Startup Savvy: Young Entrepreneur Paden Sickles Of SickFit Shares Their Secrets For Rapid Growth and Success

Thank the Naysayers. We never want to admit it, but they fuel us and drive us. I remember I  had a boss that would always ask me, “How is your little sock side  hustle going?” Soon after, he kept seeing articles published about  SickFit, and everyone around him was wearing our brand. He finally got  on board, now wears SickFit, and apologized later. Naysayers keep us up  at night, but they also motivate us to prove them wrong.

The  entrepreneurial landscape is more vibrant and challenging than ever,  with young entrepreneurs at the forefront, driving innovation and  redefining the boundaries of success in the business world. These dynamic individuals are not only creating new products and services but  also building sustainable business models that thrive in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven environment. Their journeys are filled  with lessons of resilience, strategic innovation, and the relentless  pursuit of growth. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of  interviewing Paden Sickles.

Paden Sickles is a dynamic veteran, female Army Engineer Officer, and the visionary CEO and Founder of SickFit, a socks and streetwear company with a powerful purpose.

Far from the typical entrepreneur, Paden is a true force of nature, standing as the first woman-owned, veteran-owned, and minority-owned sock company in the industry. She weaves narratives of inclusivity, resilience, and empowerment that resonate with individuals from every walk of life. Guided by the principle “Great Men Move Slowly,” Paden leads and navigates entrepreneurship with unwavering determination and integrity.

Paden earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Kentucky while simultaneously commissioning into the United States Army. She continued her academic journey at Northern Kentucky University, where she obtained a Master of Business Administration, specializing in finance, and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree.

Paden shares her wisdom and experiences through public speaking engagements at impactful events such as the Georgia Southern Business Incubator, Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, NYC Women’s History Month Celebration, Army Center of Influence events, and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) Influencer Conference.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about cultural sensitivity, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

For an assignment, I created a unique necklace that reflected different aspects of my journey. Each wooden bead represented a significant part of my life, with a hand-carved wooden pendant at its heart bearing the inscription, “Great Men Move Slowly.” It wasn’t until years later in my entrepreneurial career that the true significance of this creation became clear to me.

When I presented the necklace to my father, I was unaware of the impact it would have on both of our lives. In moments of adversity, he would echo those words back to me, reminding me to stay steadfast and deliberate in my actions, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. His unwavering belief in the power of patience, perseverance, and persistence became a cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey.

Today, “Great Men Move Slowly” serves as more than a simple inscription on a pendant, as it’s our guiding slogan. The phrase has become a compass for our company, guiding us in all we do. The mantra is deeply ingrained in our core values, reminding us to approach challenges with patience, persistence, and unwavering determination.

You are a successful individual. Which three-character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Reflecting on my journey, resilience, patience, and adaptability have been instrumental traits to guide my success.

Resilience has been crucial in navigating the inevitable challenges and setbacks that I face as an entrepreneur each day. One particularly challenging moment was when I tore my ACL multiple times — back-to-back — while serving in the U.S. Army. The second time, I tore it on Day 0 of military school during the Expert Soldier Badge training. Despite the immense physical and mental strain, I completed the demanding four-day training, including a 12-mile road march. Looking back, I have no idea how I managed to push through, but it taught me the power of resilience and determination.

Patience has also played a significant role in my journey. As things were falling into place professionally, they were falling out of place physically during my second ACL recovery. It didn’t go as expected, and I faced several complications. I found myself constantly praying and questioning why this was happening to me. However, these challenges were preparing me for my entrepreneurial journey. I firmly believe in the scripture John 13:7: “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” This period of waiting and uncertainty taught me the value of patience and trusting in the journey. It shaped my life so much that I even got my one-and-only tattoo of John 13:7, despite my phobia of needles. It stands as a constant reminder of the importance of patience and faith.

Lastly, adaptability has been essential. Resilient people adapt and overcome. When faced with adversity, I was given a choice: to complain or to act. I chose to act. I founded SickFit, and with the guidance of God and the echo of my father’s words, “Great Men Move Slowly,” I was able to effectively manage the challenges to build a successful business. Adaptability has been key in seizing opportunities and navigating the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about young entrepreneurs secrets to rapid growth and success. To start, how would you define success?

Success for me is twofold. Firstly, it’s about impact and legacy. It’s about changing the path for the next generation, coaching, mentoring, telling my story on various platforms, and leaving a lasting impact for children, young adults, and other entrepreneurs towha follow in my footsteps. I want them to say, “Because of Paden, I was able to. She believed in me. I heard her story and she did it — now I want to do the same.”

