Tiffany Gil
Tiffany Gil (’21, Management/Entrepreneurship)
Founder
Shezza Socks
Q. What fueled your passion for entrepreneurship?
A. My parents. Both of them were small business owners — my mom used to have a hair salon and my dad still owns an autobody shop. I saw how hard they worked every day, but also thought it was so cool that they made all the decisions and never had to work under someone. It made me realize that if you’re going to work hard for someone, it might as well be yourself. Plus, working on a business you built from scratch makes the work you do incredibly meaningful and fulfilling.
Q. Can you discuss how you developed your product line and your company?
A. I developed my product after the frustration and pain I had breaking in my new leather Doc Martens boots. The back of the shoe would always dig into my heel and every time I took a step, it was misery. When I couldn’t find any good solutions to alleviate my problem, I started brainstorming about creating a better sock. Shortly afterward, I took a sewing class at my community college and built my first prototype. Many years and many prototypes came and went before I actually launched the business, but throughout the process, I never, ever gave up. In the end, that’s all that really matters.
Q. Do young female entrepreneurs face any special challenges? If so, what are they?
A. Yes, but it’s a lot better today and there are a ton of amazing opportunities for young female entrepreneurs. The business world can seem male dominated, and I think as women, we might be more afraid to ask for things or to be in charge. But today, women are breaking out of their comfort zones, speaking up and leading more than ever. It’s exciting to think about how much the business world has changed for women in the last 30 years and makes me very eager for the future.
Q. Do you have any advice for budding female entrepreneurs?
A. Even if you don’t have a business idea now, then that’s okay! You should try to learn from smart people with years of experience ahead of you and learn everything you can from them. Don’t worry about how much money you will make — the most important thing to do while you are young is to learn and grow. Once you have a solid set of skills, you can take that anywhere.
But whether you are a woman or a man, you can do it. It’s scary and overwhelming, but if you really have a problem you’re passionate about solving, or an idea that was planted inside of YOUR mind, not anybody else’s, you never know where it might take you. Also, if you are very independent, are a natural “rebel”, or do things or see things differently than others, then entrepreneurship is probably for you.
