Building a Family Business From Scratch with Lauren Dudley Stephens: Ep 26
Highlights from the episode:
Why clear roles matter even when you trust each other
What Lauren learned when managing people for the first time
The business agreement that grounded a family-run startup
The moment Lauren realized not everyone will love your product
Why small teams can outperform big ones
Podcast show notes:
When I sat down with Lauren Stephens of Dudley Stephens, what struck me most was how many beginnings sit inside her story: the career she thought she’d have, the infertility journey that shifted her path, and the unexpected moment she realized she had an idea worth betting on.
In this conversation, Lauren shares how she launched a family business before she felt ready, and why signing a formal agreement early on became one of the smartest decisions they made.
Lauren also opens up about the parts no one prepares you for: managing people for the first time, staying steady when customers or employees aren’t happy, and learning where to draw boundaries so the business doesn’t swallow the rest of your life.
What You’ll Hear:
The moment life forced her to rethink everything (00:00)
Bringing her mom and sister into the idea (01:21)
Why clear roles and ownership matter (11:32)
How cozy-at-home culture fueled unexpected growth (20:07)
Hiring lessons and learning to lead (24:51)
Different phases of motherhood and how evolving careers (36:24)
Lauren’s story is about more than entrepreneurship. It’s about listening to the quiet nudge that tells you to begin, trusting your own pace, and allowing the hard seasons to shape the ones that follow. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “ready” to start something new, this one is for you.
Connect with Lauren and from Dudley Stephens
Visit www.dudley-stephens.com. Take advantage of 30% off sitewide until December 2, 2025 using the code HOLIDAY30.
Check out the new Manchester pullover that Lauren wore during the episode.
Keep up with the latest on Instagram: @dudley_stephens
Connect with Lauren on Instagram: @laurendudleystephens
Be sure to subscribe to Things No One Tells You—Lindsay’s podcast all about the real, unfiltered conversations we don’t always have but should. From big names to everyday voices, each episode dives into the moments that shape us. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
Follow along with Lindsay below!
Full Transcript
[00:00:00] Lauren: Lessons also, like I'm not gonna make everybody happy. I think I was, and still am, probably a people pleaser and wanted everyone to love working for our company and like, whatever. And, like, like our product and like our customers. Lik, not everybody loves it. And like, that's fine. And so you have to learn that.
[00:00:19] Like you have to grow with thick skin. It's really hard.
[00:00:23] Lindsay: Hey everybody, and welcome to this episode of Things No One Tells You, or TNOTY as we like to call it. This one, I'm so anxious to get this information to you around this time, around the holiday time, because this is gonna improve your closets.
[00:00:38] It's something that you might not have known you needed, but also, my guest, Lauren Stephens, is so great at explaining what it takes to be. A successful entrepreneur. So my friend Lauren founded, with her mom and her sister, the brand Dudley Stephens. If you're watching this right now, I am wearing a Dudley Stephens fleece.
[00:01:00] I own like basically 20 of them. Not really, but close. And if you're not watching, but you're listening, I'll describe it. They are these fleece fleeces that are, like a classic. Pulled together. Look, high neck, different details that just make you feel really cozy and warm, but also look pretty pulled together and like on the go.
[00:01:21] So I became a fan of these things a few years ago. I kind of thought, oh, they're just in this area in New England where we live, but they're not. They're everywhere. And I have worn them. To work functions. I have worn them to Thanksgiving dinner with the skirt. I have worn them, and I love to wear them all the time on the fields when I'm watching my kids play their respective sports because they're that warm, but they also look even better.
[00:01:44] So I'm just fangirling because I love the story of their business journey. And Lauren is the mother of two. I think her story about going from being in the fashion industry and really working to get this. Rand off the ground is really interesting, but also very relatable and very applicable for anyone out there who has ever had an idea and thought about creating something.
[00:02:05] So I am so appreciative of Lauren for taking the time because God knows her schedule is crazy, and I love and pay attention to how her friend coined the phrase, Stay at Home Working Mom. I love that. Alright, here she is, Lauren Stephens. I hope you enjoy. Lauren, thank you so much for joining me. I always loved talking to you.
[00:02:26] You guys have had so many milestones. Lately, like I know that your podcast that you do with your sister has now been going for a year, right? Yes. But it's suddenly Stephens just celebrated a 10-year anniversary.
[00:02:38] Lauren: Yes.
[00:02:38] Lindsay: What has this been like?
[00:02:39] Lauren: It's been very surreal, and I'm finding myself constantly going back to photos from 10 years ago.
[00:02:46] You know, like hitting that milestone. Yeah. And just like. Seeing what was going on literally 10 years ago, when we were launching this company, and how different life was at that time. And like I was pregnant with my first child. My sister had a baby. Like, there was just, you know, obviously our kids are now older, and so you just get like very nostalgic thinking about how much time has passed and.
[00:03:08] How much has changed, but also has stayed the same in a way, I guess, if that makes sense. And yeah, we are one year in, hosting our podcast, Two Sisters in Business, and we've had so much fun doing it. And I was so honored when you reached out about coming onto your podcast because we've just had, we've had so much fun recording this podcast.
[00:03:30] And I would imagine you feel the same. Like it's really fun to like. Meet people in a different way and like deep dive on things and just talk about, like, you get things out of people that you don't normally do on like an Instagram or a reel, if that makes sense.
[00:03:45] Lindsay: I know. Why do you think that is?
[00:03:47] Lauren: I think it's like, I heard someone say this the other day, like long-form content.
[00:03:51] Like I, I just think it's like, it's very like of the moment right now, and everyone's really enjoying that. Even on social media, like, we'll post clips and little blurbs from the podcast, and I just think people are really. Enjoying like a deeper way of connecting with founders and with, you know, people of note, I also just like anybody, like, I just think it's more of an intimate way to talk to people, if that makes sense.
[00:04:15] Lindsay: Yeah. You know what? I think it's so interesting. I have a theory. I think, I do think you hit the nail on the head with it, it's like there's this connection, and I have always felt really strongly about relatability. Like me, this is a weird example, but covering NASCAR people who were like, I don't.
[00:04:30] Friends of mine that were like, We don't get that sport. I'm like, just pick a sponsor. Like, do you like Cheerios? Like, what do you like? Like, once you find the thing or connect with a driver about whatever, a race car. Anyway, I think it's similar in life. It's just, and especially being a woman, it's like, yes, there's such a great connection when people share their stories, and I am.
