Lauren Levy Solves Parents’ Problems With Magnetic Me

If you’ve ever changed a baby and wished you had an extra hand, you know exactly what Lauren Levy experienced with her nephew. But through this common infant snafu, Levy landed on an idea that would become Magnetic Me, her company that offers easy-to-change and wear clothes with patented magnets, for kids and adults alike.

Originally from South Florida, Levy’s childhood was filled with playing outside, bike rides, and swimming. And fashion wasn’t in her view as she went to Emory and met her partner, Lawrence. After majoring in economics, she worked in finance, while he worked as a lawyer. But eventually, after achieving their initial goals, the pair realized that the entrepreneurial roots of their parents was in their DNA. So, they joined forces and set out to create their unique company. Read on to hear how they did it!

SBS: What was the origin of Magnetic Me? 

Lauren Levy: I was changing my nephew Charlie and had a hard time lining up all those snaps! It was a cold day in New Jersey, and he was crying and screaming from the cold air because it was taking too long to change him. I misaligned all those snaps and had to start over. My sister then started screaming at me because her baby was screaming for far too long. It was so stressful. I thought, a magnet would make this whole process way more efficient and lend me a hand when I only had two. Fast forward to today and that baby is applying to colleges now!

SBS: How did you turn that first idea into your company in practical terms?

LL: For two years, we researched every aspect of the business from garment manufacturing to sales to planning and forecasting. We wrote a business plan, found designers and factories, and then we launched!  

SBS: What is the underlying mission of Magnetic Me? 

LL: Our driving mission is to give people time for the moments that truly matter by making getting dressed easier. We are a mission-driven company, and it feels great to come to work every day.

SBS: What sets Magnetic Me apart from other brands?

MM: Our patented magnetic fastener of course, but also our high-performance, eco-friendly fabrics, and our one-of-a-kind prints that are created by female artists all around the world. And those fun moments where you open and close it for the first time.

SBS: What skills did you take from your other work into your work at Magnetic Me? 

LL: Coming through New York City investment banks and law firms, I’m proud of our work ethic and ability to problem solve.

SBS: What have been some happy surprises along the way? 

LL: We started Magnetic Me before I had kids, so when I had the opportunity to use my own product and realized there was nothing I would change, that was a terrific feeling.   

SBS: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs when starting a business?

LL: The best advice I would give—and it’s the same advice I’ve given since we started—is, you never know if you have a real business until you ask a stranger to buy what you’re selling. That’s the most honest feedback you’ll ever get.

SBS: What self-care practices have been most helpful along your journey? 

LL: I’m the worst with self-care. I can’t sit still. Even when I’m home, I’m organizing something. I read a lot and podcast and consume news at a fierce clip. Maybe reading X is my self-care. I love learning things there directly from people I respect.

SBS: What's your personal wellness approach?

LL: While I can’t sit still, I’m still kind of lazy, so I consider my commute to the city plus walking my dogs every morning in the park as exercise.  

The best, zaniest part of being Lauren: The best part of being me is that I will the world to go my way, and I make my own luck. Plus, my husband and kids have my sense of humor, which makes for great times.

Lauren’s SBS Mantra: Our family mantra is: Brave and strong, smart and nice. I’ve been whispering it in my kids’ ears since they were born. I just felt like if they are ever in a stressful spot, they could have a mental mantra that auto kicks on to help get them through anything.

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