Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Kimberly Allen, owner of Smarty Pants Co.!
To start, we asked Kimberly to share some fun facts about herself with us!
- When she graduated from college, she wanted to be in the fashion industry.
- She ended up in the trucking industry for over 20 years. Now, she is doing what she always wanted to do!
- She has two grown daughters and one grandson name Maxwell.
We asked Kimberly to share a little bit more about her business with us. Get to know her and her business, Smarty Pants Co., below!
How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?
“My first grandson was born 2019 and the selection for boys clothes was less than half of the girls selection, and the clothing had all these graphics and logos on them. I thought I [could] provide something better.
“I met with my two daughters and told them my idea. They thought it was a good idea and [were] willing to work with me on this adventure.”
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
“I thought I put fashionable boys clothing online and [that] people would come in droves. I was totally wrong and no one knew I was out there–and if they did, they did not quite trust me to give me their hard earned money. So I had to show them that we were creditable.”
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
“Marketing, marketing, and marketing again.”
Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?
“No, I have worked in a male-dominated business for over 20 years and it was nice to meet women who also had [an] e-commerce business to share information with.”
How do you persevere in challenging times?
“Sometimes I have sit back and regroup. I try to keep my eyes on my goals to push me forward.”
What impact do you want your business to have?
“I know that selling children’s clothing is not like finding a cure for cancer but, I want anyone who buys [our] products [to] know that they [are] getting quality and fashionable clothing that is not only comfortable for their children, but lets them feel great about their child’s appearance.”
What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2023?
“All I see are pros. I am able to be myself and [be] creative. I worked in [a] male-dominated field for over 20 years, and this feels freeing.”
What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
“Start with market research. I did not do a deep dive into market research and that hindered me.”
What do you do for personal and professional development?
“I signed up for coaching which always helps. I like to do a million different things and my coach keeps me grounded and not running around like a chicken with my head cut off.”
What mantra or quote do you live by?
“Fall seven times, get up eight.”
What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?
“Belle Isle!”
Where can our readers find you on social media?
You can follow Smarty Pants Co. on Facebook, Instagram, and on their website!
