Revolutionizing The Way Short Women Buy Clothes
Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us in your words, about your inspiring story? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
From as long as I can remember finding clothes that fit were a constant struggle, especially when you’re 4’ 9” like me! Pants were always too long and baggy. Cuffed or folded over, pants continuously made me look even shorter, nothing ever fit. Whether petite, “short” labeled, the fit was still not to my height. When buying pants for my height I would either have to take them to the seamstress to be hemmed or buy cropped lengths until Smitey.
Smitey gives you the option to pick your waist and length to fit your height and body. Cuff, tuck, fold no more, this California, female-run brand, manufactured in the United States is here changing women’s pants.
What are your top 3 mobile apps that help you stay organized and on top of your game?
Canva, Instagram, and Google Drive.
How do you use social media in your business?
We like to use social media to not only connect with our consumers but also share short girl problems, us shorties can relate to! We like to share weekly “short girl feels” that most short girls can relate to!
What social media platform is the best for business growth and why
We like using Instagram and TikTok. Instagram is a way to connect with our consumer while TikTok is great to help grow awareness.
How did you market your business when it was brand new?
We have created social marketing campaigns on Instagram as well as hosting giveaways. Giveaways help grow not only social following as well as create loyal customers. Once people try a product and fall in love they will continue to support your business.
We all face challenges, but looking back, what have been some of the biggest challenges and pitfalls you’ve had to navigate?
Our biggest challenge is our units. We have 3 times the amount of sizes than traditional fashion brands. We offer a waist and a length size. Currently, we offer 3 length sizes for every waist size.
What initiatives or actions do you believe are crucial for fostering a more supportive and inclusive business environment for women?
Size inclusivity! Petite sizing is not meant for shorter women. Every woman’s body is different. Some women might be heavier in the bottom and can’t fit into petite, but need a shorter length. Smitey focuses on catering to all shapes for the shorter girl. Men’s pants sizing comes in waist and length, where women sizing has one number. In order to be more size-inclusive we need to be able to customize our sizing better.
How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?
Smitey is unique for any other clothing brand. We currently offer 9 different sizes in our joggers, so women can choose their waist and length to fit their body.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
“Though she be little she is fierce” Smitey stands for small & mighty
Want more interviews with inspiring women in business? Meet entrepreneur Ann McKitrick, the founder of MOMentum and Nurtured Noggins, or read The Business of Yoga an interview with Kassandra Reinhardt, or learn about Sara Sutton Fell Founder and CEO of FlexJobs Who’s Making Meaningful Work From Home Happen, part of our interview series spotlighting successful women in business.
Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?
