A For-Good Clothing Company Helps Abuse Survivors: Interview with Founder Abi Horton

I find nothing more inspiring and motivating than a woman on a mission. Abi Horton, a full-time voice actor turned entrepreneur and human advocate is the founder of Beaus + Babes is one of these women, and I was honored to interview her this past month.

A 100% organic clothing company focused on reducing our impact on the environment and giving back to people in need, Abi and her partner Danny believe in creating sustainable products that help our environment and make a difference for future generations but also for people here, right now.

Abi and I sat down and chatted about what inspires her and how she balances life as a woman, entrepreneur, and advocate for the environment and human rights.

Can you tell us a little bit about why you started the Beaus + Babes?

I have done different forms of volunteering for many years, helping several different charities, but the type of work that means the most to me is helping survivors of domestic violence; it’s a topic that is very close to my heart. I was volunteering at a shelter in New York City, but we weren’t allowed to continue helping in person when COVID hit. 

I thought of the different ways to connect back to helping people while not needing to be there in person. Since children grow so quickly, I came up with the idea to create a line of clothing that could be donated to people in need once the child has outgrown the items. 

I considered two things here: I wanted to use 100% organic cotton. Cotton would create the best quality clothing to ensure that they would last as long as possible through the wearing and washing. And I wanted to create uplifting designs that would bring joy to anyone who saw them, whether new or donated.

Once the initial idea was born, I spent significant time creating the artwork and designs with my partner. Uplifting and inspiring was our goal so that it could bring joy to anyone who sees the designs and clothing. After months of creating and testing, we went live in October 2021!

What are 3 big things you’ve learned since launching your company?

Marketing is hard! 

Ha! There is a reason people make entire careers just from marketing, and I will never underestimate that again. 

This business has become more.

 I started Beaus + Babes as a passion project and have realized that this is much more important than I initially thought. 

Consistency is key!

Those little steps forward add up and take things to the next level.

What does giving back to domestic abuse survivors mean to you?

Abuse is not ok, physical, emotional, or any kind. Having been in an abusive relationship, I know firsthand how hard that can be. 

There are so many layers, and everyone’s situation is different, but when survivors show up at a shelter, sometimes they don’t have anything more than the clothes on their backs. It can be the scariest, lowest point in a person’s life. And having children with you only heightens those emotions. Factoring in buying new clothes for yourself and/or your children is something else they might have to consider and something that we can help with, so there is one less stressful piece of the puzzle. That’s where Beaus + Babes comes in. Our donated clothing items help alleviate one less stressful decision for families entering shelters.

Have you faced any big challenges as a woman entrepreneur? How do you deal?

I started this journey following a woman called Gretta Van Riel, who has started and scaled a number of very successful businesses. I also joined a community of female entrepreneurs which was incredibly empowering. 

I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I realize I can do anything. I try to live my life focusing on opportunities and growth and don’t spend too long dwelling on the tough stuff.

How do you stay motivated and inspired?

I am a perfectionist, so when I do something, I want to do it to the best of my ability. My motivation is growing this company to have a consistent stream of returns to donate to shelters all over the country and maybe one day all over the world.

Who are your mentors? Why do they inspire you?

I run the social media for Beaus+Babes, and so I follow a lot of moms and see their content. I don’t have any specific mentors, but I am inspired every day by women (especially mothers).

I am drawn to individuals who are doing things to be a little bit better than they were before—continuing to strive for better, learning, and growing. That’s what keeps me going.

What do you do when you’re feeling overwhelmed to re-center?

It has taken me a long time and a lot of work to get to this point, but I try to give myself grace when I am feeling overwhelmed. I work very hard and give my all to what I do. If that means taking some time for my mental health, I will. I also make lists to keep myself organized and check things off, one bite at a time. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Is there a daily ritual (or a few) you practice to maintain mental and physical health?

My morning routine sets me up for my day. I start the day with a workout, then shower, breakfast, skincare, and gratitude journaling. This helps me focus and stay motivated to accomplish what I need to do.

Where can Womanhood Unwrapped followers find you?

You can follow along with us and support Beaus + Babes here! 👇👇

Our website is beausandbabes.com.

Follow us on Instagram at @beaus_and_babes.