[00:04:48] I mean, I never thought about that early in my career because I didn't have kids. I was like very one-track focused. Do you know what I mean? Yep, Exactly. So I think it's awesome also, nobody wants this, the show. Have you finished that?
[00:05:02] Lauren: Yes, I just finished the second season. I could, I want, I
[00:05:05] Lindsay: Haven't seen it yet.
[00:05:06] Lauren: Okay.
[00:05:06] Lindsay: What do you think?
[00:05:07] Lauren: I thought it was. Is it so good? The sec, yeah. The second season was, I mean, it, you know, the first season was so good, but they really did a good job. I thought it was so good. I was watching alone and laughing at it, like my computer, as I was watching it.
[00:05:21] Lindsay: Was it as good, in your opinion, as the first?
[00:05:24] Lauren: I think it was, I feel like they like, have captured this.
[00:05:27] Yeah. This is like a rom-com story, and it's like uplifting and happy and like, yes, there's like drama and things along the way, but. But it, you know, to your point of like relatable, I just feel like there's a lot in that's relatable and just so sweet. Like it's a, it's like a nice love story, which I think I need right now.
[00:05:44] Lindsay: I Right. I have actually been like saving it because the last time it went so fast, and I was like, oh, so yeah. That's great to hear.
[00:05:52] Lauren: I know if you had a day,
[00:05:53] Lindsay: But my point.
[00:05:54] Lauren: A day or a night,
[00:05:54] Lindsay: My sisters are doing their podcast. It's like, I don't know. It makes,
[00:05:59] Lauren: And it's funny, like with your sister, like. You obviously feel very comfortable to just like chat, you know, and so there, there's that dynamic with khaki and I where we just sit down and like we'd deep dive,
[00:06:11] Lindsay: Right?
[00:06:11] It's just like there's zero barrier. Yeah, exactly. For people that I know, a lot of folks that are watching or listening to this do know Dudley Stephens very well, but if you don't, I'm wearing one. I actually counted Lauren. I have like, nine. These flees are just, I don't know. I learned about them a few years ago, like, I just, I love what you do.
[00:06:33] I love. I always pay attention to what's coming out next. Because I do think it's just such an elevated style that's really comfortable, but also achieves the put-together type of look. Yes, exactly. Yeah. So, yeah. So I want to, I want you to share more about that, and I wanna start with what is the thing no one tells you about launching a family business?
[00:06:54] Lauren: Oh, it's such a good question. Well, you know, we talk about this on our podcast, and we have episodes where we talk about what to do when you're launching a family company. And one of the things we did do early on was we, as we signed an actual business plan and, agreement between all of us.
[00:07:16] And so, so that. I think that people should talk about that. And I think that it even goes to like a partnership if you're starting something with a friend or, I just think that even though your family or your best friends with somebody, or it's a colleague that you trust, like you have to lay that all out on paper and like agree on it and sign it and, and be very clear on like what everyone's roles are and what the ownership breakdown is.
[00:07:43] And I think that by doing that in the beginning, it's. Set us up like to, you know, succeed in a way and be able to work out our differences and our, you know, daily struggles, and 'cause you know, there are a lot in business, so, you kind of need that like, initial agreement to fall back on. And I would suggest also like never be 50 50 with somebody.
[00:08:08] Like, there's always somebody who is spearheading an idea, and it's, you know, I'm not saying that you have the power or you're more senior than another person, but like. I've heard others. Things where it's been 50 50 and it just doesn't end well. Like, you need to have someone who has a little bit more say in things, and it has, it should be this person who kind of spearheaded the idea, as they should really be the one to have a little bit more ownership.
[00:08:30] So no one has, like, I've heard that from others. People, when I've networked and mentors, and so I just wanna pass that on to other people too because, you know, I think I've heard of things that have ended poorly when it was 50 50 or you know, someone that started the idea, gave up too much in the beginning.
[00:08:48] So, yeah. You know, I will tell anybody that I meet with, or who's starting a company, like really keep that in mind and like have an agreement, you know, make sure everyone signs off on it.
[00:08:57] Lindsay: So, can you take me behind the scenes of what that looks like, and in terms of the 50/500 is, what is that like in your world?
[00:09:04] Lauren: Yeah, so we, so I have a little bit more ownership than the rest of my family, a nd really it was because. I went out on a limb and did all, not all of it, but like really was like sitting everybody down. I was like, I'm gonna do this. And so because of that, and because I kind of, well, also like to go back to.
[00:09:23] 11, 12 years ago. I think that nobody tells you, like I was actually going through infertility at the time. I couldn't get pregnant. My husband and I were, you know, really struggling with it, and I was working in the beauty industry. So I was working for Long Comb, which is owned by L'Oreal, and it was a.
[00:09:42] I hate to use the word cutthroat, but it was, you know, the beauty industry is, and I worked in fashion before that, so all of these jobs were super intense and long hours and lots of travel and, I loved every minute of it, but the minute that I couldn't get pregnant, my priorities were like shifted.
[00:09:59] You know, like I was all of a sudden like, oh my God, like, you know, maybe this is stressing me out, and I need to like take a step back and whatever. And my husband at the time, you know, was very fortunate. He was like. You should just quit. Like you, you know, and I had some other medical things going on, and it just, he was like, you need to like, take time off.
[00:10:17] and here I was having done this for like over 12 years. It was my career. It was what I was expecting to do, long-term work in pr and and I just walked away from it. And then the next week, he came home from work, and I was like. I'm gonna start a fleece clothing conversation.
[00:10:33] Lindsay: Literally the next week
[00:10:35] Lauren: It was like no time that had passed, and I had already talked because my mom, yeah, my mom had the idea initially, like she was like, whWhyan't this fleece.
[00:10:46] You know, the pullover that I'm wearing is cute. Like it's not cute. I don't wanna wear it after dinner, and I wanna wear it on our boat. Like they were boating at the new boaters at the time. And so she had this idea, which sparked something in me. I subsequently left my job to try to get pregnant, but then instead launched the company, which, you know, of course that sounds like the exact opposite thing you wanna do if you're trying to live your life down.
[00:11:09] But, but as any like, entrepreneur will tell you, like the minute you have an idea about something, like. There's no turning back. And so, I just told my husband that he thought I was crazy. And then I enlisted the help of my mom and my sister, and to answer the question of the agreement, our dad was also very helpful in the beginning, and he was the one that we pitched to for the initial.
[00:11:32] Investment. He was basically like our angel investor, and he really helped us get these agreements in place. And he was running a company at the time. He was actually he was CEO of Octagon, which you probably know.
[00:11:44] Lindsay: Yes. In the sport. Yep. The sports agency.
