We recently connected with Jade Sklaver and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jade thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
The biggest challenge to profitability in the sneaker industry is having to stock inventory and add skus to each season.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
StyleChild is a fashion forward children’s sneaker brand for boys and girls of all ages. Our brand is designed with style and ease in mind. Our unique label offers convenient easy-to-wear styles with elastic laces, velcro, or side inner zippers. StyleChild can be dressed up or down; from school to lounging at home, our on-trend brand allows kids to sparkle at an affordable price. On our website we carry not only our brand, but a few other clothing and accessory brands we love that help complete the look!
I was born in NYC and lived there until middle school when my family then moved to Boca Raton, FL. Growing up in Boca I actually never thought I would come back because I loved fashion and only wanted to be in NYC. However, after living in “the City” post-college and working in corporate fashion for many years, I was ready for a change. After getting married, my then husband and I moved back to Boca, knowing it was a perfect place to raise a family. Fast forward a few years, a house, a baby, a divorce…I realized that the “white picket fence” just wasn’t enough for me and I truly needed something to call my own that I was passionate about.
While pregnant with Liv and yearning for a passion project, I started building the foundation for what is now StyleChild. The business started by reselling cute and trendy “no label” sneakers and clothes, and as popularity grew, I knew I needed a brand of my own to stand behind. Fast forward two years and going through a divorce at a young age, I wanted to do something on my own and be my own boss. I was determined to prove to myself that I could build something despite the constant advice to “get a real job” after my divorce. Nothing motivates me more than proving I can do something that I am told I can’t. I took a leap of faith and put all my money into building StyleChild as a brand. I committed to working directly with factories to design, manufacture, and produce sneakers under the StyleChild label. Since then StyleChild has grown into over 30 exclusive styles, retails in stores all across the country and in Canada, and has a highly trafficked website. Now as a growing business, what truly continues to motivate me is my daughter Liv, and seeing how proud she is when she comes into the showroom. I am motivated every single day to teach my daughter independence, determination and confidence as a female in the world today
Our sneakers are designed with style and ease in mind. As a mother to a 4-year-old, I know the struggle it takes to get a pair of sneakers on and get out the door—and it is real (especially when they want to do everything themselves!). With that in mind, I made sure all of our sneakers could be easily and quickly put on and taken off by little hands. While many of our sneakers are designed with laces, you’ll notice they all have a side zipper for easy access, and the laces become part of the aesthetic once fit and tied securely to the foot. Whether it be with zippers, velcro, or elastic laces, it is imperative to us that we continue this concept throughout our line. Along with the accessibility of our sneakers, all of our styles are designed to be fun, fashion forward, and give children confidence in every step they take! Give a kid the right pair of kicks and they can conquer the world!
How did you build your audience on social media?
To date we have put zero dollars into advertising and marketing. We have built this brand completely organically via instagram and social outreach. We are currently getting into other media platforms such as TikTok as well. When used the right way these platforms are extremely beneficial, and crucial in the success and development of new brands. One key factor in building your brand is to literally SPREAD THE WORD! Have everyone you know repost, share, tag etc. Look within your own circle first and ask for support Word of mouth is such a strong and underestimated means of marketing and outreach! In addition we send out free sneakers to bloggers with children and hope that their posts helps to gain sales or followers. Partnering with other brands can also be mutually beneficial. Whether it be a giveaway or a collaboration you are reaching double the amount of people you typically would and opening yourself to new followers and no to little cost.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think having a product that not only moms want but kids want too!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stylechildbyjl.com
- Instagram: @stylechildbyjl