Starting a Children's Wear Business Before Parenthood

The idea struck me back in 2008, on an icy day when I found myself putting a bib on my infant nephew. His delicate red hairs got tangled, causing him to cry out. As I hurried to change his clothes, which wasn't easy in the cold, he let out more cries. My sister joined in soon after. Couldn't these fasteners be magnetic? It would make everything so much simpler!

At that moment, baby clothing hadn’t seen much change since the introduction of the zipper, which was nearly half a century old. Zippers themselves were uncommon, with snaps being the standard. I wasn't a mother, but I believed strongly in the demand for baby garments that could be easily closed with magnetic fasteners.

My career was in investment banking, yet I was eager to venture into my enterprise. Inspired by my mother, who opened her bakery during my childhood, I felt drawn to entrepreneurship. Lawrence, my best friend from college and a lawyer by trade, became the obvious partner for this venture. His parents ran their own stores and, like me, he yearned for something beyond the corporate grind.

Two Years of Preparation Before Launch

Although neither Lawrence nor I were parents then, seeing our parents as entrepreneurs taught us the value of hard work. After our normal work hours, we dedicated numerous nights and weekends to establishing Magnetic Me. We spent two years involved in extensive research and development.

Our roles naturally divided as co-founders. I took charge of the design, given Lawrence’s color blindness, and he managed the mundane but crucial legalities and daily operations. By 2010, our company was in motion and has expanded rapidly ever since, growing to a team of 46.

Collaboration in a Shared Office

In New York, Magnetic Me now occupies an entire floor, yet Lawrence and I continue to share an office space. Even with the luxury of more room, we prefer being close to bounce ideas off one another continuously.

We hold equal titles as co-founders, but technically, Lawrence reports to me in our organizational chart. It’s essentially a procedural matter because we consult on virtually everything. This arrangement also clarifies our workflow, as we strive to meet each other's expectations for excellence.

Teaching the Value of Hard Work to My Children

Three years after our company's inception, I became a mother to three children in a span of 15 months, including twins. Using our products as a parent has been truly affirming, validating our extensive preparations and confirming I wouldn't alter a single aspect.

My children, now 12 and 10, occasionally assist with the business. Whether organizing orders in the warehouse or tidying displays at boutiques nationwide, I expect their contributions to be meaningful.

Having witnessed my mother’s immense determination, I expect my kids to grasp the essence of diligence. Though their circumstances are more comfortable than mine were, I am committed to ensuring they comprehend that effort is essential. My dedication to our family serves as a model, and they need to earn their achievements too.