The search for the perfect single to double stroller is over! Austlen has entered the chat. With so many different configurations and a sturdy frame with the biggest cargo space on the market, there’s no denying that they have changed the stroller game!
Thanks for sitting down to chat with us! First up, tell us about yourself!
My name is Leslie Stiba. I have twin 16-year-old daughters Eve & Bree, and am married to my husband Christian. We also have a beloved Beagle, Nilla. I’ve lived in Austin for 27 years, and am originally from Flagstaff, Arizona. I love spending time with my family and friends, preferably doing things outdoors. I also love to cook while my daughters chat with me in the kitchen, go for walks with my puppy, and I love comedy of all kinds.
Nice to meet you, Leslie! Tell us more about Austlen Baby Co.!
Austlen Baby Co. makes the innovative and award-winning Entourage stroller. I originally created Austlen because I broke every stroller I owned. The storage baskets never held up under real-life use. I couldn’t believe most double strollers made you take off the second seat to fold it, or the fold was so big it took up your whole trunk!? I just kept thinking – who is designing this stuff? They can’t be using it day-to-day. I wanted to design a stroller that had the aesthetic of a classic pram, but was modernized with interchangeable parts that lasted through a family’s growing stages. I also wanted it to have on-demand versatility that could truly take on the parenting challenges of the day. Every day parents decide what adventures to undertake. I wanted something that would give moms and dads confidence to get out there and know our stroller has your back, it is there to support you. One of the reasons we have children is to share our adventures with them. I want parents to keep their great life and take their littles along for the ride.
Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
Currently we are selling exclusively in the U.S., but our stroller was designed to meet rigorous European standards, so we will be expanding in the future to global markets. We are also always designing improvements, new features, and new products to add to our collection. In addition, one of our core tenets in growing our business is our ability to give back, specifically helping parents of special needs children who typically have heavy medical equipment that needs to be transported with their children. Due to the Entourage’s innovative and robust design, we are able to help these parents through our donation program, and look forward to growing this more and more as our business grows. We also know first-hand how hard it is to start and grow a business that is woman-led, so we donate to support underrepresented changemakers (people of color, LGBTQ+, women, people with disabilities) who, like us, are working to make the world a better place, but struggle to get the funding to scale their impact.
What do you love about having a business in Austin?
Austin has an amazingly collaborative business community. Everyone is willing to share their time and resources to help you grow your business. It is truly an environment that is unique to Austin, and I’ve loved being a part of it.
Any promotions or events that you want to share with our community?
Discount code: AUSTINMOMS will give $50 off any Entourage stroller on top of any existing sale or promo
Here at The Local Moms Network, we are all about giving moms the gift of time. What is your best time saving “hack”?
I’m a big fan of daily lists, because if I don’t make them, it will keep me up at night. Other things that need my attention will inevitably crop up, but I can always adjust the list, and working through it based on priorities keeps me sane. Also, the biggest time saver is having smart, competent and resourceful people running the business with you. That makes a mountain of a difference!
Quick! What are a few of your favorite spots around Austin?
Favorite restaurant in Austin – Oooh, that is so tough because I love food so much! Definitely Torchy’s, Chuy’s, Salt Lick, La Margarita and Masala Wok.
Favorite coffee place in Austin – Hopefully this is allowed, but I live up north so I love Monument Café in Georgetown. They have the best coffee and make an amazing breakfast!
Favorite place to grab drinks in Austin – Continental Club on Friday nights with the Blues Specialists.