In this episode of the Small Business Big Deal podcast, host Tracy Jepson interviews Roxanne Alford, the founder of Short Stuff, a sustainable children's clothing brand inspired by her experiences as a new mom. Roxanne shares her journey from working in IT sales to launching her own brand, driven by a desire for gender-neutral clothing and educational products for children. The conversation explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, including sourcing sustainable materials, balancing personal life with business, and the importance of community feedback. Roxanne emphasizes the significance of resilience, personal growth, and breaking stereotypes in the fashion industry. In this engaging conversation, Roxanne Alford shares her journey as an entrepreneur, discussing her unique skills, the launch of her new collection, and the importance of support systems for women in business. She emphasizes the significance of pursuing one's passions, balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, and the value of community among women. Roxanne also reflects on her aspirations for her business and the legacy she hopes to create.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Roxanne Alford and Short Stuff
03:33 The Journey to Entrepreneurship
05:54 Sourcing Suppliers and Sustainability
08:07 Balancing Personal Life and Business
10:33 Financing the Startup
11:39 Risks in Entrepreneurship
14:22 Personal and Professional Growth
16:43 Inspirations and Resilience
18:34 Learning from Experience
20:18 Creating a Sense of Home
21:54 Feedback and Community Engagement
23:27 Gender Neutrality in Children's Clothing
25:08 Fun and Useless Skills
25:54 Useless Skills and Hidden Talents
27:21 The World of Wonder Collection
30:08 Lunch with Influential Figures
32:08 Building a Legacy through Business
35:43 Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
39:07 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
42:13 Where to Find Short Stuff Shop