We had the good fortune of connecting with Lana Ashby Rowder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

When I began the journey of starting my own business, it was driven by a real need I observed, especially after becoming a mom. Dressing stylishly yet comfortably became a daily challenge, and I realized there was a gap in the market for accessible, personal styling. Despite having professionals for hair and nails, finding someone to help us navigate our wardrobes affordably and efficiently was like searching for a needle in a haystack. As a certified personal stylist from NYIAD, I still faced these issues, and often want feedback from my fellow stylists and friends. This pushed me to start this company and offer the instant styling service that really tackles this everyday issue that most people face.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’ve always been driven by a passion for helping others, particularly moms. My journey began in the healthcare field, where I worked as a nurse for several years. The concept for my business wasn’t a sudden spark; it was more like a persistent whisper, nagging at me for years, urging me to do more.

The leap from nursing to entrepreneurship was daunting. Doubts crept in, and I grappled with imposter syndrome, questioning my ability to start and run a company. The turning point came with my husband’s unwavering support and encouragement. He believed in me even when I doubted myself, pushing me to take the first steps into the unknown.

As I ventured into the business world, I quickly realized that nobody had it all figured out. There wasn’t a pedestal reserved for those with fancy job titles or addresses in coveted cities. This revelation, coupled with the hands-on learning and support from the Founders Institute, helped me dismantle my self-imposed barriers.

What sets me apart is this journey from the hospital wards to the fashion world, fueled by a mission to empower women, especially moms, to feel confident in their appearance. I am most proud of bridging the gap between practicality and style, creating a service that resonates with the real, everyday struggles of women.

The road wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. The challenges were stepping stones, each teaching me resilience, humility, and the power of community. My brand’s story is not just about fashion; it’s about making genuine connections, fostering self-love, and inspiring confidence.

I want the world to know that lookingGLASS is more than a styling service—it’s a friend, a supporter, and a believer in every woman’s right to feel good in her skin. It’s about helping each person shine in their unique way, proving that with the right support and belief, anyone can overcome doubts and thrive in their chosen path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Austin is such an electric city with so much to do and see! If my best friend were visiting Austin for a week, we’d kick things off with a leisurely stroll down South Congress Avenue, soaking up the eclectic vibe and popping into unique boutiques and eateries, like the famous breakfast taco spots.My favorite is Torchy’s, make sure you get the large queso. We’d wear our athletic clothes so we could walk downtown, visiting landmarks like the Texas State Capitol and but also be able to enjoy at Zilker Park. We’d also hop on the hike and bike trail and take int he gorgeous views of Lady bird lake with the sky scrappers in the background. My favorite thing to do would be to grab a bottle of wine and some snacks and hop on the Retro boats. This is such a unique and cool experiene! We’d induglge and eat dinner at Uchi this night. The best sushi in town. At night we would head to East Austin. where we’d check out the street art, indulge in some of the city’s best barbecue at Franklin Barbecue, and catch the bars on rainy street.

We’d make sure we planned a day to do trip to the Texas Hill Country would be a must, savoring wine tastings and the quaint charm of Fredericksburg.

We’d check outNorth Austin, we’d hit The Domain for some shopping. I would show her where I lived at the mall and we’d haev a nice lunch at North Italian. Wed spend the rest of the afternoon walking around and shopping. Outdoor adventures would also be on the agenda, with a hike up Mount Bonnell and perhaps a relaxing spa day.

We’d have sunday brunch at Mattie’s, enjoying the lush surroundings and Southern cuisine.

While sixth street is a bit crazy I would make sure we at least stopped there for a quick drink at Friends bar so she could see what the hype was all about!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, I’m thrilled to dive into this Shoutout series! It’s a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge those who’ve played a crucial role in my journey. My husband has been the bedrock of my support system, offering endless love and encouragement that has been instrumental in my endeavors. He believed in me and my passion, long before I believe in myself

The Founders Institute of Texas and the mentors in the startup ecosystem here have been crucial in providing support and guidance, helping me navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. I recommend anyone in the early stage that struggles with imposter syndrome or has no idea where to start, look into joining an accelerator or plugging yourself into the startup ecosystem. Additionally, the books “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel and “Finding the Exit” by Lea A. Ellermeier have offered invaluable insights into building successful ventures. Hearing Lea talk about coming from a small town in Nebraska- (same as me!) and successfully exiting her company, was the biggest inspiration. thank you for writing that book lea.

I also want to highlight the early team members—Christina Caruso, Lauren Ross, and Stefani Johnson—who joined me when the idea was just a vision in my head. Their belief in creating a community to help women, especially moms, feel confident in their appearance has been the foundation of our work.

And, most significantly, my sister, who took the biggest leap of faith by quitting her teaching career to join the lookingGLASS team and help me get the business off the ground. Her sacrifice and belief in our mission have been monumental, and I am eternally grateful to her.

Each of these individuals and groups, from my family and early team to the supportive networks and enlightening books, have been integral to my journey. They all deserve recognition and gratitude for their significant contributions to where I am today.

Website: https://lookingglasslifestyle.com/blogs/news/maximizing-space-and-style-expert-tips-from-professional-organizer-katie-on-decluttering-your-home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lookingglasslifestyle/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-ashby-rowder-450a39203/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lookingglasslifestyle/

Image Credits
Alissa Cordoba Photography JTX media

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