As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kristin Leffel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Kristin Leffel now calls Newport Beach, California, home. With a BA in Marketing from Loyola University Chicago and experience at Morgan Stanley, Kristin later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment, where she thrived as a model and actress. Today, she co-leads Volée, a premium athletic lifestyle brand for women, alongside co-founder Ashley Rose. Their shared vision has driven the brand’s success, creating a supportive community of women in business. Kristin is passionate about giving back, supporting local charities, and enjoying an active family life with her husband Brent and their two children.
Here’s what we found out about Kristin‘s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.
Can you share the story behind your journey as an entrepreneur and what inspired you to start your own business?
After spending time as a stay-at-home mom, I felt the need to pursue something for myself—not only to set an example for my kids but also to show that I could thrive in business too. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of my husband, mom, and sister, I decided to take a leap of faith. My passion for pickleball, which started after my first lesson, fueled the idea to create a business with two close friends. Volée was born from a desire to combine sport, style, and community.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the business world, and how have you overcome them?
As a woman in business, I’ve faced my share of challenges—being underestimated or taken advantage of is, unfortunately, common. However, I’ve learned to overcome these by demonstrating my expertise, setting firm boundaries, and building a strong support network. Confidence and assertiveness have been key in earning respect and showing that I belong in the room.
How do you balance your professional and personal life as an entrepreneur?
Balancing my personal and professional life requires careful prioritization. Self-care, organization, and learning to say no to opportunities that don’t align with my goals are crucial. By doing this, I can remain clear-headed and fully present, both at work and with my family.
What strategies have you found most effective for networking and building connections in your industry?
Being bold and assertive has been essential when it comes to networking. You can’t be shy when building your brand. I’ve learned that stepping outside of my comfort zone and initiating conversations is critical for making valuable connections in the business world.
How do you approach mentorship and seek guidance in your entrepreneurial journey?
My partner and I are always eager to learn. We actively seek mentorship by asking questions and staying curious. Absorbing guidance from others has helped us grow both as individuals and as entrepreneurs.
Can you talk about a specific setback or failure you’ve experienced in your business and how you bounced back from it?
One major setback occurred when we received poor-quality bag samples from our manufacturer, right as we were preparing for launch. With orders pending, we had to pivot quickly, finding a new manufacturer who could meet our quality standards and deadlines. That experience taught us the importance of agility and having a backup plan.
In what ways do you prioritize diversity and inclusion within your company or startup?
We are committed to diversity and inclusion by working with individuals from different backgrounds and actively looking for ways to make our brand more inclusive. This approach not only enriches our company culture but also helps us better serve our customers.
How do you stay motivated and resilient during tough times in your business?
I stay motivated by keeping emotions out of business decisions and focusing on solutions rather than problems. Setbacks are a natural part of entrepreneurship, so I remind myself not to take them personally and to always push forward.
What advice would you give to other aspiring women entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
You’ll never regret chasing your dreams. Stay determined, believe in yourself, and keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
What is one quote you live by that has guided you in your entrepreneurial journey?
I live by Steve Jobs’ quote, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” If you’re not enjoying the journey, it’s time to reconsider your path. Passion and joy are essential ingredients for success.
Can you share a memorable success or milestone that you’ve achieved in your entrepreneurial career?
One of the most memorable milestones for me has been achieving product-market fit with our Volée V Star visor. It’s become incredibly popular and is selling out quickly, which confirms that our vision and strategy were on point.
