#MAKEITHAPPEN
Franci Girard, Founder of The SixesAs the old adage goes, necessity is the mother of invention. Just ask our latest #MAKEITHAPPEN feature, Franci Girard, founder of The Sixes, a brand that caters to women 5'7" and above. "I started [the line] because I wanted to create a shopping destination where tall women like myself are the center of the universe," she tells us. At 6' tall, Girard struggled in finding clothes that fit and, with her new label, she's giving finally women like herself #fashionfreedom, as she puts it. From volleyball to Wall Street, Girard's non-linear career gives her an edge, and her MBA from Harvard Business School doesn't hurt, either. Here, we speak with Girard on how she gets it all done and why it's important to remember that building a brand is a marathon, not a sprint.
Franci Girard in the Nevis jacket and Rocha pullover
My Hustle
The Sixes, the tall girl-approved fashion brand I founded in 2019.
What got me started…
I’m 6' tall and grew up in NYC. I've always loved fashion but nothing ever fit. When I played volleyball at Stanford I used to organize shopping trips because we were all tall and had the same issue. Back then the go-to shop was Lucky brand because they were the only place that sold 37" inseams. I started The Sixes because I wanted to create a shopping destination where tall women like myself are the center of the universe.
Long walks and solitude.
Call my mom. She gives the best advice and knows me better than anyone. Win-win!
Being an entrepreneur is difficult in general but managing my business during the pandemic has been TOUGH. I try to remind myself that building a brand is a marathon, not a sprint. I also have a solid community of family and friends who have supported me on the journey which definitely helps.
how i make it happen
1. Hazelnut coffee
2. Morning walk or workout
3. Read Business of Fashion and The New York Times
1. Voice notes
2. Group chat of my closest friends who are honest, talented, and HILARIOUS.
2. Stick-on gel manicures. I love having my nails done but don’t love spending a lot of time at the nail salon.
1. Delegating
2. To-do lists
3. Setting a timer to remind myself to stand up or walk around if I’m working from home/in front of a computer for most of the day.
Say yes to things that scare you!
My Style
Chanel pant from The Sixes. I can wear them with heels or sneakers, they make my butt look great and they are super comfy.
What I would tell my younger self about getting dressed...
Invest in quality, timeless pieces, not quantity.
Wearing Veronica Beard makes me feel…
BOSSY
My Recharge
Watching: Dopesick on Hulu
Reading: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
Listening to: Over My Dead Body (love true crime!)
On Sundays, I like to light a scented honeysuckle candle from Stone Candles (based in Santa Monica) while having a warm bath. It helps me to recharge/get ready for the week ahead.
I absolutely love traveling. I have a group of friends from college that I travel with and together we've been to some cool places like St. Tropez and Malta. COVID slowed us down a bit but I'm looking forward to our next trip!
Dinner reservations ;)
Sara Blakely
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