[00:11:46] Lauren: Yes, exactly.
[00:11:46] Lindsay: Huge sports agency reps. A ton of Olympic athletes, among others.
[00:11:50] Lauren: Yes, exactly. So he was our mentor and helped us, a nd we pitched him to invest. And so in the very beginning, it was important for all of us and for him that we. Had these agreements in place and that we, you know, had it structured so that we could just hit the ground running, and not worry about, you know, the legislation and all the things, to set up the company and get it really in a good place.
[00:12:15] So, so yeah, so that was like the beginning, and like we went into his office and like sat down and signed the paperwork and like, basically like, it was like, here we go. Like we're starting this all together. And my sister was working in events. She was working for Starwood, a hotel group, doing marketing, nd Oh wow.
[00:12:35] Loyalty events. So, like us, she had a great experience too. And our mom is like a fashion icon. You know, just always like so sweet.
[00:12:43] Lindsay: Yeah. No, she's so put together, your mom on the Today Show. I was like, she is just.
[00:12:48] Lauren: Yes.
[00:12:49] Lindsay: Beautiful.
[00:12:50] Lauren: Yes, she is like our style guru icon. Like, you know, she, it was her idea from the beginning, too.
[00:12:56] So like we, all of us were so excited, we're like, let's do this. And I think that, like. Something that not many people will talk about or tell with a family business is like, what does it look like behind, what does it look like on paper? Like, how does it operate? You know? And so I think it's so important.
[00:13:12] I think that goes with any business, like a partnership or anything.
[00:13:16] Lindsay: Well, and, time out for a second, 'cause one thing that you made me think about is I do think there's really this level of, don't you think it's hard when there's an idea, you know, it's good, you really believe in it, but it's not yet.
[00:13:28] Real. I think, and I've talked to a lot of, specifically women who really have all the things in line that they could really execute and start it, but it's like there's just something about when you hit this roadblock where you're like, but I'm not like, is it really or what? You know what I mean?
[00:13:47] Lauren: Yes. It's so true. And I think that. Over the course of my corporate career, I would have ideas all the time. Like, at one point, I emailed a friend, and I was like, I'm gonna start a blog. And this was before blogs, you know, this was, so, I'm very, I'm old, so like, this was like a long time ago. And I was like, I'm gonna start a blog where I go to every restaurant in the city and rate their french fries, and like, they, you know, so like, I just, I was like always trying to think of like an idea where I could work for myself.
[00:14:15] It was like, how do I? Start a company or start something so that I can work for myself. And I even tried to like, do a fashion blog when I was working in beauty. Yeah. Like I tried to stay connected to the fashion industry, but it didn't go anywhere. I couldn't keep up with it. I have so much respect for influencers and bloggers, even back then, this was in like 2012 or 13, when that was just getting going.
[00:14:41] And you know what's funny is that like. I, 'cause back then, like the, I wouldn't, I didn't even know what I was doing. I just started this blog on something, some site, and I would just put posts of like, things I was wearing and everything, but it didn't go anywhere. And, I would like to ask my husband, I was like, can you just like take a picture of me in what I'm wearing?
[00:14:58] And he was like, No. Like, I'm not, like, he wanted nothing to do with it. And I was like, well, I have nobody to take a picture then. Like, I can't do this. So we just, that just like didn't go anywhere. But I was always trying to get your point of like. We all have so many ideas, and it's, it is hard to like get them; it's hard to make them happen.
[00:15:16] Like it, it's not an easy thing.
[00:15:18] Lindsay: Yeah. And I think it's everyone's, people are wired differently. I think either you have that sort of brain, yes. Yes, if not, maybe you are more of the brain that is like the executing side, or Yes. Exactly. I don't know, but yeah. But I just, I've thought about that a lot lately, being like, you know, maybe if we just can shift our thinking and it's.
[00:15:38] More like a reframe of this is my idea, and it is an executable idea, you know? But just because I think sometimes so often people have ideas, a nd they don't even start, because of that fear. Yes, exactly. When you talked about the business plan for folks who really like, are interested in what you're saying, but don't have someone who's a mentor, like your dad was like, what?
[00:15:59] From your experience, what would the steps be that you would suggest, or what are the key things that you found? You talked about dividing the ownership, but like
[00:16:08] You know, what does that look like? Yeah, on paper
[00:16:10] Lauren: I would, so. And, it can be so simple too, which is the key to all of these things.
[00:16:17] Like, to your point of people won't even get started because they feel intimidated or overwhelmed. But, you know what? All you need is not all you need, but okay. So what you need is a lawyer. And I think I said already, but A lawyer service, or if you have a family lawyer or someone you work with.
[00:16:34] and they will help you set up and register with your state and open an LLC. And what that allows you to do is then go to your local bank and open a bank account. And I think as women like sharing these little steps that are also not. So expensive. Like, yeah. You know what I mean? It's like, you know, a couple of hundred dollars or whatever to like, register with the state and also hire an online lawyer service or whatever lawyer that you're using.
[00:16:59] and then you can open a bank account, and you can raise money however you feel comfortable with. Like, you can use a GoFundMe, you can pitch family and friends. You can also apply for like a line of credit through your bank, depending on your business plan and what you need. Already have in place, and then you know, a business plan.
[00:17:17] I mean, ours was so simple. It was nothing. It was not breaking the internet like it was so easy. It was very basic and simple. It was just like, we wanna make chic fleece clothing for women and like, you know, kind of have like a mission statement and, likee what we continue to call our North Star.
[00:17:34] and just stick true to that. And like, you know, create a brand. You can create a brand, you can hire a graphic designer. I wanna encourage people that do have ideas. And I think that, like, as women working for ourselves is just so valuable.
[00:17:47] Lindsay: Yeah. And I do think working with other women when you can, and men are great, but I think that's also really powerful.
[00:17:54] Lauren: Agreed.
[00:17:55] Lindsay: Yeah. But so like when you think back about, because I did just watch you guys obviously on the Today Show, and that was so cool. It was so cool to see it just because of understanding your story in the background. What have you learned along the way that's been like, maybe something you didn't expect or something surprising with your product or with the process?
[00:18:15] Lauren: Yes. I think two answers. The first one being I didn't expect to learn so much about myself, like, and how I operate in certain scenarios and situations, and along the way, it hasn't been perfect either. Like, I think, you know, that, you don't realize that when you do succeed in this entrepreneurial world, that you're gonna have to like manage people.
[00:18:41] And that was like a huge shock for me. I didn't know how to do that. As she had been, I had people who had worked for me in my previous roles, but you know, I had never worked my way up to running a group of people. So, those were new skills I had to learn. And so that was a shock. I think I.
