This stay-at-home mom took risks in search of her identity; starting a business revealed authenticity was already in stock
November 8, 2024 | Taylor Wilmore
There’s beauty in stepping out of your comfort zone, said Franki Ferguson.
“Even if it scares you,” the founder of Fonti Collections added.
Ferguson, a life-long Kansas Citian, launched her online clothing boutique Sept. 18, aiming to offer more than just trendy apparel. Her mission: help women feel empowered and confident — while using entrepreneurship to forge an identity for herself that builds upon her roles as a wife and mother, rather than letting them solely define her.
Now juggling home and business life, Ferguson understands how easy it is for women to put themselves last, she said. Fonti Collections pushes women and their needs back into focus by offering clothing that’s as wearable as it is stylish.
“I wanted to create a brand for women like me, who have so many demands on their time and just need something simple, comfortable, but also uplifting,” said Ferguson. “I kept thinking, ‘We all deserve to feel good about ourselves, no matter what else is on our plate.’”
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Driven by family
MOMSTER Snapback by Fonti Collections
After years as a stay-at-home mom, Ferguson felt a desire to create something of her own once her youngest child started preschool, she said.
“I’d been home with the kids for so long, and I was beginning to feel like I’d lost some of my identity outside of being a mom. I wanted to reclaim that,” Ferguson said.
She credits her family’s support, especially her husband’s, with making the business possible.
“My husband has been such a rock for me,” she said. “He knows how important this is to me, and he’s stepped up in ways that allow me to give my business the time it needs while still being the mom I want to be.”
Her launch day was filled with support and gratitude, she said, as she spent time with friends and family celebrating her accomplishment.
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Facing fears, finding confidence
Franki Ferguson, Fonti Collections; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Despite her determination to start her business, Ferguson admits self-doubt was one of her biggest obstacles, especially in the early days of planning Fonti Collections’ launch.
“I was terrified at first: What if people didn’t like it? Or worse: What if they thought I was crazy for trying this?” she said.
Like many first-time entrepreneurs, Ferguson grappled with the fear of judgment and rejection, but it was her desire to be a positive role model for her children that kept her going, she said.
“I kept reminding myself that if I want my kids to follow their dreams, I have to be brave enough to do the same,” said Ferguson.
A turning point came when she posted her first video for Fonti Collections on social media, a raw, unfiltered moment that showcased her vulnerability.
“The first time I recorded a video to introduce Fonti, everything went wrong,” she said with a laugh. “The clothing rack fell over, the wind was blowing, and I looked like a mess. But I decided to post it anyway, and people loved it. They appreciated the realness, and that’s when I realized that people connect with authenticity more than perfection.”
This moment of authenticity has become a cornerstone of her brand, she added.
“People started reaching out, thanking me for being real and relatable,” Ferguson said. “Women are tired of the pressure to appear perfect. It showed me that being myself — flaws, struggles, and all — wasn’t just OK; it was actually what people wanted to see.”
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Building community through clothes
With her online boutique steadily growing, Ferguson is exploring new ways to connect with her community, from pop-up events to collaborations with other Kansas City brands, she said.
“The feedback has been incredible, and it’s shown me that there’s a real demand for what we’re creating — a brand that speaks to women who want to look good, feel good, and take care of themselves,” Ferguson said.
As founder, she’s currently focused on expanding her product line with new clothing releases for the winter season. She envisions Fonti Collections becoming a well-loved staple in the Kansas City community and beyond, known for its dedication to comfort, style, and empowerment.
“This journey has been hard work, but it’s been worth every challenge,” said Ferguson. “At the end of the day, it’s about building something meaningful and knowing that I’m making a positive impact on people’s lives.”
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
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