Ever since I can remember, fashion has been a significant part of my life. However, finding clothes that fit my 4’11” frame has always been a challenge. This struggle became particularly pronounced during a distressing travel experience for work. I nearly lost my luggage, which contained clothing tailored specifically for my petite size. The fear of attending important meetings and presentations in ill-fitting clothes highlighted a significant gap in the fashion industry for petite women like myself. When you look good, you feel good, and I wanted to help push the industry to make petite clothing as available as it is for average-sized women.
With over 12 years of experience in IT sales for the federal government, I’ve honed my skills in technology and developed a deep understanding of sophisticated systems. This experience was fulfilling, yet I always felt a strong pull towards something that resonated more deeply with my personal experiences and passions. The turning point came when I realized that I could merge my technical expertise, love for fashion, and frustration with the fashion industry to create something truly unique. This realization led to the birth of Ever Petite, a platform dedicated to transforming the fashion landscape for petite women.
Ever Petite’s mission is to redefine the fashion landscape for petite women by providing an unparalleled shopping sanctuary tailored exclusively for individuals 5’4” and under. The platform aims to empower every petite woman to shop confidently, embrace their unique beauty, and express themselves with a style that’s as perfect in fit as it is in fashion. Through curated selections, meaningful partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to the community, Ever Petite seeks to transform what it means to be “petite.”
Our platform serves not just as a shopping destination but also as a celebration of the unique needs and styles of the petite community. We collaborate with brands, designers, and influencers dedicated to the petite market, supporting the broader goal of advancing the petite fashion industry. Beyond providing fashion solutions, Ever Petite positions itself as an advocate and educator within the petite space. Our holistic ecosystem addresses all aspects of petite fashion and lifestyle, leveraging advanced filtering options and AI-driven components to ensure every shopper finds exactly what suits her unique body type, style preferences, and lifestyle needs.
Ever Petite is more than a retail space; it’s a community hub for sharing, support, and inspiration. It’s a destination that celebrates the petite identity and a beacon for inclusivity in fashion.
Balancing Motherhood, Career, and Entrepreneurship
Being a mother of two young boys—a 2-year-old and a 6-year-old—while starting a company and working a full-time career in IT sales is an intricate dance of juggling responsibilities and setting priorities. It’s a journey filled with love, exhaustion, and acceptance that I cannot give 100% of myself to everything or everyone in my life. In my roles as a mother, wife, IT manager, daughter, sister, and friend, I’ve learned to embrace imperfection. Some days, I’m the attentive, patient, and fun mom, while other days, I co-parent with Ms. Rachel, Blippi, Peppa Pig, and Inside Out. After experiencing anxiety attacks, I worked with my life coach to set priorities and establish a foundation for what I want my kids to feel and know: that they are loved, safe, seen, and empowered.
To manage all these responsibilities without succumbing to exhaustion or mental breakdowns, I’ve had to prioritize ruthlessly—understanding what truly matters to me and the repercussions of not prioritizing certain aspects of my life. It’s crucial to accept that it’s okay to take breaks and not make everything a priority. Self-care, as much as it’s a cliché, is imperative. If you don’t put your health first, you put everything else in danger. Some days, I only have 20% energy or focus to put toward any aspect of my life, and I’ve accepted that.
I am blessed with a beautiful, loving, and supportive husband. However, he’s not “Mommy,” so he enjoys the luxury of showering alone and using the bathroom without interruption. Meanwhile, I’m the target of two clever detectives madly obsessed with their mommy, and most days, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Despite the constant demands, I cherish their love and occasionally enjoy solitude during work trips. Traveling for my full-time career in federal IT definitely brings its challenges. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate the time away—it is often the mental break needed to keep me going. Even though my days are filled with long meetings, networking events, or endless training, I relish the quiet hotel rooms, room service, long showers, and uninterrupted meals.
However, my absence is felt deeply by my boys, husband, and even our YorkiePoo, Rupert. As the glue that keeps our household running smoothly, I know my absence causes turmoil. I have to accept this reality. To mitigate the impact of my travels, we schedule regular FaceTime calls. Sometimes, these calls are heartbreaking because I miss being home, or the boys cry for my return. But maintaining this consistency reassures them that I’m always thinking of them.
My job knows these calls are non-negotiable, and I keep this promise to my boys. I have taken many FaceTime calls from restaurant bathrooms or in the halls of office buildings. Amidst the chaos, it’s vital to take care of myself mentally, spiritually, and physically. I remind myself of my “why”—the reason I juggle all these responsibilities. This keeps me grounded and reminds me to appreciate what I have. It’s easy to get lost in the chaos, but self-care is crucial for productivity and readiness to tackle everything life throws at me.
While I’ve spent the past 12 years building a rewarding career in federal IT, my true passion lies in Ever Petite. Founding this company has reignited my love for fashion, driven by the desire to make the fashion industry see petite women. My fashion merchandising degree, IT career, and personal experiences as a petite woman fuel this mission. Ever Petite is my purpose. It’s a platform born out of frustration and hope, aiming to unite petite women and advocate for significant changes in the fashion industry. I hope my journey encourages others to support and join the movement for inclusion and diversity.
Why Shopping for Petite Women Matters
Starting Ever Petite wasn’t just about launching a business; it was about addressing a need that affects almost 50% of the female population—petite women. Being short can make everyday life more challenging. Reaching high shelves in grocery stores, finding comfortable seating in public spaces, and even driving with proper visibility are just a few examples of the hurdles we face. When it comes to fashion, these challenges are magnified. Clothes often don’t fit properly, requiring constant alterations or settling for ill-fitting garments.
I wanted to make shopping easy and fun again. I want petite women to know all the resources available to them and not have to spend hours searching for them. Ever Petite will provide women with a curated list of personal shoppers for petite women, alterations/tailors near them, bloggers and influencers dedicated to educating and supporting the petite community, and so much more. Our website will be a comprehensive resource, offering everything from style guides and fit tips to community forums where petite women can share their experiences and advice. We aim to make the shopping experience enjoyable and empowering, ensuring every petite woman feels confident and stylish in her clothing.
In conclusion, balancing motherhood, career, and entrepreneurship is a challenging yet rewarding journey. It’s about setting priorities, accepting imperfections, and staying true to your passion. I hope my story inspires others to find their balance and pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting the path may seem. And for all the petite women out there, I invite you to join Ever Petite and make shopping a delightful and empowering experience. Together, we can transform the fashion industry and celebrate our unique beauty.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
