This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating all week long by highlighting female founders who innovate and inspire. We caught up with Lindsay Albanese, founder of her namesake Serviceable Style™ brand, to learn more about how she got her start, her biggest challenges in business, and her advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Read on to get the scoop!
Your TOPTOTE invention is a best-seller on lspace.com! What inspired you to start your business?
I was sick of carrying my hat on vacation and I thought, "There has to be a better way." And there wasn't! So, I invented a solution.
What surprised you most when you first started out?
It baffled me with how long it takes to create a product and how many steps go into launching one little thing. It's so much to this day, I'm still surprised by it!
What has been your biggest challenge?
100% self-funding my own business and making bold, yet practical financial decisions to be able to keep up with demand and scale our brand.
What are you most proud of?
Launching this brand and being profitable after only 2 years in business. I took the biggest leap of faith in my life launching this brand and we're growing every day - during a pandemic, no less!
Aside from hats, what’s the ONE accessory you can’t live without?
My rings. They're the timeline and story of my life, from my engagement ring to my mom's wedding band.
Where’s the first place you’ll visit once we’re able to travel again?
Back to Italia!
What are some things people can do to make a staycation feel a little more like a real vacation?
Fancy champagne and crab legs and candlelight - it's all about that ambiance, food, and drink!
What’s one piece of professional advice you’d give to women?
Stop thinking and start doing! Thinking is first gear and action is what brings the motivation and takes you to the finish line.
What things have you been doing to help you stay focused and motivated during this challenging year?
The to-do list of a start-up brand is never ending so I have no choice but to be motivated to get it all done and grow my brand - which is a passion! TikTok is also something I started during the pandemic and has given me an outlet to show another side of me, which has been a lot of fun.
L*SPACE is about welcoming everyday moments, no matter how big or small. What brings joy to your everyday (ex: a favorite recipe, daily workout, etc)?
Daily, it's coffee and quiet time in the morning to properly ease into the day. This is something I have only learned to do the past few years and it's life changing.
Shop TOPTOTE on our site here, and at lindsayalbanse.com.
You can follow Lindsay on Instagram here!