Meet Meredith Speer: Founder of Foxed

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meredith Speer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meredith, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Recently, I gave birth to my second daughter and all of the well-intentioned balance I had created flew out the window. Being a full-time mom to littles and working part-time from home means that daily balance is an unobtainable goal. Instead, I have reframed my thinking instead toward wholeness. There will be seasons that are extremely busy with work which means less family time, less play time, less of everything. There will also be seasons that are full life weeks which means less email, less sneaking in a few more minutes of work. My goal is that when I look at a longer period of time- whether it be the month or the year- I can see an overall wholeness. Did I live life well? Did I work well? If the answer to both of those is yes, I am much less concerned about the daily balancing act that causes stress. Daily balance in my current life stage feels like pursuing perfection which frankly isn’t an option. Choosing to play the long-game of balance and wholeness feels not only doable but empowering. Changing my thinking has allowed me to be more fully present in the moment. I’m not thinking about work when I’m rocking my baby, playing dress up with my toddler, or laughing with my husband. I’m not feeling guilty when I take time to get coffee with a friend or carve out nights for book club and cocktails with my besties. When it is work time, I am able to be completely in the zone, loving every minute of being an entrepreneur and growing a business. As a woman, being able to work wholeheartedly and guilt free is a wonderful gift!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Foxed is a personalized book business (think StitchFix for readers). My goal is to share the joy of reading with our customers by matching them with the best books for them! I search beyond the bestseller lists through every genre and decade to find books that are the perfect fit for every customer. Foxed is now two years old and I continue to have a hands on approach. I pick the books for every customer and put a hand written note in every box. Having that personal touch sets Foxed apart and keeps the love of tangible books alive. I want our customers to feel like we completely understand their reading preferences and for mailing day to be one of their favorite days of the month!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite things about Austin is the amount of green space. It makes it easy to be outside more often than not! Plus, we have tons of great food so making a plan for friends to come visit is always a dream.These are the places I visit frequently and take friends- Emma Long Park for a day on the lake Thai Kun for fun family style food Downtown for paddle-boarding Mattie’s for a girls dinner Hanks for coffee and porch sitting Downtown Georgetown for walking around, looking at old buildings, and a lazy day. Lakeline Farmers Market Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband is the reason I am able to have any success! He works full-time and manages to help change diapers between zoom calls, plays with our toddler during lunch break, and cooks dinner most nights for our family. He continually supports and encourages me in every endeavor. He is the backbone of our family and the best friend and partner I could ask for.

Website: www.thefoxedbox.com
Instagram: thefoxedbox

Image Credits
Madeline Harper Photography