Meet Roxanne Alford

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Roxanne Alford. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Roxanne below.

Roxanne , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

“How did I find my purpose? Honestly, it wasn’t a single moment—it was a gradual awakening shaped by my roots, my family, and now, most deeply, my daughter. I’m Indian, and like many of us raised in close-knit families, my identity is entwined with the people I love. I grew up in a home where we didn’t always have financial freedom. But we had resilience. We had determination. And my parents worked tirelessly so that I could dream bigger. That spirit stuck with me.
Now, as a mother and a founder, my purpose is crystal clear—everything I do is for my daughter. I want her to see firsthand what hard work looks like. I want her to believe that she can build whatever future she wants, no matter the odds. I want her to feel proud when she talks about what I do.
At the same time, I feel a deep responsibility to my parents in India. Supporting them financially is more than a duty—it’s an honor. It’s me saying, ‘You don’t need to worry anymore. I’ve got you.’ That’s the kind of purpose that fuels me every day.
Through my brand, Short Stuff, I’m not just selling clothing—I’m building a legacy that reflects education, sustainability, and deep familial love. It’s about elevating voices, telling stories, and creating something meaningful that both my daughter and my parents can be proud of.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

“By day, I work in Sales at a technology services company, and by heart, I’m the founder of Short Stuff—a children’s clothing brand that’s all about curiosity, imagination, and impact. Short Stuff was born during my maternity leave, when I felt a powerful urge to create something meaningful that resonated with both new parents and little explorers. I didn’t want to just start another business—I wanted to build a brand that teaches. That inspires. That celebrates the magic of learning through storytelling and design.
We design sleepwear and loungewear that spark wonder in the minds of little ones and open up gentle conversations about the world around them—from endangered animals to global cultures. What makes our pieces special is the educational twist in every print, often paired with simple activities or storybooks that encourage parent-child bonding and joyful discovery.
And fabric matters deeply to us. We use a signature bamboo blend, not just because it’s soft and sustainable, but because it’s built to last. Bamboo has natural properties that reduce pilling and wash wear, helping our pieces stay vibrant and cozy for the long haul. We like to say it’s a fabric that grows with your child—not just in comfort, but in meaning.
Now for the most exciting news—we’re launching in India this August. For me, this isn’t just a business milestone—it’s personal. It’s a full-circle moment to return to my roots and introduce Short Stuff to the very country that shaped so much of my own story. This will also mark the beginning of our global expansion, starting with adding new countries and languages to our World of Wonder collection—a line that celebrates the diversity of our planet and teaches kids to embrace it.
At its heart, Short Stuff is a love letter to children, parents, and dreamers everywhere. It’s about planting seeds of curiosity and giving families tools to grow closer—while doing it all with sustainability and storytelling in mind.”**

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

“Looking back on my journey—immigrating to the U.S. a decade ago, building a new life, beating cancer, and starting Short Stuff during maternity leave—I can say there are three qualities that have shaped everything I’ve done: resilience, creative problem solving, and community-centered thinking.
Resilience, first and foremost, is something I’ve earned. Life threw its share of curveballs—from moving across continents to facing a health crisis—and each time, I bounced back a little stronger. It’s not just about surviving adversity; it’s about transforming it into clarity and purpose.
The second skill is my love for strategizing and thinking outside the box. Whether it’s navigating business decisions or crafting a campaign that resonates with parents and kids alike, I thrive on finding creative, unconventional solutions—and bringing people into that process. I never believe I have all the answers, which leads me to the third and most cherished skill: involving my community. From the very start of Short Stuff, I reached out to other moms, designers, and educators for insight—on everything from prints and patterns to the emotional tone of our messaging. I call them my ‘founding mothers’ of Short Stuff, because without their wisdom and support, this brand wouldn’t exist.
To anyone just beginning their journey, here’s my advice: do the research, talk to your community, and don’t isolate yourself. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely sometimes, but even a flicker of connection is a light to hold on to. And to the mothers who are doubting themselves—please hear this: You are capable. You are powerful. Take the course, attend the seminar, read the article. Make yourself knowledgeable in the space. You don’t need to know everything before you begin—but you do need to believe that starting is worth it.”

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

“If I had one decade left to live, I’d keep doing what I promised myself I’d do when I beat cancer—not just survive, but truly live. That experience gave me a ‘been there, done that’ kind of clarity. It shifted my lens from fear to purpose. I told myself that life is too precious to wait, so I began chasing the things that once scared me—traveling to places I’d only dreamed of, starting a business I was once too nervous to launch, and pouring my whole heart into being the kind of mom my daughter could look up to.
Every day would be about adventure, even if it’s found in the quiet moments. I’d keep showering my baby girl with love, showing her that the world is full of magic if you choose to see it. I’d spend more time with my family and friends—laughing, healing, reminiscing. I’d say yes to experiences, big and small, and continue building Short Stuff as a reflection of the legacy I want to leave behind.
Because the truth is, beating cancer didn’t just change my path—it changed my pace. I’m no longer waiting for the ‘right time.’ This decade, and every day within it, would be spent living intentionally and lovingly. That’s the gift I gave myself—and the gift I hope to share.”

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