I also see success in having SickFit socks distributed in Central Issue Facility through military installations and becoming the global market leader. I want to be recognized as the trailblazer who identified a problem long before it became widely acknowledged and did everything in my power to solve it. I witnessed firsthand that standard issued socks weren’t adequately protecting the feet of those who serve our country. SickFit engineered a solution that provides comfort even during the toughest conditions.

What unconventional strategy did you employ that significantly contributed to your startup’s growth, and why do you think it was so effective?

Leveraging the power of storytelling and community engagement has been a crucial strategy in growing SickFit. Instead of focusing solely on traditional marketing tactics, we prioritized building a strong community around our brand by sharing authentic stories and connecting with our audience on a deeper level. I started telling my personal story behind the phrase “Great Men Move Slowly,” because it helped others seen both the power of my work and the impact of a loved one’s influence.

I also believe that my authenticity shines through every interaction. I’m sincere, I’m real, and I believe in having genuine conversations. Instead of focusing on what I can get from someone, I prioritize building real relationships. This simple, friendly approach has allowed us to build a loyal community around SickFit, where people feel connected to both the brand and to each other.

Can you share a critical pivot point in your startup’s journey and how you navigated the decision-making process?

One critical pivot point in SickFit’s journey was when we realized that we didn’t properly understand our target audience and their needs. Initially, we packaged our socks solely in six-packs, assuming that this was what our customers wanted. However, we quickly discovered that this plan wasn’t serving our customers in the ways they needed. Navigating this decision-making process required persistence and a willingness to truly listen to our customers. We adopted the approach of listening to hear, rather than listening to respond.

Oftentimes people defend their products because they take the feedback as criticism, but for me, it was crucial to hear what our customers had to say. At the end of the day, they are the ones buying it! We took a step back and really focused on understanding what our customers wanted. It was a humbling experience, but we realized that ultimately, it’s not about what we want, but about what the customer wants.

We listened to their feedback and adjusted our packaging and marketing strategy accordingly. Instead of focusing solely on six-packs, we now offer our socks in a variety of quantity options to better meet the needs of our customers.This pivot was a valuable learning experience for us. It taught us the importance of truly listening to our customers’ feedback and understanding their preferences. By putting the customer first, we were able to better meet their needs and ultimately improve our business.

In what ways has your personal definition of success evolved since the inception of your startup?

Since the inception of SickFit, my personal definition of success has evolved significantly. Initially, I viewed success solely in terms of achieving certain milestones and financial goals. However, as the company has grown, I’ve come to realize that success is about much more than just numbers and me.

For me, success is now about impact and legacy. I always tell everyone, “I want to change the world one sock at a time.” It’s about the lives we touch and the difference we make in the world. I find fulfillment in knowing that our products are helping people, whether it’s by improving their performance, their health, or simply putting a smile on their face.

Additionally, success is about creating a positive work environment and empowering my team to reach their full potential. I take pride in seeing my team grow and succeed, both personally and professionally. Most recently, we had an ambassador transition from the service, receive his commercial driver’s license, and now he’s in the beginning phases of starting his trucking company. We have another ambassador who seeks mentorship and guidance from me all the time and attends business conferences alongside me for exposure and learning experiences. It’s those small wins that will leave a lasting impression on the person forever.

Moreover, success is about giving back and making a difference in the community. Whether it’s through charitable donations, volunteering, or mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, I believe in using our success to lift others up. We’ve helped children jumpstart their modeling careers, assisted them in landing gigs, mentored elementary students on entrepreneurship, helped them start their own businesses, and donated over 20,000 socks. It’s not just about what we accomplish, but about the positive difference we make in the world.

Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Things You Need to Succeed as a Young Person in Business?”

• Thank the Naysayers.

  We never want to admit it, but they fuel us and drive us. I remember I had a boss that would always ask me, “How is your little sock side hustle going?” Soon after, he kept seeing articles published about SickFit, and everyone around him was wearing our brand. He finally got on board, now wears SickFit, and apologized later. Naysayers keep us up at night, but they also motivate us to prove them wrong.

• Get a Great Mentor and Read a Lot.

  When I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I was just winging it, with no concrete plan in mind. And sure, things were moving, but it wasn’t until I got a great mentor that I truly began to see the potential for growth and success in my company. My mentor challenged me in ways I never thought possible and helped me strategize for the long-term success of my business. For example, my mentor challenged me to read seven books in one month. Despite being accustomed to reading only twelve books a year, I stayed hungry and eager to learn. It allowed me to push through and read the books. I found that somewhere in a book, someone had experienced what I was going through.