[00:19:03] I'm so thankful for that now that I like, have learned those skills, and I don't know, you know, hopefully we stay in business, and we continue to grow, have the company, and I continue to manage people, but, but I've learned a lot in that aspect, and I didn't expect that. I also didn't expect that we'd have a global pandemic, right?
[00:19:25] Midst of all that. Yeah. Like I, you know, that was. Insane. Looking back on it, and now that we're over five years out from that and it really transformed our company and just everything.
[00:19:40] Lindsay: The pandemic did because I mean, and when you just said five years out. I don't know. Isn't that crazy? Insane. Like, insane. Like, when I think about that and hear that number, I'm like, really? I, my god. I know. Yeah, but because what do you think it was, you think it was like the cozy, the
[00:19:58] Lauren: Yes, exactly. So, you know, we. Our factory was making everything in Brooklyn at the time, which was our original factory.
[00:20:07] And they were amazing. They, you know, they had other brands they were working with, but we grew so much that they started really taking on more business for us and all that. And then during COVID, the factory obviously shut down, and things were just kind of at a halt. There were times when we really thought we were not gonna make it through this.
[00:20:27] and, but because everybody was home and wanting to be cozy at home and like, look good on Zoom and, you know, have like a high neck, pretty like you're wearing a green color. Yeah, or something that they were still warm and cozy at home. Our sales are just like. Took off. I mean, we were also only direct-to-consumer at the time, so we didn't have to worry about stores or wholesale.
[00:20:51] as I had, you know, other brands that we are friends with had, they, wholesalers were returning merchandise 'cause they were closed. Yeah. So, that, you know, we didn't have that. So it was almost just like luck in a way. Like we were just kind of in the right place at the right time. And our sales doubled, tripled over the course of those next few years.
[00:21:14] and so, you know, it just, it really, in a way, pushed us to be better and more efficient, and we had to really figure out our production. We had to keep up with demand, which meant we need, we needed other suppliers and manufacturers. And really, what you learn too, like back to the managing people, is that it's all about the people you hire.
[00:21:36] It's like, that's really it. And we found these amazing women who have come in and really over, you know, transformed our production supply chain. Jess, on our team, likes her experience. Amazing. And, we could not have done that without her. And then our marketing team and just everybody came together during that time, and then with the rapid growth, it was an amazing experience.
[00:22:00] And like Iasd, I just learned so much about a team and what it takes, and like, you know. If you hire the right people, likethemy, you, it, it really, it can be really transformative for business. So, constantly thinking about that every day, like who we're surrounding ourselves with. Right.
[00:22:17] Lindsay: What were the, like, two things that you found most valuable about managing people?
[00:22:24] Lauren: communication. I think like staying open and honest and well, transparent to a point because like you don't want your team to freak out if things are freaking, if things are going terribly, you know, like
[00:22:39] Lindsay: Right.
[00:22:39] Lauren: You kind of have, yeah, you kind of have to have a positive mentality, and in a way that.
[00:22:49] Allows them to do their jobs too, so they're not freaking out all the time. So, this is something I learned. And I think the other thing would be to keep things small, like don't overhire. I think we overhired at certain points 'cause we had the money. As we had, we were able to hire, and then we felt we needed all this help.
[00:23:13] When in reality, I don't think you need somebody to do every job. I think that women are amazing. I think we're all multi-talented and we can wear many hats. And I think if you find the right person, they're gonna step up and do whatever it takes. And so. I don't think you need to overhire. I think we learned that also.
[00:23:32] And, you know it, there's something to be said about a small team and.. We're direct to consumer, like we're digital things, you know, we don't need to be everywhere all the time. So like a small team is very valuable. I think there's something to be said about that. So if you're listening to this and you're an entrepreneur and you are about to hire a team, like hire less is my, like, don't, yeah.
[00:23:54] You know, you don't need to right away. Spend that money up there in that way. That's
[00:23:59] Lindsay: So good. That's Aliett Buttelman with Phase It, who created Phase It, the Glitter Freckles shared the same thing, and she is Nice. She shared how their brand basically blew up, similar to yours, and how you're referencing the pandemic to Taylor Swift wearing her glitter freckles.
[00:24:15] But ho?. They stayed up all night. They had to meet the moment they did, which I'm sure is relatable to what you guys went through as well.
[00:24:22] Lauren: Yep.
[00:24:23] Lindsay: And yeah, and the key is, so when you're hiring like the few people, it is just making sure more so that the character, you think it's like Yes.
[00:24:31] Lauren: Yes.
[00:24:32] Lindsay: That you can tell that they're a hustler.
[00:24:34] Lauren: Yes, exactly.
[00:24:35] Lindsay: In a good way. In a good person. I don't know.
[00:24:37] Lauren: Yeah, that's exactly right. I think that, like, and you know, you'll know when you interview people, I mean, I think everybody. You can get a feel for someone, and you have, you know, I think ask for references always, and like. We always have this, an inside joke on our team.
[00:24:51] Like, whenever we interview someone, like do they send a follow-up thank you? And how quickly do they do that? And like, for me, that means so much. Like, because I feel like when we were interviewing, whenever I interviewed, whether I wanted the job or not, I would send a handwritten thank you note the next day, or like that day.
[00:25:09] And you know, and we always talk about differences in generations and like how we all operated differently back in the early Yeah. Two thousand, like we wore suits. I would. I wore a theory suit to every interview that I went to, and I like to write a handwritten thank you note, like, so that, like a professional thing, not appearance, but that professional mentality for me is like very crucial.
[00:25:31] And I think it says a lot about what they will, how they will act when they're working with you. I think it's important. And I think that you're not gonna, you know, lessons also, like, I'm not gonna make everybody happy. I think I was. Still probably a people pleaser and wanted everyone to love working for our company, and mean like, whatever.
[00:25:52] And, like, like our product and like our customers. Like, not everybody loves it. And like, that's fine. And so you have to learn that. Like you have to grow with thick skin. It's really hard.
[00:26:02] Lindsay: Yeah. Do you think that the email, the follow-up email, has replaced the hard thank-you note? Or do you?
[00:26:09] Lauren: I do, I think an email is just fine now. And you know, if they send a handwritten note, even better, but like as long as they're on it and like sending a thank you and expressing what they love about the company or some little tidbit or whatever, like that just goes a long way, and it doesn't take that much time. It's like a quick thing.
