own a startup. I always begin my day early by reading emails and planning what I need to tackle first. I wear many hats since our organization is lean and mean. Along with doing all the design, fit and creative stuff for the actual garments I also do PR and marketing to get Lola Getts out there. I try and keep myself organized with notes and lists so that I can be laser focused.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I read a lot and look at my on trend activewear websites. I like to find what is happening in the regular size market and reinterpret it to work for the curvy girl. I am blessed with 2 amazing pattern makers and a size 16 fit model that really help to make the garments come to life!
What’s one trend that really excites you?
That activewear and athleisure have become an integral part of every woman’s wardrobe. However in the curvy girl space this trend still seems to be not nearly as saturated as the regular size market.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as a entrepreneur?
I always find 1 hour a day where I exercise usually a walk or a Soul Cycle class to help clear my head and get my creative juices flowing
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
The worst job I ever had was working in an office and crunching numbers all day, not a great use of my talents. I know how important this is to any business and I’m so thankful for my partner Lois Ungar who does a tremendous job.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I don’t think I would do anything differently. I’ve learned so much from even the mistakes we have made along the way.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Continue to help others and keep giving, sharing contacts and information with people you meet along the way. Don’t be afraid to do this the rewards are tremendous.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Build a great team with positive people on the team and don’t hesitate to delegate.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Manufacturing a production run for a retailer who clearly didn’t know the size of their audience. We were fortunate to do a sale on GMA Deals and Steals to get brand awareness and sell off some of this merchandise.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Manufacturing wide socks and shoes for the plus size woman because she has a very difficult time finding either of these items.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Taking business contacts to Soul Cycle for a ride and then do our meeting after. Everyone leaves feeling so good about themselves because they get to do something for themselves and we are so much more productive after!
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
Our current website is on a Magento platform and we use Aims360 for our back office system. I’m the wrong person to ask what I love about them since is not my area at Lola Getts.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
In My Shoes by Tamara Mellon because it covers how an amazing idea can become a industry innovator and leader.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
Laurie Champagne – A brilliant digital market and innovator in this space.
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.