Lisa Sands, Founder of 2 To 5 Designs
Name: Lisa Sands
Founder: 2 To 5 Designs
What's your elevator pitch? (Ie. In one sentence, what do you do?)
Life can be tough, the world can be a tough place, so I developed my slice of ‘happy’ to be shared out loud: whether it’s sharing a cheeky saying on a workout towel or reminding you to ‘Let the sun shine in’ on a leather jacket or to just ‘Love More’. It’s there to put a smile on your face and the faces of others.
What's your story? Share how you got to where you are and WHY it is you do what you do.
Hi I'm Lisa, the owner of 2 to 5 Designs. 2 To 5 is a custom hat, bag, and apparel company that has been 'infused' with positive vibes, from the wording that can be found on its pieces, to adding a little 'sparkle' here, there and everywhere. After years of going through the struggles of 'life challenges,' I was sitting on my bed when my husband came up to me, grabbed my hand and said he didn't want me to wake up one day to realize life passed me by.
That was the kick in the you-know-what I needed.
2 To 5 came to be all while helping me rekindle the optimism that I knew I had, but lost sight of along the way through all that life was throwing at me. Our mission is to remind you that you have control of what makes you happy, what drives you and what YOU need to keep moving you forward.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
For a woman-owned small business, being part of a support group with like-minded women can be transformative. It means gaining access to a network of peers who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of being a female entrepreneur. Dear FoundHer provides invaluable opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and shared resources that can accelerate business growth.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
Supporting fellow women entrepreneurs in small businesses is incredibly impactful. I love offering mentorship and sharing my experiences to help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Collaborating on projects or events allows us to amplify each other's businesses and reach new audiences. Plus, learning from other women-owned businesses who face similar challenges gives me valuable insights and solutions I can apply to my own journey. Being part of networks and communities where we can connect, share knowledge, and uplift each other is so empowering and creates a strong sense of solidarity.
What are three podcasts you listen to that have helped you with your business?
Leave Your Mark: Aliza Licht
Dear Founder (because obviously)
The Mel Robbins podcast
The Influencer podcast: Julie Solomon
What is ONE BOOK that you would recommend every female business owner read?
Leave Your Mark, Aliza Licht
Who is a female entrepreneur you look up to and why?
Sounds incredibly cliche but Sara Blakely will always be instrumental to me when it comes to who I admire as an entrepreneur. She is the true definition of a self-starter. She believed so hard in what she had to offer that she brought those women she 'pitched' to in her early years into the bathroom with her to try on Spanx. She's also incredibly relatable, something I've been told I am as well.
What are the first five things that you did when you were starting your business?
1. Thought about who my ideal client was/is.
2. Found manufacturers that I could trust and would work with my small quantities to produce to see what would do well in our marketplace.
3. Listened to ALL feedback from those in my target audience. Everyone has an opinion, and I wanted theirs. I wasn't so arrogant that I thought it was my way or the highway.
4. Allowed myself grace when I made mistakes.
5. Looked at every opportunity as a 'lead.'
Who is someone who has helped change or shape your business for the better and what did they do to help you?
Without a doubt, Nicole Pearl. I set up an initial consultation with Nicole to help me write PR pitches to local news stations as well as teach me the 'lingo.' I had no idea how much her direction and resourcefulness would help my business level up.
At what point did you make your company a full time gig? How did you know the time was right?
When I received feedback from some local customers who said when they wore or carried my custom designed items they (the items) made them happy and received compliments on them.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
I was in medical sales, then worked at Monster.com as one of their top representatives, before having three boys, back to back to back. The perseverance and learning how to take a 'no' from a customer with the ability to 'move on,' will forever stick with me...
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company (you, an internal team member, an outsourced solution?) and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
I handle all my own social media. I've been told I have a very 'down to earth, relatable,' way about me and I don't want to lose that tone by passing the baton over to someone who may not be able to carry out the same vibe.
How did you land your first client?
I started small: Worked many local shows and vendor events. From there I posted more and more on social media and the word spread.
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
I don't focus on the fashion trends as much as I focus on the 'message,' that is on the clothing or accessory.
What would you do differently if you were starting your business today?
Understand that there are SO many facets to starting a business. Pieces that I don't enjoy doing (i.e. accounting!) and finding resources to assist me is ok!
What are three strategies you use to market your business, grow brand awareness and generate bottom line growth?
1. Constantly posting to social media
2. Showing up: whether it's at shows, social media, or in person at local events
3. Not being afraid to ask people to help promote me, of course, in return I would do the same.
What was an obstacle you overcame to get your business where it is today? Please share the story behind it.
Imposter syndrome is a real thing! I had to have my moments of “whoa”, and remind myself that I haven't come this far to just come this far.
What are three actionable tips you would give with other women who want to start a business or are just getting started?
- Show up, show up, SHOW UP!
- Don't discount any opportunity or anyone who comes your way. You never know who knows who. And what you find may just surprise you!
- If something isn't working, change the game. It's ok to take a step back and reevaluate your next steps.
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