[00:26:28] Lindsay: No, I think it's very important, and I think you're exactly right that it is. Okay. If you're choosing the email, that's great. Handwritten is one step better. Yeah. But if you're, I think making sure just that you're doing the thanks, but also referencing something that you took from the conversation, right?
[00:26:42] Lauren: Yes, exactly. Yeah. Totally.
[00:26:44] Lindsay: Yeah.
[00:26:44] Lauren: Yeah. Really important.
[00:26:45] Lindsay: Yeah. Do you also? I wanted to ask you about AI as it relates to you guys. Like what do you think? Do you see ways that it really helps you guys in the future?
[00:26:56] Lauren: Yes. I think that we are, all of us. I mean, as everyone's saying, like we're just on the forefront of everything it's going to be able to do, and we're trying to implement it where we can. Like for example, it's helping us with customer service right now. So, we have AI set up so that, like,e little quick questions from people can be answered through AI, and then if it's more complicated, our customer service team will step in.
[00:27:24] Those things. That there's a lot it's going to do. It's a little scary, like what's coming. Yeah. Right. But, well, I
[00:27:36] Lindsay: Think it's interesting. We've recently had meetings talking about how it's going to be implemented at school,
[00:27:42] Lauren: Right.
[00:27:42] Lindsay: For our kids.
[00:27:43] Lauren: Yes.
[00:27:43] Lindsay: So, and you know, and some of the things I think.
[00:27:45] Sort of transcend the broad picture where it's like working smarter, whether it's with yes. Staff at a school, staff at a company, like, you know, right. Like exactly what you're sayin. And I do think it's scary because it's unknown and there's obviously a lot of unknown with it, but, yep. But that made me think a lot about, right.
[00:28:04] Ooh, there are ways that you can sort of simplify.
[00:28:07] Lauren: Now we're getting targeted by companies that promise to put together an entire marketing campaign and like copy, and you know, I don't know about that. I feel like our brand voice and who we are are so important, and how we speak to our customers.
[00:28:21] I just like, yeah. I, yeah. I feel like people can kind of tell if like ChatGPT wrote stuff like, so,
[00:28:28] Lindsay: Yes.
[00:28:28] Lauren: Right.
[00:28:29] Lindsay: I think it's, well, it's like, in the work that I do, you cannot replace interaction with people. Yeah. So you can fill in a lot of the gaps. Certainly a lot of the stats or the, you know, blueprint, but you just, you'll never be able to replace that human factor.
[00:28:45] Lauren: Exactly. And I think that now maybe that, to go back to what we were talking about earlier, like maybe that's why podcasts are so. Everyone loves them right now because it is so much of a human connection, right? Like, I don't know, people might be like craving that and even more so in the future, that like, oh, we're like real humans,
[00:29:04] Lindsay: Right?
[00:29:04] Lauren: Here's our experience. And like,
[00:29:06] Lindsay: It's very much like an authentic platform. Yes, for sure. Exactly. Wait, so you talked about the infertility? So, back to that, how did. Dudley Stephens grows with. You're launching a human.
[00:29:20] Lauren: Yes, of course. Like right when we were launching, I found out I was pregnant, which is like life.
[00:29:27] So, you know, I, we, I think I found out I was pregnant in August after multiple rounds of IVF and tears and everything. I mean, we just thought like, oh, maybe this won't happen for us. And I think when I thought. Maybe it won't happen for us. Well then, I'm gonna start a company because I, you know, I have nothing to lose.
[00:29:47] I think it kind of pushed me to do it 'cause it was like, all right, I literally, you know, I'm, I am leaving this career behind that I worked so hard on, and so like, what do I have to show for myself? I kind of felt like I needed something to like, have ownership over, and it was something I could control, where, like, the fertility stuff was just so.
[00:30:06] It was up to how, whenever the timing was. Yeah. Right. So, and then, yeah, so of course I found out I was pregnant, had terrible morning sickness right when we were launching all this stuff, my sister and I had just had our baby. and,
[00:30:22] Lindsay: Which is still exciting, the timing of all that.
[00:30:24] Lauren: Yeah, I know. It was like a very happy time, even though it was a lot.
[00:30:30] but you know, when you're ready to start a business. Really, nothing will stop you when you have an idea, and you're passionate about it, and not even getting pregnant. Like it, you know, the minute I got pregnant, it was like, okay, let's do this. Like, we're gonna have a baby, and we're gonna launch this company.
[00:30:45] And like that's all just gonna happen. Andd we'll just figure it out. And like, I had George in April, and we, Dudley Stephens, were maybe seven or eight months. Old at that point. And yeah, like there's no such thing as maternity leave when you're working for yourself and making no money. So right.
[00:31:04] Oh my God. Yeah. Like I, you know, khaki and I, we just never, you know, we didn't take time off. We just kept bringing our babies along, and we were able to shift things. You know, obviously, make it, it wasn't like we had a boss being like, come in, you know, when those days.
[00:31:20] Lindsay: Right, right.
[00:31:21] Lauren: It wasn't like, terrible. It was very nice, actually. And we were able to work, we worked outta my house, but yeah, Kaki and I have memories of like, we were both then pregnant. She was pregnant with her second, and I with my first, and yeah, we were still fulfilling our own orders, so we were like pregnant, bending over, boxing things up, and sending them out, but it was very thrilling.
[00:31:42] Like it was a really exciting time. I think, you know, I just love that women can do all this now and have kids, right? And like working from home or starting their own companies, or working, find a remote job. I just think that it's really, it's a nice silver lining to come out of COVID. 10 years ago, we didn't talk; no one talked about remote work very much.
[00:32:08] No. Or like, yeah. Women working for themselves. I think maybe a little bit, but like we just kind of set out knowing. I really was just excited to keep working and keep doing something I was so passionate about while having kids. I think that was also for my personality. I needed to do something; I probably would've just gone back to work.
[00:32:29] Like, I don't like to sit still. If you ask my husband, like, I don't know, I'm, it's just like part of my DNA, I don't know. So I think that it was gonna happen no matter what. I was gonna be doing something. And so then the timing just worked out. And, nd we stayed in business all that time somehow.
[00:32:47] Lindsay: No, I can relate to that to like theneed to just kind of keep the wheels moving and going. YesAnddd it's funny 'cause during the pandemic that sort of opened the door to, at the time I was doing sports with Fox and we were doing, I was doing some NASCAR coverage with them. Yep. It's random that I'm bringing up that sport twice.
[00:33:06] But anyway, and we saw this opening to like, wait a minute, here we are in the pandemic. It actually is easier at this point to have drivers wanna do these conversations and do them, what we're doing right now. Yes. That's amazing. So great. And that was really interesting because it showed like racing fans.
