My daughter was born January 30, 2016. We launched our Kickstarter on February 18, 2016.
The idea for The Groomsman’s Suit (TGS) came long before I started my family. At my own wedding in 2013, my husband and I experienced the typical tuxedo rental experience; poor fit, looked worn, the guys went through the hassle of last minute pick up and alterations, etc. But it wasn’t until the morning after our wedding when a few of the guys had to jet out of town early, that I took on the task of returning a couple of the tuxedos for them, the day after the wedding. While returning them, I got a glance at the receipt, the guys had paid over $250 for those tuxedos, that they wore for one day! I felt terrible that they had spent so much, on something that didn’t even fit or look that great, but my husband assured me that this is what all guys do, “they’re used to it” he said. With all of the options for bridesmaid dresses and the experience the girls go through to get dressed, it seemed wrong.
I didn’t do anything with the idea right away. My background is in fashion. I had been working as a Technical Designer, basically creating the fit and construction for apparel that would then be mass produced. As part of this role in brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Talbots, and Under Armour, I also was responsible for many aspects of production so I had a lot of knowledge and experience taking something from idea to product, and then getting it out to the world to wear.
The tuxedo rental experience stuck with me, I knew that if I could figure out a way to design a great fitting tuxedo that guys could purchase for around the same price as a rental, there would be a market for it, specifically for weddings.
Soon after the wedding, we had an opportunity to move to New York for my husbands job. That’s really when the ability to have samples made opened up. That along with the boom of an amazing new platform called Kickstarter, we had the chance to test the concept before actually investing our life savings on a few-hundred suits.
I know fashion, but I won’t pretend that I knew much of anything about starting or running an actual business. Thankfully my childhood friend, Diana Ganz did. After reaching out to her, hoping to get some business savvy advice, conversation quickly turned into the realization that we were pretty much perfect partners for this. Both having secure, well-paying jobs, it made sense to abandon all of that and go full force into selling men’s suits to wedding parties, we had found our calling, plus we got to hang out together and brainstorm over rosé. Looking back, we were so sure of this, no one could have convinced us otherwise and I’m so happy we both didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into.
Since my daughter was born, the business has achieved so much. We created an incredible line of suits and tuxedos. We partnered with innovative manufacturers produce those designs and brought them to market as the first line of suits and tuxes that men and their groomsmen can buy for the big day, all at a price point less than the average rental (yes, we’re talking $200 or less). We’ve now dressed 20,000 men and their friends and family members on one of the most important days of their life and we’ve built a team that delivers the level of customer service that matches the importance of that day.
In the past two years, I’ve probably learned more about business than in any other period of my career. But to be honest, that’s nothing compared to what I’ve learned about myself, what I want for my family, what I want for my career, and how the notion of “having it all” just isn’t real. It’s all about choices, cuts, tweaks, and sacrifices to design the best possible version of your life.
Starting a family and starting a business within 18 days of each other sounds a little crazy. And to be honest, I’m not sure I’d recommend it. But in case your considering this, “a little crazy” combination, the most important thing to know is that if you have the right team and the right plan, you can do it! And here are my tips for how to make it happen.
It all starts with your team.
First, start at home. Your significant other needs to be on board. In fact, I’d say, enthusiastically onboard. Starting a company requires sacrifice and adjustment. So does starting a family. Doing both at the same time is like putting yourself in the vortex of a tornado, and you will need your partner’s physical, mental, and emotional support.
Next up is your business partner. Get the absolutely best one you can find, or afford. Build a strong relationship before your baby comes and make sure it is built on a mutual desire for each of you to achieve success not just for the business, but also personally. And know that either of you would do anything in your power to give that to the other person.
Lastly, your first hires. When you first launch, it’s the biggest opportunity to hire dreamers. People who will take the leap to join your team almost solely because they believe in you and your vision. Take advantage of this and find and hire these dreamers. They will work harder for you and the business, and bring more passion to their role than anyone you hire on dollars and cents. And when you start your family, you’re especially going to need the kind of dreamers that so deeply want you and your vision to be successful.
Next up, money.
Here’s a cold hard reality. You need to be prepared that you may not make any money. However long you’re thinking it will take to make money, double that amount of time. However much you think it will cost to get your business running, double that number. For me, I didn’t take a salary for over a year, so we went from two strong incomes, down to one. This is challenging for any couple to take on at any time, but when you do it at the same time as starting a family, it’s like bringing a financial seesaw into your household because you’re working at least as much, making no money, and your expenses are soaring.
Among all the financial decisions, childcare is a specific expense you need to have a strong plan for. For first-time moms like myself, this was particularly hard. How much work could I get done with the baby home with me? How much childcare help did I really need? When? I for one thought I needed very little help and that I would be able to “do it all.” I had 3 months of maternity leave to work with Diana to build this business, that should be enough time to get this thing making money right? Time was up, 3 months goes by fast and the reality was, I had to go back to work, we weren’t completely ready financially and, well…health insurance.
Thankfully, Diana was able to go at it full time and I faced leaving my two babies; the business and Francesca. Ouch.
Thankfully, the business continued to grow over the next few months, I found nights and weekends (and lunch breaks) to work on it, I knew I had to find a way to get back to it full time. After my husband found a great job with benefits that would allow me to leave mine, I took the leap. We found a great babysitter that would come for a few hours while we would pack orders, run to the warehouse or meet with potential customers, wedding planners etc. We eased into the childcare needs and flexed where we could so that we weren’t over extending ourselves financially. The majority of the time, I had Francesca strapped to me in a baby carrier as she watched her mom and auntie Diana grow this business.
So long story short, you may be able to hedge costs here for a while, but not forever. It’s all about your support system and I cannot stress more the need for a great partner. You have to be realistic but figure out where you actually need the help, and find it.
You don’t need to be shaking hands or kissing any babies except your own.
Early on, I felt some guilt. My business partner was flying around, closing deals, making partnerships. When you remove that physical running—running to the airport, jetting off to meetings, and grabbing last minute drinks out with industry experts late night—out of starting the business from your role, it can make you question if the people doing those things are working harder or doing something more important. This is just something you have to get over.
Your skills are many. Focus, focus, focus on what aspects of the business need your attention without stepping foot on a plane. I assure you there are many. Put your head down and make them happen. The rewards the business will see from this focused time will be incredible.
In closing, every entrepreneur has their own path. Don’t compare yourself or your business trajectory to others. You’re doing something different and there will be no one size fits all. It isn’t easy being your own boss, but there are perks, and if you have the team, the financial set up, and the right mindset, you can make your dream a reality, with your little one right by your side.
Thank you for taking the time to read. If you’re thinking of having a business and a baby at the same time, I hope I’ve imparted something useful. Or at least let you know you aren’t alone!
