Victoria Simmons' Business Creates Custom, Branded Socks

​​Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

My name is Victoria Simmons and I'm the CEO of Sock Fancy. Based out of Tampa, FL, Sock Fancy specializes in premium custom socks and other branded goods. We work with businesses nationwide to create high-quality made-to-order socks, beanies, scarves, and other branded goods that leave a memorable impression.

Who are your customers?

From HR to marketing teams, Sock Fancy supports businesses of any size, in any industry. With minimums starting at 50pcs, our clients can range from small businesses to enterprise giants. Whether you need employee gifts, standout branded swag, retail products, or unique client giveaways—Sock Fancy has you covered.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before leading Sock Fancy, I grew my career in the startup world, gaining hands-on experience in everything from launching a pet supplement brand to managing the complexities of manufacturing custom goods. Along the way, I became chief of staff at a print-on-demand facility with over 100+ employees. This role, and each chapter before it, gave me a deep understanding of what it takes to grow a business, manage teams, and deliver exceptional products—all of which I’ve brought to Sock Fancy.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

While I'm not the founder, my journey in the manufacturing and printing space laid the perfect foundation. When the opportunity to lead Sock Fancy came my way, I couldn’t resist the challenge of taking a creative, quality-driven brand to the next level. I saw the potential to combine my experience with unique products that businesses genuinely love, and I jumped on the chance to make an impact.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Not exactly. I always knew I wanted to lead and make an impact, but I didn’t initially see entrepreneurship as the path. In college, I served as president of my sorority, where I discovered a passion for leading and organizing people toward a common goal. Later, working in startups, I was drawn to the fast pace, problem-solving, and opportunities to grow businesses from the ground up. When the chance to lead Sock Fancy came along, it felt like a natural progression, combining my leadership experiences with my passion for building something meaningful.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

The biggest challenge has been navigating the unpredictable nature of running a small business—whether it’s supply chain disruptions, software outages, evolving client needs, or scaling a remote team. Each challenge has brought a lot of lessons, and I’ve learned that success isn’t about avoiding obstacles; it’s about facing them head-on. I've become very resourceful and have learned to lean on my team to collectively find the best path forward.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m most proud of the growth we’ve achieved as a small, remote team. Seeing Sock Fancy become a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes—while maintaining our commitment to quality and creativity—has been incredibly rewarding. One standout accomplishment was closing our largest deal-to-date this year during our busiest season (Q4), a testament to our team’s hustle and dedication. Knowing that our products come to life to make a lasting impression and help brands build awareness is something I’m deeply proud of.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Sock Fancy is gearing up for exciting growth. Over the next few years, we’re continuing to evolve with our clients, offering products beyond socks to cater to a broader range of client needs. Our goal is to solidify Sock Fancy as the go-to partner for businesses looking to create high-quality socks and other branded goods. With an ambitious growing team and incredible clients, the future is looking bright—and busy!‍

What is your top productivity tip? 

I start each day by identifying my top priorities—what absolutely needs to happen to make meaningful progress. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise, but the “4 D’s” rule has always stuck with me: Do it, Defer it, Delegate it, or Delete it. I’ve embraced the power of delegation, learned the value of intentional breaks, and accepted that getting things 80% right is often more than enough to keep moving forward.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

I learned that lesson the hard way. In the startup phase of my career, I experienced severe burnout and thought that constant hustle and exhaustion were just part of the deal. But I’ve realized that’s not sustainable (or necessary) for success.

Now, I set clear boundaries between work and personal time, making it a priority to unplug and recharge. I’ve found that stepping back actually helps me show up stronger. I’ve also learned to delegate and lean on my team, because trying to do it all is a fast track to burnout. Taking breaks, prioritizing my health, and celebrating wins, no matter how small, are now nonnegotiable for me.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

I wish I had known that entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s easy to feel like you have to do everything all at once, but I’ve learned that taking consistent baby steps toward your goals can make a huge difference in the long run. Progress, no matter how small, adds up and it's been great to join a community of other women, all striving to help one another while we grow our businesses.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

My favorite business tool is Slack. It’s the heartbeat of our remote team, keeping us seamlessly connected, productive, and in sync no matter where we’re working.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Don’t let the fear of imperfection or failure hold you back. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—you can’t (and shouldn’t) do it all alone.

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!

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