[00:33:23] A whole different side of these drivers. 'cause they were at home, couldn't go anywhere, and it was like, whoa, this is really cool. It's a whole different world, so that was really fascinating, and it's interesting to me how much stuff. When can it be done on Zoom? It is, you know, and it's painful that that's some of the norm.
[00:33:38] It's interesting, though, because like with the kids, I was curious, like what have you found in terms of helpful things, like when it comes to the balance? Yeah. And because that's a trick, you and I are also curious 'cause I'm really constantly wrestling with this as they need me more now. They needed me when they were little.
[00:33:59] Yes. But I'm like, whoa, this is a curveball. Like, you know, the need to, you have a middle schooler, you have a child that I don't know, man. Yeah. So a lot of different layers.
[00:34:10] Lauren: It's so true. And I, I relate to what you just said. So much, like all of a sudden we're more needed, whereas when they were.
[00:34:20] One in two years old. Obviously, they know who we are, but like, and newborns especially, it's a, well, it's like little kids, little problems. Big kids. Yeah, big problems. That being said, that is obviously very true. That's why it's a saying. Like, you know, I remember when they were like one and two, they're so hard.
[00:34:39] Like you can't let them out of your sight. You're following them everywhere physically. It's like a lot, right? Yeah. And then, now, you know, they're more independent and whatever. But, I, so the balance thing, I think. It's so hard. I think balance is impossible. I mean. You know, I do, I pick them up from school.
[00:35:01] I'm very involved with their after-school activities and driving them places. My mom actually told Khaki and me, my sister, her, like, she gives us advice all the time. Obviously, she's our mom, but she said something that has sat with me, and it's that those conversations in the car are very valuable, especially when they get into middle school and high school, and just being with them in the car is when they kind of open up.
[00:35:26] And I don't. So, and it seems, yeah, it seems to be true now. Like, you know, I, those like little moments of when they hop in the car at pick up and then you like drop them off at their sports or whatever, like they tell you a lot in those 15 minutes or so. And it's a, and so I'm trying to be there for that.
[00:35:42] And, and then all the other things, but like, you know, just those moments when they need us more, it's tricky figuring out when that is in their lives. And, but, you know, we're. My husband too, like he tries to get home for bedtime, you know, when they're going to bed, nd now they go to bed later.
[00:36:02] So that's good for him. Yeah, he's in the city every day. So like we're, we both are there at night, you know, most nights. And, yeah, I just think it's, I think balance is. Very hard, but you know, now they're in school more. And so it allows me to really get, you know, dive into work, in a way.
[00:36:24] That's when they're little; it's hard when they're not in school. So if there are young moms listening, like there is at this. And not end, but like light in the tunnel of like school all day and like homework at night too. And you know, they have lives and their lives are blossoming. Like they're really growing into these little humans that are Productive and independent, and helpful sometimes around the house. I mean, not always, but but, I don't know. So I think it's like finding those little moments to be there. I'm thinking about a lot, and that helps with like feeling like you're balanced, and you're there. But like one of my girlfriends I was with over the summer, I don't know if she'll listen to this or not, but I will tell her too 'cause I'm gonna call her out.
[00:37:11] We were on a hike together, and we were. Bonding over all this stuff and work and life balance and everything. And she was like, well, you're a stay-at-home working mom. And that's like a new thing. And I was like, yeah, you're right. I am like, I'm home 'cause I'm the primary parent and I'm doing all these things.
[00:37:30] Yeah. But I'm working. But I don't have like childcare after school, like working mom,
[00:37:37] Lindsay: Holdonn. I'm looking at home home-working mom. So, you would basically be like, we could call it a Sam,yeahh. Or a psalm. No. I was just looking at Yes. The acronym, because wait, I've never heard anyone say that. That's, yes, I know.
[00:37:51] So do you do both? Like you, are you also really involved in their morning routine?
[00:37:56] Lauren: Yes. And my husband is too. He will drop 'em off at school. Yeah. So like, it's very, we're he. I couldn't do this without him, either. Like we share a lot and, in this new modern age, of like the men really helping with stuff, as he does, like, he signs them up for sports.
[00:38:13] He'll, like he coach, he coached my daughter's flag football team this past fall, which like. I don't know if that's a hit where you guys live. Are the girls playing flag football?
[00:38:22] Lindsay: Some. It doesn't seem to be like, not so many, but yes. It's a thing that I think is amazing.
[00:38:27] Lauren: Me too. I hope I know, like Darienne has a few teams this year.
[00:38:30] I think it's like making its way up the coast, and like this town is now obsessed with girls ' flag football, so many of the young girls are signing up and doing it,t nd I just was like shocked that my daughter wanted to do it. Like she's a very feminine, Youyouow, girl. Yeah, girl. And like, she loved it.
[00:38:48] Like it was so, they didn't win a game, but it didn't matter
[00:38:53] Lindsay: Did she have fun? If she wants to do it again.
[00:38:54] Lauren: Yes. So she's doing it again. And like, I, you know, well, fortunately, or unfortunately, my husband now will coach again, which, you know, he's excited about. But, I, you know, so. With my husband, I have to shout out and give him a lot of credit, too.
[00:39:09] Like they, these men are very involved and all over. I see guys everywhere. I feel like the dads are really involved with stuff. So I'm thankful for that. And I feel like, you know, that helps with the balance thing to answer that again, like I do think it's a partnership that we're in very much so.
[00:39:28] Where, yeah, we share a lot.
[00:39:31] Lindsay: I do think, again, and the stay-at-home working mom thing is really awesome. It's definitely like, it's a privilege to be right, and it's, it also presents its challenges if you're right, because then you're, I don't know, maybe this is just me, but I find myself like, it's hard to, I have to keep myself on a real schedule or else I, yes, it just goes, yes.
[00:39:54] Right, and especially I think I really value, obviously, like being present in the moment, and I think sometimes that's really hard. Like you have to work to be able to make that happen. You have to like structuring time. Yes. So that you're really right.
[00:40:06] Lauren: That. That is such a good point, actually. The scheduling thing, I think, like managing time is like also a skill I've had to learn as a mom, more so like yeah, right.
[00:40:19] Like, oh, I need to get this done then. And like, like this morning I had something to do on my computer, and I had no other time than to wake up at five 30 and do it this morning. And that's fine. I'm a morning person, so I can do that. Some people are more nighttime people. Yeah. You know, whatever the case may be.
