Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Detrow
Hi Liz, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was 19, during the height of COVID, I started my first brand, ilysmkinda, as a creative outlet while stuck at home. I began making hoodies, T-shirts, hats, and sweatpants with no funding or resources, learning everything through trial and error. I handled everything myself, from designing and sourcing to marketing and shipping. Despite the challenges, I grew the brand quickly, reaching thousands of customers within the first few months. That experience taught me everything I know about running a business and social media marketing.
Over the past year, I have fallen in love with Pilates and the positive impact it has on both my physical and mental health. I look forward to my classes every day! I wanted to combine that passion with my love for design and I kept wishing there were cuter grip socks available. So, I started creating my own, which led to the idea for my new company. It feels like the perfect way to bring together everything I love, and I am so excited to see where it goes!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road at all, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason! I’ve had to learn from some tough mistakes. Running ilysmkinda was like having training wheels for learning how to run a business. I made mistakes, but those experiences taught me so much. I learned how to handle finances, create effective marketing strategies, and connect with customers in meaningful ways.
Now, at 23, I feel ready, prepared, and so much more knowledgeable as I dive into my new business. I have the tools and confidence to approach things with a solid foundation, and I’m more passionate than ever. I know the lessons I’ve learned, even the hard ones, will guide me and set me up for success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My focus is on creating functional grip socks that are cute and perfect for Pilates, Lagree, Yoga, Barre, and daily movement. What sets my brand apart is the combination of high-quality socks that are amazing for your workout, without compromising on style.
I’m so proud to be building something I’m truly passionate about. Pilates has been such a fun and empowering part of my life, and I love combining my creativity with one of my biggest passions! It feels amazing to bring multiple things I love together into this brand.
For anyone who loves Pilates, I think you’ll love my socks too! If you want a discount code, DM @acegripsocks on Instagram saying you came from this article, and I’ll send you a code!
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I started my brand ilysmkinda during COVID, which was such a crazy and uncertain time. I had no idea what I was doing at first, but being stuck at home gave me the time to focus and really go for it. It taught me to take risks, trust myself, and figure things out along the way. Looking back, I’m so proud that I turned such a challenging time into something positive and meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acegripsocks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acegripsocks/?hl=en
