Name: Megan Grassell
Age: 20
Job Title and Description: Founder and CEO of Yellowberry
Website:www.yellowberrycompany.com
Twitter Handle: @megangrassell
Instagram Handle: @megangrassell
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Megan Grassell: There is not a typical day in a startup, which I love. I started Yellowberry when I was 17 years old. I had this idea because I took my younger sister shopping for her first bra when she was 13 years old, and I was appalled because we went to all of these different stores and everything was so over sexualized. She needs a better option that’s just comfortable and cute, and doesn’t make her feel awkward or embarrassed about wearing a bra. I wanted to find a way to make age-appropriate bras specifically for girls. I was keeping in mind a really high-quality product and great fit, fabric and color. My job started out just me on my own for the first year when I was trying to figure out how you build a company, especially when you’re so young and have never done anything like it before. It’s a little over three years later, and we’ve grown so much, which is awesome. We’re a growing company and things change every day, so it’s a very fast-paced work environment, which is very fun for me.
What is the best part of your job?
MG: My favorite part is that as the founder the vision for Yellowberry and the direction we’re going falls on my shoulders. I love that when we deliver a package to a young girl our message is that you can be a part of this community and feel really good about yourself and feel empowered. We’re here to literally and figuratively support you. I love that.
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
MG: I don’t think there’s any one specific thing that’s glaring, but I look at the little mishaps we’ve had as learning opportunities. I think when we try a new marketing campaign and aren’t sure how it’s going to perform or we introduce a product that nobody wants to buy the important thing is to listen to your customers because that’s what matters most.
What is one thing you wish you knew about the industry before being in it?
MG: I never aspired to go into apparel. I didn’t have an interest in fashion or retail, so I literally knew nothing about it. I didn’t realize how long the process of building prototypes takes, especially when working with a team. Even just to make one bra takes around a year because you have to go and find the fabrics, the pattern and deal with logistics. By all means, it’s not an overnight thing, which from the beginning I didn’t realize. It’s hard, but I do love it.
What advice would you offer to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
MG: You should always ask for help. The worst answer someone can give you is ‘no.’ I’ve been able to find so many great mentors and people willing to answer questions or give feedback and advice. It’s become invaluable.