Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Shobe.
Hi Lindsay, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been the type to jump in headfirst. Sometimes blindly, sometimes with way too much confidence, but always ready and willing to figure it out along the way. I spent the majority of my career hustling in male-dominated industries. I learned very quickly that I had to work 10x’s harder to prove myself or to be taken seriously. Working hard to build everyone else’s dreams ultimately wasn’t enough for me. I realized I wanted to create something that was mine, from the ideas to the execution, on my own terms.
During COVID, when I was furloughed, I went back to school for a graduate degree, and it hit me: the traditional path just wasn’t going to cut it. It wasn’t going to be enough. It wasn’t going to fulfill me, but also – it just wasn’t cut out for someone like me. My struggles with major depression and learning differences had already taught me to find creative ways to get things done. Now, I had the clarity to take that approach and build my own niche.
So, I started kismet + sage from scratch. I researched, experimented, and leaned on every past experience (good and bad). I had to figure things out. There was no roadmap, but that was kind of the point. I thrive on making things happen, even when no one else believes it’s possible.
kismet + sage is my space to combine strategy and creativity, to uplift women, and to celebrate individuality. It’s not just an online boutique; it’s a place where women can feel confident, stylish, and unapologetically themselves. For me, it was more than just building my business—it was about showing that hard work, vision, and a little stubbornness can create something that matters.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been smooth? Ha. Absolutely not. Very few businesses hit it out of the ballpark initially. kismet + sage was no exception. That’s something I’m not ashamed to admit. On top of the usual challenges, I carried the pressure of my own expectations. Expectations that have been unrealistic most of my life. Coming from a top MBA program, I felt like I should be running a hedge fund or climbing the corporate ladder. Which, just wasn’t my story.. The reality is quite the opposite. So, of course, when people say, “Oh, you dress people for a living?” there’s this tiny internal eye-roll: yes, I chose this, and yes, it’s harder than most realize.
But here’s what people don’t understand: as superficial as fashion might seem, the joy I get from seeing a woman light up in just the right outfit is real. The woman who’s been hiding behind god-knows-what because of low self-esteem, uncertainty, or fear—helping her feel confident, seen, and unapologetically herself—that’s the real win. All the pressure, self-doubt, and critics along the way? They’re worth it if I know someone is smiling at herself for the first time.
We’ve been impressed with kismet + sage, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
kismet + sage is an online boutique for women who want clothes that actually work for real life—modern, versatile, and just a little edgy. We focus on pieces that fit well, feel comfortable, and make getting dressed easier, without the pressure or nonsense of micro-trends or Instagram hype.
What sets us apart is the thought behind everything: every item is curated to work in real wardrobes, mix and match, and give women options that feel right for them. The boutique experience is personal, even online. I want women to trust what they’re getting and enjoy the process of finding pieces that suit their style and lifestyle. I’m proud that kismet + sage is fully built from scratch, a place that’s practical, intentional, and approachable, while still making women feel good about what they’re wearing.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see the fashion and online retail space becoming even more personalized and intentional over the next 5–10 years. Shoppers are tired of noise. They want pieces that actually fit their lives, their style, and their bodies. Sustainability and quality will continue to matter more, and people will expect brands to be transparent about how and why they make things.
I also think the line between physical and online shopping will keep evolving. Even small boutiques like kismet + sage will need to create experiences that feel personal and thoughtful, whether you’re shopping from your couch or in-store. Which will be the next pivot for us, a full brick and mortar experience. Overall, it’s about giving women what they actually want: options that make their lives easier, fun, and a little more stylish, without all the fluff.
Pricing:
- All items are priced under $100
- Free standard shipping
- Free local delivery in Frisco
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kismetandsage.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kismetandsage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kismetandsageboutique/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kismet-and-sage/
