In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen speaks with Gina Locklear, the founder of Zkano Socks, about her journey in the sock manufacturing business. Gina discusses the challenges of running a small, sustainable business, especially when public expectations push for continual growth and higher capacities despite their current limitations. She emphasizes the significant impact that consumer choices have on small businesses, contrasting the pressure small businesses face with the minimal expectations placed on large corporations. The operation scale of Zkano has decreased to just six employees from over fifty when her parents managed the mill, yet they continue to produce high-quality, eco-friendly socks with dedication and efficiency.
Locklear shares major milestones in Zkano’s history, such as receiving the American Made award from Martha Stewart, which brought widespread media coverage and a surge in demand. Despite these pressures, Gina balances her work life between Birmingham and Fort Payne and takes pride in her sustainability-first approach, focusing on making high-quality products ethically rather than aggressively expanding. She also discusses her excitement and fulfillment when seeing her socks in stores and appreciates the brand recognition, including mentions in significant publications and features in books like “American Flannel.” As Zkano nears its 15th anniversary, Gina reflects on the gratitude and satisfaction she derives from working with her family and bringing a part of Fort Payne’s sock-making legacy back to life.
Mentioned in this episode:
Zkano Website: https://zkano.com/
Zkano Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zkano_socks
Sock Queen of Alabama article: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/31/fashion/sock-business-alabama.html
Riverhead Books: https://www.penguin.com/riverhead-overview/
Golden Temple: https://goldentemplehealthfood.com/
Martha Stewart American Made: https://www.al.com/living/2015/11/little_river_sock_mill_fort_pa.html
Mike Rowe interview with Steven Kurutz: https://mikerowe.com/2024/04/american-flannel-with-steven-kurutz-ep-380/
Liesa Cole: https://liesacole.com/
Club Duquette: https://clubduquette.co/
Wild Bird: https://birmingham.wbu.com/
Birmingham Museum of Art: https://www.artsbma.org/
Juniper: https://www.juniperbham.com/
Little Professor: https://littleprofessorbookshop.com/
Store Locator: https://zkano.com/pages/store-locator
Stephen King’s book 11/22/63: https://bookshop.org/p/books/11-22-63-stephen-king/7060372?ean=9781451627299