Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion and lifestyle but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Libby Fitzgerald, Founder & CEO of Sea Star Beachwear, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Sea Star Beachwear is a specialized lifestyle brand that designs, manufactures, and sells fashionable water shoes for men, women, and children. Launched in 2015, we re-imagined the classic espadrille style with a neoprene upper and rubber sole to create the ultimate water sport shoe. Our shoes are affordable, durable, comfortable, and cool. They easily transition from ocean swimming to rocky beaches or rainy city pavement and dry in 15 minutes.
Tell us about yourself
In the summer of 2015, I was vacationing with my family on a coral-strewn beach in the Caribbean. I was wearing flimsy, unattractive water shoes, and my teenage boys were quick to call me out! The shoes were quickly packed away once we’d had our fun in the sun.
The trip got me thinking: Did attractive and well-made water shoes even exist? An exhaustive search came up empty, and I saw an opportunity for a water shoe that combined fashion and function equally. Instead of beach shoes, you can’t wait to take off. I wanted to create the ultimate water shoe–a classic pair perfect for ocean swimming, rocky beaches, and rainy city pavement for the whole family to love.
I am motivated by seeing that our product filled a “white space” of functional footwear that did not exist and that our customer enjoys wearing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment would be starting a brand from scratch, getting design patents on our “hero” products, and building a successful DTC and wholesale business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a business owner, specifically in the fashion retail industry, is navigating the ever-changing landscape. What is working today may change tomorrow. For example, we have seen great success with our recent in-home mailers. However, 5 years ago, people would have balked at this idea as the industry was solely focusing on email marketing as their line of communication to customers.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Friends, family, and fellow entrepreneurs are always willing to lend a hand and be supportive.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You learn the most from failure and redirection.
- Fake it ‘til you make it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.seastarbeachwear.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063891734568
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seastarbeachwear/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seastarbeachwear/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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