Moms Who Made It - Alyssa Kerbel

This week we're featuring Alyssa Kerbel founder of mini mioche. After the birth of her daughter, Alyssa found it very difficult to find simple, ethically-made clothing basics. Her experience in the fashion industry led her to create her own line of organic clothing that is soft, comfy, versatile and comes in gender neutral colors. Now that's a mom who has made it! 

Describe your business philosophy in 5 words or less:

Take action, learn, then tweak.

What inspired you to go into business?

I owned and operated another business at the time, a wholesale fashion agency, where we sold women’s and men’s fashion brands to retailers.  It was a great business and I’ve always loved the art of selling but I had a strong itch to try and create my own brand – something that I could develop from concept to product and that I would ultimately have more control over.  I had just had my first child (this was back in the fall of 2007) and I wanted to dress her in a similar way to how I dress (simple, soft, comfy basics are pretty much my daily uniform).  I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for.  So I decided to create mini mioche - partly to fill a  void in the market and partly to fill a void in my own career.

When did you know you, “made it?”

I honestly still feel like I’m trying to ‘make it’ every day.   But I suppose in looking back I would probably say it was the first time I paid myself from the business (which was five long years after I initially launched it)!

Who is your mentor?

I have been fortunate to have many mentors and coaches throughout my entrepreneurial journey but if I had to name one, it would be my sister-in-law Carolyn, who is both an inspiring business leader and an incredible mother.  She truly gets the never-ending challenge that comes with trying to build an amazing career and be the wife and mother you want to be.

What’s your #1 tip for moms interested in starting their own business?

Don’t overthink it.  If you have a vision and you believe in what you’re doing, you can make it happen.  Every great business was built by taking action - just putting one foot in front of the other. Also, surround yourself with like-minded people who are on a similar path. These will become ‘your people’.

What does “me” time mean to you?

It means time on my own spent doing things that make me feel good.  That might be working out, reading, listening to a podcast, zoning out with Netflix, getting a massage, meditating or even napping.  It’s time devoted to relaxing and recharging because I recognize everything in my world works better when I feel good.

What‘s on your bedside table?

I typically have 3 different business books that I’m working my way through simultaneously but recently, I’ve pretty much put those aside to focus on my own personal development.  My recent favorites are Super Attractor by Gabby Bernstein and Un#@%! Yourself by Gary John Bishop (a good one if you are constantly spinning in your own mind).

Words to live by - Share your favorite quote!