In honor of International Women's Day 2021, we're spotlighting the female founders behind some of our favorite subscriptions and brands.
A pandemic in the middle of prom season wasn't something Jen Forman, founder of formal wear rental service Charlotte's Closet, planned for when she launched her business six years ago.
As she grappled with weddings, pageants, and Sweet 16s being put on hold, Forman knew she'd have to pivot from her clothing rental service for teens and young adults.
"[I had] the urgent desire to give back in any way," she recently told My Subscription Addiction. "The question of the day changed from, 'Which dress am I wearing this weekend?' to 'Which of my sons' sweats am I stealing from him?' [All this] gave me another idea to easily bring comfortable and on-trend loungewear to women."
While working — and schooling — at home, Forman created the Stand Up In Style Box, a subscription box that delivers $150 worth of athleisure and accessories for $99 each (subscribers can also pre-pay for a year of boxes for $340). 10% of each sale benefits Stand Up To Cancer.
And in an effort to support women in small business, "all of the accessories are curated by women-owned brands," Forman explained.
Although the past year was all about "overcoming challenges" for Forman, she told us being "forced to stop — pause and reboot— everything" served as a valuable learning experience. It also allowed her to focus on building a box she's proud of by investing her time researching and testing the products she features.
"Giving joggers the at-home test — finding those versatile styles that easily go from working out to hanging out. Receiving positive feedback on the brands/product selects from clients, along with their amazing style pics, is the ultimate payoff," she told us.
While Forman's been able to adapt to the changing landscape, she acknowledges just how difficult things have been for so many. She's gifted boxes to those on the frontline so "they have a comfy set to wear" after a long day.
"With all of the hardship this past year, I’m always looking for ways to celebrate the good and amazing people, especially healthcare workers who have selflessly cared for our loved ones," she explained.
About the Stand Up In Style Box
The Cost: $99 per quarter + free shipping. Sign up here.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 15% off
CODE: TAKE15
The Products: Athleisure clothing and accessories.
Ships to: The US.
Visit our Stand Up In Style info page for details about this subscription, and to let us know if you'd like to see a review.
We hope you loved hearing about Jen's founding journey as much as we did! What inspired you the most about her experience?