• Get Integrated with the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and Second Service Foundation.

  Attending events hosted by the IVMF significantly transformed my professional development and business trajectory. In particular, the Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) event, a premier training program in entrepreneurship and small business management created to empower women veterans and military spouses/partners to find their passion and learn the business savvy skills necessary to turn an idea or start-up into a growing venture. The entire IVMF team is amazing: Dr. Haynie, Maureen Casey, Barb Carson, Misty Fox, Nancy Gandy, Charlie Poag, Michael Parks, just to name a few. Through V-WISE, I was introduced to Lauren Hope, the Executive Director of the Second Service Foundation. She is now my amazing friend, coach, and mentor. She convinced me to participate in the Military Entrepreneur Challenge, where I took second place after pitching on stage in front of the military community, investors, and potential customers, and then take part in their executive coaching program. Their coaching program led me to another amazing coach, Corie Weathers, and the phenomenal Abby Ammons — she was my biggest supporter before even knowing her. The support and resources provided by IVMF have been invaluable. They not only helped me expand my network but also gave me opportunities to share my journey and insights with others. Eventually, I was asked to come back and speak at V-WISE, which was a tremendous honor. Integrating myself with IVMF and actively participating in their programs not only gave me the push I needed but also provided me with continued drive and support. It’s about finding like-minded individuals at these events, building genuine relationships, and figuring out how you can contribute to the organization, rather than focusing solely on what they can do for you. Moving authentically with pure intentions has been key to my success. I’m forever thankful for my IVMF Family.

• Buy Yourself the Flowers.

  This is a reminder to celebrate every milestone and victory, regardless of its scale. It’s about taking a moment to appreciate the distance traveled, avoiding the trap of overworking to the point where passion is lost. We tend to overlook our progress and keep pushing forward rather than acknowledging how far we’ve come. For example, I only just transitioned out of the military in March but I became so consumed with what was next with SickFit that I forgot to acknowledge what I had just achieved: a successful Army career of 11 years. I had to take a deliberate pause and celebrate everything that I had just accomplished. I had to celebrate me, and I encourage others to do the same.

• Build a Strong Network.

  Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and support your growth. Attend networking events, join industry-related groups and organizations, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire for advice and guidance. Some of them will tell you no, and that’s okay. Keep moving. Networking has opened up numerous opportunities for me, from finding new clients to collaborating with other businesses. When I attended one of IVMF’s events and met Lauren Hope the timing was impeccable, as I found her support exactly when I needed it. She has greatly impacted my life and I hold her in such high regard. She often says she wants to help people, but she does way more than that by simply existing.

What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring entrepreneur that you wish someone had given you at the start of your journey?

One piece of advice I wish I had received at the start of my entrepreneurial journey is to be patient and trust the process — as “Great Men Move Slowly.” It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of wanting immediate results and success, but building a successful business takes time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your company. So be patient, stay focused on your goals, and trust that all your hard work will pay off in the end. When you go through those trials and tribulations, it makes the story so much better.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I would call it the Sickest Tour. My team and I would embark on a journey to different cities around the world, hosting events to showcase other small businesses. Imagine this: we kickstart the day with a panel, a keynote, and breakfast, all provided by local small businesses. But here’s the kicker — everything, from the setup to the production, the equipment, everything would be sourced from within the community. There are so many incredible small businesses out there, especially those owned by veterans, that just need a bit of recognition to really thrive.

But we wouldn’t stop at just networking and panel discussions. We’d get the whole community involved in something truly special. We’d host a sock mural event, where community members would be invited to assist in designing a mural that tells the story of the city, using our SickFit socks. Local artists would join in, helping to design the outline and facilitating the process. Once the mural is complete, the socks used in the mural would be donated to those in need within the community.

The day would also be jam-packed with activities promoting various local businesses. We’d even host a competition for photographers and videographers, challenging them to capture the essence of the event. Creators would be eligible to submit, and the best video and compilation would win a monetary prize for their business. Additionally, we would tag all creators who submitted and assist them in gaining exposure through social media.

And to top it all off, we’d center everything around a pickleball tournament — the fastest-growing sport in America. We’d seamlessly integrate all these activities, all while supporting the local economy. Each city would even have a SickFit scholarship, which we would give to a young adult to assist them in kickstarting their dreams, whether it’s for books back to school or creating their business. This would further help to boost the local economy and bring small businesses together to facilitate each event.

Can you imagine the impact we could make, city by city, one event at a time? It’s more than just a tour; it’s a movement, the Sickest Tour, and it’s one that could change lives.