[00:40:36] Like you find the time. To do those things. That's exact man time management. So important. Yep. Yep. Yeah,
[00:40:44] Lindsay: It's, and it, I, so I just, there's someone posted something on Instagram, I'll send it to you. I can't remember her name right now, but I will share it in this space for everyone. But it was fascinating.
[00:40:55] It was the things that she does at night, her night routine. Yeah. I've become really obsessed with people's morning routine and also their night routine. Yes. And she was sharing that. She writes three things down. She needs that. Not just to do, but the three most important things for the next day.
[00:41:12] Oh. And I was like, that's actually fascinating. And you know, people obviously talk about the tech and how that's not great right before bed. We're horrible about that, you know? I know. Yeah. So bad. Yeah, but I think I've started to think a lot more about my sleep and I, that is one thing that I do realize this, like with this timing of my kids' ages, is like the importance of, yes, mine wanna talk in the car sometimes, not all the time, but I'm finding it more and more, which to your point, yes, super valuable, because when it happens, it's like, yes, exactly.
[00:41:44] Yep. But also right before bed, and I realized, and then it's like, oh. Damn, if you're not getting them in bed until like nine or nine 30, that, that could be like a 10 30, right? Like, I mean, yes, it's so funny being honest, you know? So, I don't know. I just think it's really fascinating. Yeah. Yeah. Do you feel like, in terms of where you guys are with the company, what is on the horizon?
[00:42:08] What are you guys excited about and working towards?
[00:42:12] Lauren: We, well, this year was a big year because we turned 10. And so I think we put a lot of, so much work into it, we have multiple collaborations, yes. That launched this fall that were, that sold out. I mean, we were blown away. Like they really all did very well, which is, I mean, I'm, I wasn't, I shouldn't be surprised 'cause the ladies that we partnered with were, are just amazing, and yes.
[00:42:34] Yeah. Loyal followers and community and all that. And so next year we're, now we're just trying to think through like. These partnerships have done so well for us, and it's always a win-win when we partner with a like-minded influencer or brand. So I'm currently just like casting the net wide on like brands, influencers, artists, like who's out there if anyone's listening, or do you have I send them our way.
[00:42:59] Lindsay: What do you look for in people?
[00:43:02] Lauren: We look for, I mean, you know, if it's an influencer, we want them to be influential. It's we, and we need, 'cause we, you know, at the end of the day, have to sell the stuff that you're partnering with them on. And, but we look for people who are like-minded. L would love to partner with a brand that also has a sustainability component, because we make everything from recycled plastic bottles.
[00:43:29] So, you know, I'm. I'm searching for that right now for brands that kind of fall in that bucket. And then just like influencers and taste makers. And we partnered with an artist this fall, Sally King Benedict, who's out in Idaho, and that was amazing. And she's just so cool. And like I walked into her studio, and I was like, oh man, like.
[00:43:51] This is really cool. Like she's a recording artist. No, she's a painter. She's, oh god, yeah. Yeah. She likes to paint these amazing, she's known for abstract faces and landscapes, but mainly likes faces. She does. And so, very colorful and beautiful and bright. And so she designed. This original artwork that we printed on our Sherpa fleece.
[00:44:14] And she called it too, like, when I went out there and met her and like brought her the final product, and she was like, this reminds me of like vintage Patagonia in a way. And I was like, yeah, like you did that, you designed that, and like, it feels like that. So that was just such a cool experience.
[00:44:30] Yeah. So people like that, you know, like that are, and women, like, we like, to your point, I don't know. I've worked in fashion my whole career and like have worked with very few men, and the men that I've worked with have been gay and fabulous. And so, you know, Ijust, I just feel like that female energy, I.
[00:44:49] I love working with. I just really enjoyed it and it, thrilling. It just is, it's exciting. I think. So others, like female-founded brands and influencers,
[00:44:58] Lindsay: Do you find that you guys look for, number of followers or what you have this expertise, which I think is really interesting for people to hear?
[00:45:08] I wanna hear your answer to that, but also looking forward, are there things that really matter to you in terms of what you've just said, besides what you've just said.
[00:45:16] Lauren: I know. So I think that, like, follower count is like losing, it's. Luster in a way. Like, yeah. I mean, there's more to look at when you're looking at someone's account and what they're doing and their community of people and their reach.
[00:45:30] Exactly. Yeah. So I think that there's just so much more to deep dive into when you're working with someone for the first time. And we have found like some of our. Some smaller influencers are starting to come up that are converting way more than the big ones. So, you know, it's interesting. I know, I think that people, it goes back to that like authenticity and that real.
[00:45:53] realness that I think that, you know, some, there's, a realness there with these smaller ladies, not, smaller, like, smaller follow followers, that I think, people just really gravitate towards and they listen to t, them and they're really dialed in. So, you know, I think that there's so much more to look for, as we search.
[00:46:15] And I think for brands too, I don't care about the followers at all. I just do they have a great brand? Do they have a message? Do they have a mission? You know, what is their, yeah. Like, what are they set out to do? Because I think in this world of like. Amazon and like Quince right now is, I ke I just read a Wall Street Journal article about Quince, which was fascinating.
[00:46:35] You know, they're doing what they're doing is craz,y ad, it's scary a little bit as a brand,, 'cause you're like, oh gosh, I hope they never find,u,s like, 'cause what they do is they just like scour the internet for what people are shopping and then they copy it and
[00:46:47] Lindsay: Oh, really?
[00:46:49] Lauren: The founder says all that. He's like, yeah, we cop. You know, that's what,
[00:46:52] Lindsay: That's the business model.
[00:46:53] Lauren: Exactly. So, you know, I'm like, let's just stay in our little area, and maybe they'll never find us. But, but I think like in that, this day and age of that, like. You know, faceless brand, like now more than ever, it's like so important to like, stay up in front of your brand and like say who you are because otherwise you're just buying a sweater and like you don't know who made it or where it came from.
[00:47:18] And yeah, I said, I don't know. I think there's something to be said about that and hopeful. Hopefully I'm right on that. I don't know. Like we stay true to that and stay true to who we a,e. with all this competition out there.
[00:47:30] Lindsay: And what you mentioned, mission statement, and I, when you brought it up, I just, I thought, oh yeah, I wanted to, can you share what your mission statement was when you started? And still is?
[00:47:39] Lauren: Yes, still is. We want to make it comfortable. Stylish fleece clothing for men, women, and children made using recycled materials. And, family-founded. We always add that in at the end. We just, yeah, like I think that like family-founded ownership thing, we never took on investments.
