Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leila Bernard, Founder of Picky Monday, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

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

Picky Monday helps parents find stylish and qualitative secondhand clothing for their babies and kids.

They can find Picky Monday selection:

  • Online with the e-shop.
  • During pop-ups and events in San Francisco and around.
  • During private appointments at the showroom (San Francisco).

My clients are primarily new parents who look for qualitative and stylish clothing for their kids. They also care about the environment and want to consume differently.

Tell us about yourself

I am a French mom of 2 kids living in San Francisco. I have loved secondhand clothing since my teenage years in France. It was, for me, the perfect way to find unique pieces and perfect my style (my nineties style :).

When I came to the US with my accounting degree, I started taking business management classes at City College while thinking about Picky Monday.

Today, I am happy to make secondhand clothing more accessible and attractive and to run an eco-friendly business.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Converting new families to buy secondhand. One of my most significant accomplishments is showing that secondhand can be an easy and fun alternative to fast fashion.

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

Finding a balance between work and personal life. When you own your business, primarily when you work from home, the boundaries between work and the rest of your life are thin. I had to find a way to work on it by limiting my workspace and by accepting to stop working when my children came back from school (even if I had to work after 9 pm).

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

  1. Create a business plan! I know it seems tedious, but you need to gather your ideas and clearly envision what you want.
  2. Listen to your clients! They are right. 🙂
  3. Be surrounded by positive and supportive friends, business partners, and accountability buddies. Exchange competencies, help, and be helped. You are not alone in your journey!

And if you are lost or overwhelmed, take a deep breath and think about why you started your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://pickymonday.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pickymonday
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickymonday/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leïla-bernard-90b9b9106/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.