Entrepreneur Chat

Our latest limited-edition collaboration is with Sold Out NYC, a company whose motto is one close to our heart: "by women, for women, and about women." And the woman behind it all? Kiane von Mueffling, who, like both the Veronicas, had a career pivot to chase after what she loves—she previously worked in private equity and banking. Learn all her start-up secrets below—would-be entrepreneurs, this is not to be missed!—and don't forget to check out our new collection, which features our take on the slogan tee and the sweatsuit of your dreams.

What was the inspiration behind Sold Out NYC?
I was just tremendously inspired to lift other women up in any way that I could. From that came the female-driven statements and also the desire to build a community of women who support one another. The other thing was the deep desire for comfort. As I age (gasp!), I really want to look great, but by Jove I want to be comfortable. I find luxe tees and sweats that are well-designed work quite the charm!

Best part about owning your own business?
Exactly that--the ownership. When something is truly yours the passion runs deep. Every decision from the minutia to the big issues, especially in the beginning, is up to you. Obviously with that comes massive responsibility, but it really is your baby, and that is deeply fulfilling.

The most challenging part?
The workload. The flexibility your own business affords is wonderful, but there is no escape from it either. It is ever-present. At the end of the day, if you want something done in the best possible way then guess who? You!

And how do you overcome the above?
It can be extremely challenging. I think you have to clearly identify what it is that you need as an outlet to give you a release from the intensity. For me, a SoulCycle class, a Netflix episode with the hubby or a glass of wine with a buddy usually do the trick. You have to schedule those things just like a meeting, or they will fall by the wayside. You will end up feeling like a rat in a wheel and wearing yourself down. Don’t do that.

One thing you know now that you wish you knew starting out…
Ha! One thing? That’s funny. There is a lot I wish I knew. That’s exactly the point though. You have to take the risk; you have to experience the failures. Not to sound like a total cliché but with great risk comes great reward. I wouldn’t give it up for anything right now despite the challenges.

The Veronica Beard ♡ Sold Out collection

What are the top tips in the Kiane von Mueffling guide to the start-up life?
Okay, here we go:
1. Have confidence in yourself: Not blind confidence (I mean you must do a business plan), but you are a lot more capable than you realize you are.
2. Get some start-up buddies: You need people around you that are in the same boat. They are the ones that you will be able to vent to/empathize with. Your existing friends are great, but they might have different things going on at the time. Trust me on this one.
3. Don’t be frightened to spend: Realize that you have to invest in your brand. No dollars = no dollars. Decide if you are going to self-fund or raise some money. Whatever the answer is, be efficient with the funds you allocate. Spend the time and money to choose your team wisely.
4. Everything’s not going to come up roses: Get ready for some big failures. There will be big wins too, but some things will be out of your control and some things won’t go your way. Get ready to rally and motivate yourself out of the momentary slumps.
5. Get amongst it: Inaction breeds inaction. At one point you just have to go. Get out there and start! You will be inspired by the other people out there who are hustling too!

Your de-stress tip…
Meditation and breathing. Okay, I’ll admit I don’t meditate as much as I should, but there’s really no excuse for it. You have to make the time if you don’t want to end up like a giant, tightly-wound ball of stress. In the moment though, a few deep breaths are amazingly effective. Close your eyes, breathe in through that nose deeply and get yourself grounded again.

And your ultimate entrepreneur/life hack?
OK, this is not optional: extreme organization. I am talking militant, crazy, extreme. As a start-up the workload is literally insane, and the only way you are going to get it all done is if you prioritize and manage it effectively. I set my goals and workload at the beginning of each day. Set a list that is achievable. Get good at knowing how long things will take you and stick to it. Do that and it is winner winner chicken dinner!