We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sarah Fox. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Sarah , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I’m up at 5:30 for a gym class I’ve been going to for years. Same crew, great energy. it’s a fantastic way to start the day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays and the weekends, I hope that my 2-year-old sleeps past 6. We wake up together and pull his toddler tower to the kitchen counter to make eggs for breakfast. Currently, he likes to drink milk out of a mug and calls it his “coffee.” Those mornings are slower, a little messier, and a lot sweeter.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Rip Ties are a patent-pending, tangle-free hair tie I first came up with while working in a scuba dive shop in Guam. Back then, my long hair was constantly knotting after dives. I was spending hours in the shower with conditioner and a hairbrush trying to get the tangles out. I started hand-making Rip Ties for myself, and soon all the other divers at the shop wanted them too. Over the past four years, what began as a small side project has grown into a thriving business with customers all over the world — from scuba divers to nurses, equestrians, and motorcyclists. I’m passionate about creating products that solve real problems for active people, and I’m excited to keep innovating to make life (and hair) a little easier.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My father taught me the most about work. He owned his own business, and I grew up watching his dedication, persistence, and pride in what he built. Sadly, he passed away when I was 24, so he never got to see the business I’ve created, but I know he’d be proud. His example continues to guide me every day.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
About three years into building the company, we ran into serious cash flow issues. I had to cut every unnecessary expense and even let go of an employee, which was incredibly hard. I genuinely thought I might have to close the business. But I kept experimenting with different marketing and messaging strategies, found something that worked, and we turned things around. That experience taught me a lot about persistence and creativity under pressure.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I love my business, but my family comes first. It’s easy to get lost in work, so I make a point to slow down and soak up every moment with my toddler. That balance keeps everything in perspective.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
Knowing when you’re out of your depth is one of the hardest parts of running a business. For me, it usually comes down to recognizing when someone else has more expertise than I do. I’ve learned the hard way that I often wait too long to outsource, but each time I do, it’s a relief!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.riptiehair.com
- Instagram: @riptiehair
- Facebook: @riptiehair
- Youtube: @riptiehair
- Other: tiktok @riptiehair
Image Credits
Olga Burymska (skiier pic) Ksenia Coghiel (girl on beach) Product Photos: Marvelous Media
