You don’t need a perfect business plan, unlimited time, or every answer before you begin. You need the courage to take the next obvious step. Alyssa Russillio, founder of ROAM Village, shares how she built a children’s boutique while working full time, raising two daughters, and learning entrepreneurship one imperfect step at a time.
ROAM began with a simple frustration: finding quality children’s clothing that could survive real play without costing a fortune. After becoming a mother during COVID, Alyssa saw the need for a more intentional shopping experience, one where families could touch the fabrics, children could be children, and “muddy but clean” clothes could carry kids from outdoor adventures to dinner with family.
You’ll discover:
- How a business idea can stay alive for three or four years before the timing is finally right
- Why waiting can be a form of preparation, not failure
- How Alyssa balanced a corporate career, motherhood, and building ROAM after bedtime and what it means to have the support of a village along the way
- The realities of inventory, cash flow, sizing, sourcing, and running a brick-and-mortar store
- The role of social media in entrepreneurship and how how to find your audience through authenticity
- Why Alyssa’s best advice is simple: do the most obvious thing first
Through reflections on motherhood, creativity, and community, this is an honest conversation about entrepreneurship without the highlight reel: the fear, the financial uncertainty, the failed first attempt, the messy logistics, the unexpected joy, and the moments that make the work worth it. It’s essential listening for mothers, aspiring business owners, and anyone carrying an idea they’re not quite ready to pursue yet.
Sometimes the path forward isn’t a five-year plan. Sometimes it’s one phone call, one bank account, or one small step today.Connect with ROAM:
- Instagram/Facebook: @ROAMvillage
- TikTok: @roamvillage
- Location 20 West Main Street Lancaster NY 14086
Located in the Village of Lancaster in Western New York, ROAM Village offers durable, comfortable clothing alongside thoughtfully chosen books, toys, and resources for families.