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.’”
Click here to explore Fonti Collections.
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.”
View this post on Instagram
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.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Meat the moment with valor: Veteran cattle rancher deploys co-op model to save the Midwest cowboy
WESTON, Mo. — Almost a decade after launching KC Cattle Company — his veteran-owned and -operated wagyu beef company — Patrick Montgomery is forging a new path to help fellow ranchers and farmers survive. He’s now digging his spurs into Valor Provisions, a direct-to-consumer online marketplace offering premium proteins from small, independent, veteran-owned ranches like…
Student-raised meats graduate to university storefront as consumers look closer at what makes the cut
WARRENSBURG, Mo. — A new partnership puts pork chops, brats and select cuts from across farming projects at the University of Central Missouri in a retail storefront accessible to community members shopping for locally raised meat. UCM Farms — which spans more than 1,000 acres of farm ground within 10 miles of campus — is…
Nonprofit founder, tech people leader join Kauffman as trustees on shared mission: economic inclusivity
The year-long transformation of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation continues this week as the influential philanthropic organization announced two new trustees meant to bolster its rebooted grantmaking strategy and commitment to driving equitable economic mobility in Kansas City. Newly appointed leaders to the Kauffman Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Aimée Eubanks Davis and Kristen Ludgate bring…
No cookie-cutter way to create an entrepreneur, so what’s the catalyst? Inside KU’s venture test lab
Editor’s note: The University of Kansas’ School of Business is a partner of Startland News. It’s a practical testing ground for KU students to flex their entrepreneurial muscles, Ryan Rains said, describing a business program built for could-be entrepreneurs who aren’t necessarily even business majors — and who, ultimately, might choose to abandon their concept…