Shopping shouldn’t be a guessing game, especially when it comes to clothes. Yet so many of us struggle with inconsistent sizing, frustrating change room experiences, and fast fashion fatigue.
That’s exactly what inspired Zoe Tiffen and her sister Nikki to co-found ‘Know My Fit’, a digital marketplace connecting shoppers with local clothing brands that actually fit.
In this episode of the Youngpreneur Society Podcast, Zoe shares her journey from computer science graduate to startup co-founder and how real-world frustrations sparked an innovative solution. She talks candidly about the challenges of starting a business, staying motivated, and breaking out of the corporate “safe path” to build something with real impact.
Why Sizing is Broken, and What ‘Know My Fit’ Is Doing About It
‘Know My Fit’ is on a mission to take the guesswork out of shopping. Zoe explains how the platform uses your measurements to recommend clothes that fit, not just in theory, but in real life. From tackling fast fashion to spotlighting local Aussie and Kiwi brands, this is a startup with purpose.
How One Rejected Job Offer Changed Everything
After securing a coveted grad role in Big Tech, Zoe’s job offer was rescinded during mass layoffs. That moment became the turning point that led her to take a chance on her own idea, and since then, she hasn’t looked back.
Lessons in Startup Reality
Zoe gets honest about the highs and lows of launching ‘Know My Fit’. She discusses:
- Why motivation isn’t enough, and what matters more
- The “chicken and egg” problem of growing a marketplace
- What no one tells you about customer acquisition
- Why feedback and community are key to surviving the messy middle
Advice for Young Founders
Zoe shares practical tips for starting your own business:
- Talk to people. Seriously, ask questions and be curious.
- Embrace what you don’t know (and learn fast).
- Get used to slow growth. Progress takes time, and that’s okay.
- Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.
The Vision for ‘Know My Fit’
Zoe’s big-picture goal? To make sustainable, local fashion the norm. With more brands joining the platform and additional features in the works (think: Tinder for clothes), ‘Know My Fit’ is creating a better way to shop, one that supports designers, values fit, and reduces waste.
Key Takeaway
You don’t have to follow the “safe” path to build a secure future. Sometimes, the most secure thing you can do is bet on yourself and start building the solution you wish existed.
Connect with Zoe
Want to explore a smarter way to shop for clothes that actually fit?
You can discover Know My Fit, browse local fashion brands, and see how Zoe and her sister Nikki are changing the fashion industry.
Know My Fit is built for people who value fit, sustainability, and supporting local brands. If you’re tired of guessing sizes and ready for a better shopping experience, you’ll feel right at home.
Highlights
- 00:05 Meet Zoe Tiffin and ‘Know My Fit’
- 01:16 Challenges and Rewards of Running a Business
- 02:06 Maintaining Work-Life Balance
- 04:18 Staying Motivated as an Entrepreneur
- 06:35 Zoe’s Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
- 12:56 Overcoming the Unknowns in Business
- 17:12 The Vision for Know My Fit
- 19:03 Long Term Vision for Sustainable Fashion
- 19:51 Challenges of Ethical Shopping
- 21:03 The Struggle with Finding Jeans
- 23:04 The Problem with Fast Fashion in Op Shops
- 26:27 Building a Marketplace: The Chicken and Egg Problem
- 30:48 The Reality of Starting a Business
- 33:04 Personal Growth and Business Evolution
- 33:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
