In this candid and energizing episode, Julie Cole shares the story of how she left a career in law to co-found Mabel’s Labels, all while raising six kids and navigating the challenges of early entrepreneurship. From launching in a basement with her sister and two friends to growing into a business with a 20,000 sq. ft. facility and 50+ employees, Julie walks us through the grit, risk, and reality behind building a brand parents trust.

She dives into how thoughtful business planning, strong partnerships, and a culture of shared accountability powered their growth — and how managing both a family and a startup required perspective, planning, and humor. Julie also opens up about the role of privilege in entrepreneurship and why it’s important to name it.

1. Julie is a “recovered lawyer” who left her legal career when her eldest child was diagnosed with autism.
2. She co-founded Mabel’s Labels with her sister and two friends to fill a market gap for durable name labels.

1. Launched the business while raising six kids — a chaotic, scrappy, and exhausting time.
2. Emphasizes that entrepreneurship isn’t glamorous; it's long hours, risk, and sacrifice.

1. Despite starting with modest expectations, they treated the business seriously from day one.
2. Had structured business planning, took meeting minutes, and developed a long-term growth mindset.
3. “It’s a living document” — business plans were revisited regularly as the company scaled.

1. Mabel’s Labels was bootstrapped — no outside funding.
2. Sharing financial and mental load among co-founders was a key to early survival.
3. Strong communication, clear expectations, and a shareholder agreement were crucial.

1. Julie stresses the need to eventually step back and let managers lead.
2. Founders must stop “working in the business” to “work on the business.”

1. During the pandemic, their pre-existing remote culture helped them adapt fast.
2. Team created new product lines (e.g. distancing decals) without founders initiating — thanks to a culture of empowerment.

1. Entrepreneurship is mentally taxing; Julie advocates for mentorship, therapy, and self-awareness.
2. Co-founders acted as each other's support system and accountability partners.