Member Spotlight: Alice Brown of Good Steps
Hey ladies! Welcome to another Member Spotlight, featuring our members — influencers, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and girl bosses alike! Next up: Alice Brown of GoodSteps, one of our Shop Local partners!
Read on to learn about how Alice traded her life as a corporate attorney in for starting her own company that works solely to give back and feed the hungry!
Q: Tell us a little about you, girl!
A: Hey y’all! My name is Alice Brown, and I am the founder of GoodSteps. I have an amazing husband, three busy kiddos 6 and under, and a brand new puppy. I spent 2 years working as a paralegal in D.C., 3 years in law school, and 6 years as an attorney at a big firm here in Atlanta… and then I took a leap into the total unknown to start GoodSteps! I’ve been in Atlanta for 15 years now, which is crazy.
Q: What inspired you to start GoodSteps?
A: After years of working as a corporate attorney, I had a baby! I had always loved the concept of companies that give back and sought them out as a consumer, but it was the moment my daughter was born that I felt compelled to 1) have the control and flexibility over my schedule to make time for my growing family and 2) spend my “work time” creating something GOOD. For me, that turned into a company whose sole reason for existing is to give back. I picked flip flops because everyone has a pair, so why not make a really awesome, high-quality version and give people the power to do what they were already doing – buying flip flops – but do so ON PURPOSE?
Q: We love your company’s mission. Tell us more about GoodSteps purpose and how we can all do our part to feed the hungry.
A: Thank you! Our mission is simple: to do good in the world and to empower people – our customers – to do good. We worked hard to create quality, hand-made flip flops that are stylish, comfortable, supportive and versatile, and we donate 20% of the purchase price of every product sold to one of our two giving partners: Atlanta Community Food Bank or MANA Nutrition. 20% means you buy one pair of flip flops, and we donate 48 meals via ACFB or 13 days worth of nutrition to MANA. The work they do is literally why we exist! Our customers participate in our mission by choosing which organization their give will be directed towards.
We can all do our part to feed the hungry in so many ways (monetary and food donations, volunteering, advocacy), and all of them are so important – especially right now – but we believe that something as simple as choosing where to shop can also make a meaningful difference in our own communities and around the world. So far, we have donated 68,015 meals via ACFB and have nourished over 132 children back to health via MANA.
Q: What’s been your favorite moment of owning a business thus far?
A: My favorite moment happens every single time a customer tells me they love their flip flops – and even better – when they become a repeat customer. Not only does it validate the 2 years of blood, sweat, and tears that we put into the design and manufacturing process pre-launch, but it is exactly what we want and need to continue to grow the business into a sustainable and substantial source of funds for our giving partners!
Q: What advice do you have for women wanting to start their own business?
A: Talk to EVERYONE (but ultimately make your own decisions)! When you first get started (and actually even when the business is up and running), I have found that so much helpful information comes from people that are already in your space: whether that space is entrepreneurship generally, your specific type of business, social entrepreneurship, marketing, etc. Go to conferences, join all the LinkedIn and Facebook groups that apply to what you are trying to do because you can search by topic and can ask questions of the group (ex. does anyone know of manufacturers in the US doing x). Also, engage with people and companies in your space on Instagram and other social media platforms. You may not find exact answers or solutions through these avenues, but you will definitely glean helpful information and leads AND it is the best way to start getting your name out there.
Q: What’s next for you and GoodSteps?
A. Kids shoes! We are so excited to finally add these to our product line. The design and manufacturing process always takes longer than you think (and hope), but we think they are going to be a great addition and a fun way to get whole families engaged in our mission of doing good and giving back.
THERE YOU HAVE IT, LADIES
A glimpse into Alice’s journey with GoodSteps. Be sure to follow along on Instagram to support GoodSteps mission in their fight for hunger. Interested in purchasing high-quality flip flops that give back? Visit the GoodSteps site to shop with a purpose and learn more about the incredible organizations your purchase will go towards!
Who should we spotlight next?! Leave a comment below!
