Today we’d like to introduce you to Thelma Anderson.
Thelma, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always known that I would become an entrepreneur one day, it was just taking the scary steps to get here was challenging. Birthing the Thelma Lou sandal and The Bae Collection has by far been two of the most challenging things I have done at the same time. Before I became an entrepreneur, I wanted finish school first school. I received my undergraduate degree from Southern University A&M College on the campus of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After graduation, I decided to take two years off to just live and grow as an adult. In 2010, I went back to school where I received my Master’s Degree from UT-Arlington. While completing my Master’s degree, I was accepted into law school. Being accepted into Thurgood Marshall School of Law was a dream come true. Becoming an Attorney afforded me the opportunity to live within my purpose. Throughout my law school journey, I experienced many difficulties and rejections along the way. However, during my second year of law school, a light bulb went off because as a woman, I was just over my feet hurting and not having something convenient to wear. The idea of the Thelma Lou sandal manifested in my Houston Apartment in 2014. I had to place it on hold because there was this thing called the Bar exam that took over my life. During this time, I was also ill and had to focus on my health, which lead to me being a health freak. However, once I passed the Bar and became an Attorney, the dream was back on. I knew in order for me to start the idea I needed to protect my company upfront. The reason I chose to protect my company was that I have seen so many business owners fail due to their failure to protect their business. In 2016, I formed my LLC.
In 2017, I filed my trademark after my first name Feet Treats failed, Thelma is my first name and Lou was the nickname my late sister Sherica Kepney used to call me because she said I had an old soul. The name was a hit and I am so glad that my business name reflects who I am and what my sister loved about me. In 2018, I submitted my patent for the Thelma Lou sandal, which is currently in the second prototyping stage. I cannot wait until every woman is able to enjoy the convenient comfort that the Thelma Lou sandal offers. In the midst of me birthing my baby, I also birthed another baby The Bae Collection shirt line. I created the Bae Collection as a way for all profession to display what they love to do. I cater to all professions from Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Stylist, Bosses, Hustlers you name it everyone. To celebrate my companies one year anniversary I will be hosting The Bae Brunch on October 13, 2019, from 1:30-3:30 at Muggiano’s. The brunch was created as a fundraiser to help raise money for scholars who come from underprivileged neighbors. Being a business owner has been a marathon and I am enjoying the race.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely NOT.
One of my biggest struggles has been marketing. How do you get your idea out to the millions of consumers that could love your product? What content should you use, what networking events should you attend. What to post on social media. I think the biggest struggle is funding. Funding for me is budgeting my salary in order to have money set aside so that I can invest in my company. I know for some protecting your company can be challenging. I know how to look at legal terms to make them make sense has helped me but it is still challenging. I mean the list goes on.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Thelma Lou – what should we know?
I have two businesses:
1. The Thelma Lou sandal was invented to fix a problem that would allow women the convenience of pulling out their foldable sandal when their feet begin to hurt. The foldable sandal can fit in any purse, bag or clutch. The sandal will come with a matching bag. I am most proud of my company because at every rejection I continued to press forward. The Thelma Lou sandal is patent pending. There is nothing out on the market like my sandal.
2. The #Bae collection shirt line was created to highlight every professional or self-made Bae. I started this company by accident because I needed to show how my trademark was being used in commerce and the only way was for me to create the collection, which led to me securing my trademark. The collection was created so that every professional or self-made bae could show off what they love to do for a living.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My sisters LaShonda Phelps and Sherica Kepney are my biggest supports. The name of my company Thelma Lou comes from a nickname that my sister gave me. I love the fact that my sisters annoying nickname will live on forever in her memory. My two nieces Timberly and Timorie are my biggest motivation to continue to press forward even during the dark days and nights.
My best friend Jessica Wallace allows me to lean on her for support and help. She also allows me to bounce ideas off her.
My friends: Teegan, Chigozie, Gabby, Lacrecia, Delayana, Shanerika, Steven, Anthony and Jonathan have all played a role in not only supporting me but have continued to motivate in the pursuit of my dreams.
Pricing:
- t-shirts are 27.00 for both men and women
- sweatshirts are 35.00 for both men and women
- Customized t-shirts are 29.00 for both men and women
Contact Info:
- Website: mythelmalou.com
- Email: thelmalouinfo@gmail.com
- Instagram: _thelmalou
- Facebook: thelma lou
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