We had the good fortune of connecting with HANNAH LAVON and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi HANNAH, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I originally created and manufactured mismatched battling animal mittens for adults, called Vs. Mittens. Selling mittens were too seasonal, and I wanted to be a full-time business owner. Mittens morphed into socks but rebranded to a message I felt passionate about: that you can be friends with someone who is not exactly like you, be it the way you look, religion, even if you have a differing favorite color. Pals Socks introduces this open minded friendship concept to kids in an easy and unassuming way that will impact their life as they grow.

What should our readers know about your business?
I used to be an art director. I loved to concept fun ideas on the side to entertain myself. My first wearable product I designed were mismatching mittens that came as predator and prey, so your hands could “battle it out in the funnest way ever.” (Like a Wolf and Sheep or Lion and Gazelle). I did that for a few years, and it was fun, but realized it was super seasonal. You really have 2 months. So, mittens pivoted into socks, which can be sold when it’s not 30 degrees and under. However, I rebranded it from being battling characters, to being Pals. I felt it was more important to inspire kids to be friends with someone different instead of fighting.

Pals are now in 800+ retailers in US and Canada, been featured in numerous publications like GMA, USA Today, Parents Magazine the Washington Post and the book ‘Girls Who Run the World’. It has been quite challenging as a sole founder with no background in retail, business or marketing but I have taken it pretty far with luck, research and hard work!

What has helped me: Make to do lists! Weekly, monthly, yearly. I am naturally all over the place and being able to visualize my goals and needs have drastically helped with my needs and necessary deadlines. This is a second thing, but don’t work alllll the time! I try to not work on the weekends unless absolutely necessary, I believe life should be about living, we have a short amount of time here on Earth, and life is not about being on your computer all day. Get some air! See friends! Be inspired! Listen to inspiring podcasts, business or not!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Philly- def Love City Brewing or Yards, go to Wissahickon State Park, the Eastern State Penitentiary, hit up the best museums here like the Mutter, the Art Museum or the Barnes! And the best vegan spot in town- Bar Bombon.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife! For moral support!

Website: www.palssocks.com

Instagram: @palssocks

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahlavon/

Image Credits
Photos by Marisa Guzman-Aloia

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.