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Corner Office Q&A: Jennifer Skanron, Creator Of “Suits Your Belly”

Jennifer Skanron was an executive in GE’s healthcare division when she found out she was pregnant again. Frustrated by the maternity clothing options available to her — none provided the holy trinity of comfort, affordability, and a professional look — she took things into her own hands. The result was Suits Your Belly, a line of tailored suits for the pregnant professional. Here, Skanron tells us how she came up with the idea and what she misses about working for a big corporation.

What exactly do you do and how’d you end up doing it?

I invented a solution for maternity apparel called the Zip in Panel that eliminates the need to purchase multiple styles of bottoms; under belly, over belly and fourth trimester clothes. I specialize in maternity work clothes, there is such a void in this market place it was the obvious place to start. It came about from a personal need to find maternity work wear and the frustration of having multiple pairs of pants for a single pregnancy.

Before noon, you’ve already…

Had two cups of coffee, showered, dressed, and attacked early morning emails. Then wake the kids, make breakfast, ready them for school and drop them off. Fill & ship orders and  work on marketing & growth strategies!

You left GE for entrepreneurship. What do you miss about working for a big company?

The resources that a large company offers, there is an expert in each area; marketing, finance, IT etc..I am the jack of all trades so I figure it out as I go. Some things I like doing more than others.

Women shouldn’t underestimate the value of…

…Networking

If you weren’t in this career, what would you be doing?

Continuing my career path in healthcare.

Show your business plan to diverse people (finance, marketing,etc)  and get advice on it, it’s always good to have a second opinion. Don’t quit your day job until your new business is fully up and running and can support you economically.   Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there are a lot of people out there that like to see small businesses succeed. If they don’t know the answer ask them if they know anyone who might, networking is still the best way.

TAGS: jennifer skanron | suits your belly

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