Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jasper Katz, founder of Pink Sneaker Styling, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I offer personal styling services for queer, trans, and fat folks. Clothing so often makes us feel like we are undeserving and less-than, especially in these three communities. It tells us there are rules, that there are right ways and wrong ways to get dressed. But I believe that clothes should be nothing less than a source of joy: they should make us feel like the most authentic versions of ourselves. Pink Sneaker Styling isn't here to tell anyone what to wear. It's here to help people figure out what they want to wear and support them in wearing exactly that.

Tell us about yourself

I started Pink Sneaker Styling because, as a fat, trans person, clothing was my way home to myself when everything else felt dangerous. I remember growing up and never recognizing myself. When I looked in the mirror, I was always surprised by how I looked. One day, something clicked, and I saw myself reflecting back at me. I happened to be wearing pink sneakers that day, and I now have a tattoo of pink sneakers on my arm, reminding me that no matter how far from myself I feel, I am always right here.

Since then, I have done a lot of trial and error, figuring out the outfits that make me feel like me, and the ones that don't. I want to do this work because I want everyone to have their "pink sneakers" moment, to feel like it is safe and good to come home to themselves, in whatever outfits they want.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, I think just starting is a pretty big accomplishment. I am so afraid of Pink Sneaker Styling failing or not working out, but I'm still showing up each day because I believe in it and what it can do. Also, the clients I've had so far have all been marvelous, and the chance to get to know them and work with them is such a privilege and a joy I never thought I'd have.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Not having a bigger structure around me is pretty scary. Especially as a brand-new business owner, it is difficult to come from a 9-5 office to this, where everything is up to and depends on me. It is exhilarating and exciting but also terrifying.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. As Nike says, just do it. You don't know what you don't know, and sometimes the only way to find out is to start and figure it out as you go.
  2. Be gentle with yourself. Not every day is a great day, but that doesn't mean it's your fault, and it doesn't mean you don't deserve kindness and rest.
  3. Don't do the things you don't want to do. One of the biggest reasons I started a business was to be able to do things when I felt like them and take breaks when I didn't. It has been so hard not to force myself to do the things that don't feel natural, but I think Pink Sneaker Styling is a much better business, and I am a much better stylist when I do the things that feel natural and authentic to me.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Pink Sneaker Styling is a brand new business, so I would love to connect with other queer, trans, or fat small business owners!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pinksneakerstyling.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinksneakerstyling/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.