[00:47:59] So it's all still run by us and owned by us. We're very proud of that, and I hope we can continue to stay like that. You know, like when sometimes I'll think about, like to answer your question earlier, of like what's the future and everything. Like I hope one day that my kids have the option to work for Dudley Stephens.
[00:48:19] I don't know. We'll see. But like, yeah, you know, I just think there could be. The minute they're old enough to like pack a box or do something like they'll be going to work. Andd so that's a goal I think. Like, how do we make that happen? I mean, they already will like model, like on this few, a few weeks ago we had a photo shoot and and prob a while ago, 'cause they've always done stuff.
[00:48:44] They've always modeled some of the stuff since they were babies. And we had a connection with Reese Witherspoon. Team, a woman on our team used to work for Reese, and I hope I'm not speaking out of turn by saying this. Yeah. But, but she said, and, I'm sure this is a common thing, but whenever her daughter or any of her kids would do work for her, she would pay them. And so, that really stuck with me since the kids were babies. I'm like,
[00:49:15] Lindsay: You said that,
[00:49:17] Lauren: like, that was like, yeah, you know what, and, I'm sure everybody. You know, celebrities and anyone who has a brand, like if you're, or if you hire a child model, it's like the same thing, right? So
[00:49:27] Lindsay: Yeah.
[00:49:28] Lauren: Whenever we've had our kids at shoots, we pay them, and we let them.
[00:49:33] Whether they wanna go to the toy store or they want actual cash, like they decide and we like, depending on how long they're modeling, like we reimburse them and whatever. And now my son's getting, my husband's trying to teach my son and my daughter, like investment, whatever. And so I keep saying like, daddy's like, has an account open for you.
[00:49:51] Do you want me to just? Put your hundred dollars in the account, and he's like, Noo, I wanna go to the Choice store. I'm like, ah. So like, we're getting there, but like, yeah, I don't know. So. There. I, so for future things, as I would just love it if one day we could give them an internship or like a job, I don't know, a job, maybe they could run the company. I don't know. That's a goal.
[00:50:12] Lindsay: Yeah. Well, yeah. Why not? I mean, that's, so as you're saying that, I'm like, what could I hire my kids to do with the podcast? Yes, I could have them set up the microphones. Yes. I could have them. Right. No, that's, I love that, honestly.
[00:50:24] Lauren: Yeah. Little things and teach them about entrepreneurship.
[00:50:27] Like my friend, one of my girlfriends is all about that she has her own business, and like, shout out to Lela. Like, you know, she has her daughter, who's in high school, who helps with everything. And it just encourages that entrepreneurial mindset, which I think is so fun for them and valuable.
[00:50:45] And I think it just opens their world up to like what's possible in a way.
[00:50:50] Lindsay: I love it. I'm gonna let you go, but I have one more question. Yes. Can you give us a sneak peek at like new product that you're working on, or what the hottest
[00:50:58] Lauren: Yes. Oh my gosh. Well, we have so much coming out between now and Christmas, and things are gonna, we have our Black Friday sale going on that's 30% off Sitewide.
[00:51:10] and we are dropping new styles during that sale, so it will be on sale. And we have new pullovers coming in December that are like a dud, but we're calling a Dudley pullover, which is like this cozy Sherpa pullover with like rib trim. It's really cool. And then early next year, we continue, like we're straight on through winter, and we have a collection launching all throughout January for Valentine's Day that is very feminine and chic, but sporty.
[00:51:39] And so I'm excited about all of that, too. So Amazing. Yeah. So loa t's coming up.
[00:51:43] Lindsay: Do you guys all wear your Dudley Stephens at the holidays?
[00:51:46] Lauren: Yes.
[00:51:47] Lindsay: Around each other?
[00:51:47] Lauren: Yes.
[00:51:48] Lindsay: Do you really? I have this vision of you guys all around your table.
[00:51:52] Lauren: Yes. And like we'll have to coordinate who's wearing what. You know, like we're like, okay, you're wearing that, you're wearing that, and then some.
[00:51:59] Lindsay: Oh my God.
[00:51:59] Lauren: Yeah, sometimes we don't care, and we'll just show we're just wearing. Sometimes we'll wear the same thing, but then, like some, if we're going somewhere, we're like going out, we have to like coordinate. So, but yeah, we all wear it. All of the men wear our pullover and our vests like constantly, and we actually have a really great corporate.
[00:52:18] Custom business right now too, for your listeners and teams, like, we don't have, yeah, we don't have like the licensing for Yeah, we would love to figure that out at some point. But, but we have like, you know, schools, kids, teams, corporations, we had a massive order for a big bank. This year. That was insane.
[00:52:40] And they put their bank logo on all of our turtlenecks, and men's vests too. So, if anyone's listening, it means custom corporate gear that's female-founded. We are your people. We have a great program.
[00:52:53] Lindsay: I actually think that you guys could do really well in the horse racing industry.
[00:52:57] Lauren: Oh my God.
[00:52:58] Lindsay: These people that are up at the barns early, they look great. They're, you know, it's good.
[00:53:01] Lauren: Yes. Yes. Yeah. So if your listeners reach out to us, 'cause we have a great setup for that. I love it. All right,
[00:53:09] Lindsay: Well, I have an awesome holiday season and
[00:53:11] Lauren: Thank you, you too.
[00:53:13] Lindsay: Yes, thanks so much. I love Lauren. Her energy, but her story is so much.
[00:53:18] I, I actually took so much from that in terms of like the key concepts of the business plan, really having an idea. Oftentimes, that's why I asked her about, like, if you don't have a dad who's a mentor like that, what can you do? Because I think figuring out those steps can be really intimidating.
[00:53:35] And I really believe that the reframe of the mind when we have an idea, and you really have passion behind it. It never hurts to just take the next step to think of it as real already, and then what's the worst that can happen? As I say to my kids all the time, if you fail, it's gonna help you get back up and try again and learn the new lessons on the other side.
[00:53:55] So anyway, thank you, Lauren, for coming on the show. As I said, I am a massive fan of Dudley Stephens, and I think that you should go to their website, and we will include the links in our show notes for where you can find them. But yeah, as always. We would love to hear what you wanna hear more about here on Things No One Tells You.
[00:54:13] Thanks for listening, and I hope that you have a wonderful start to your holidays. See you next time. Thanks so much for joining me. I can't wait to see you back here next week. Please don't forget, follow and subscribe to things no one tells you. And of course, if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, don't forget to leave a five-star review because that's really what helps people get more.
[00:54:32] Listeners, we would love to grow this community. We are so grateful that you're a part of it. See you next time.
