Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortney Carroll.
Hi Cortney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
StyleAlum is “FANatical” about elevating Spirit Wear style from basic tee to fashion statement.
Howdy! My name is Cortney Carroll, and I am the Founder of StyleAlum. As a Texas A&M Former Student (WHOOP!) I used to struggle to find grown-up fashions to wear to games or special events. StyleAlum was created to solve this challenge. Our curated women’s clothing and accessories are unexpected and fabulous. Just like you. We strive to elevate Spirit Wear styles for alumni, parents, and super fans through unique team logo and color fashion collections. Many of our products are made in the USA by women-owned companies and are always NCAA Officially Licensed. From graduation and parents’ weekend to homecoming and gamedays we will have you cheering for your favorite team in style.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being stylish while representing your favorite team or school is not easy for women. If you want to wear a basic t-shirt or sweatshirt, then it is pretty simple, but GameDay fashion is evolving, fans are dressing and expressing their unique styles at events more than ever before. Unfortunately, popular team colors are not usually seen on the runways at New York Fashion Week. Finding your team colors and clothing size in fashion-forward styles is nearly impossible, plus the added challenge of finding unique Officially Licensed styles for women makes curating seasonal collections for each school a true adventure.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
StyleAlum was launched in Fall 2019. Unfortunately, just a few months later Covid started, and our plans were delayed as events were canceled.
In Spring 2021, we relaunched the brand full force as in-person events returned and we were able to participate in local markets and shopping events to spread the word about our new brand. In Summer 2021 we opened our first store as a vendor at the Painted Tree Boutique in North Richland Hills, followed later that summer with a second store at their location in Mansfield. In Fall of 2021, we participated in Holiday Markets and focused on expanding the brand. We also added over 28 teams, including most of the Big 12 and SEC schools.
2022 has seen record growth for StyleAlum. We opened six more Painted Tree locations within Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Additionally, we participated in over 22 markets and local events, including the exclusive and highly selective Fort Worth Junior League Christmas in Cowtown Market and the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market.
In 2023 we plan to launch a new website with an interactive custom clear bag design experience, continue to grow our holiday market pop-up shop opportunities, add new teams, and expand our brand through additional Painted Tree Boutique locations.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
One of my favorite podcasts is Just B with Bethanny Frankel. She does some wonderful interviews with entrepreneurs and thought leaders. I also listen to How I Built This with Guy Raz, which is similar to Just B. It is always inspiring to hear how successful brands are launched and built.
Contact Info:
- Website: StyleAlum.com
- Instagram: @stylealum
- Facebook: @stylealum
