Unchartered Waters

There are not many children’s clothing companies in the direct sales channel. LikeWear is a fusion of a casual, hip boutique kids clothing line and a direct sales company like Mary Kay or The Pampered Chef. But we’re very different than the majority of direct sales companies. We allow our reps to sell to boutique clothing stores. Our merchandise is in the moderate to better price range. And the majority of our initial independent representatives have not worked for direct sales companies before. So there are few (if any) companies after which to model ourselves.

Although it’s really cool to be breaking new ground, it can be very challenging to write the rules as you go. Over the years, in various situations, I have returned repeatedly to one of my favorite quotes for strength and determination:

“You’ll never discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

Well, the shore is no longer in sight for us. We have jumped into the creation of this business with both feet – cannonball style – pulling our family into the water with us!

I have often wondered what my life would be like if we didn’t start LikeWear. Would it be easier? Well, I’d certainly have more free time. But more time for what…errands, cleaning out closets, working out, watching TV, shopping? Sounds pretty good on the surface, but I know I’d get bored after a while. Creating a new business in a new channel in a new category is exhilarating and rewarding and frustrating and difficult. But it’s never boring - which is a good thing because I was never one for treading water.