Women Must Support Each Other

As the CEO and co-founder of QUADSis®, a shoe brand designed for young girls who wear women’s shoe sizes, JANET NEAL WARD shares her most valuable advice as a business owner and the impact Pi Phi has had on her career journey.

TELL US MORE ABOUT QUADSIS AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THE COMPANY.

When my now 15-year-old daughter, Brooke, was in 2 nd grade, she wore a women's size seven shoe. When we were shopping for dress shoes for her, we immediately encountered an unexpected problem—finding shoes in women's sizes that were both appropriate and fun to Brooke at eight years old was virtually impossible.

From there, I knew something had to be done and the idea for QUADSis was born. Fast forward to 2020, I finally decided to take the leap and asked my long-time friend, Stephanie Guido, to be my business partner and together we began the journey to bring this idea to life. The footwear selection for this demographic is truly a hole in the market, and we are determined to give these precious girls a choice that is designed just for them.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AS A CEO AND CO-FOUNDER?

I quickly understood what I am good at and where I needed help. I am not afraid to ask for help and I continually network and seek advice. There are so many others I can learn from and who have shared valuable input. Never stop learning and follow your gut—your intuition is more valuable than you give yourself credit for.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR CAREER?

The most rewarding part of building our brand is having my daughters alongside me throughout the entire process. They are watching every step and understand success takes a lot of hard work and doesn’t happen overnight. They keep me going!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SISTERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

Trust your gut and go for it! Make the decisions you already know how to make and surround yourself with those that will encourage and support you with what you don’t know.

WHO OR WHAT CONSISTENTLY INSPIRES YOU?

The difference I’m making in girls’ lives. Building confidence through fashion and style in a way that meets girls where they are absolutely fuels me. Confidence at their age can be lost when navigating style and growth simultaneously. We aim to bring them strength, courage and confidence.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE PERSONAL SUCCESS?

I look back over the last few years and my dream has already come true. Yes, there are always more ways to grow the business, but I have already accomplished what I dreamed of doing. I have to recognize this as success and be proud of what I’ve already done.

HOW HAS PI PHI MADE AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

I learned during my collegiate years at Georgia Alpha that our sisters truly want the best for you and will encourage you and be there for you regardless of how successful you are. I have learned to uplift other women especially as I’ve entered the entrepreneurial world. Women must support each other in our endeavors and use each other as a resource.