Meet Lisa Riggs | Sock Queen

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

Hi Lisa, how does your business help the community?
My business started with a simple idea: creating custom socks that people actually love to wear, but it has grown into something much more meaningful through our 5% giveback program. From the beginning, I committed to giving back a portion of every order, and over time, that has allowed me to donate tens of thousands of pairs of socks to people in need across the US.

Socks are one of the most requested but least donated items in shelters, so being able to provide something that offers comfort, dignity, and a basic necessity has been incredibly impactful. What started as a small idea has turned into a way for every customer to be part of something bigger. Every pair we produce helps support communities, and that is something we are really proud of.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My path definitely hasn’t been a straight line. I actually stepped away from my career to stay home with my kids, and Spirit Sox started from a very simple idea during that chapter of my life. What began as a small fundraiser concept has grown into a nationally recognized custom sock company working with major brands and even landing on shelves at Sam’s Club, which still feels surreal.

It was not easy. There were a lot of unknowns, a lot of figuring things out as I went, and plenty of moments where things didn’t go as planned. I think what set me apart was a willingness to take risks, stay scrappy, and keep going even when it felt impossible. I didn’t wait until everything was perfect; I just started and learned along the way.

One of the biggest challenges was scaling the business while staying true to our values. As we grew, it was important to me that we never lost the heart behind why we started, including our commitment to giving back. That meant making tough decisions, reinvesting in the business, and constantly adapting.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. You just need to be willing to take the first step and stay resilient. There will always be obstacles, but they are usually where the biggest growth happens.

What I want people to know about Spirit Sox and me is that this brand was built with intention. It’s not just about creating a great product; it’s about building something that makes an impact. From empowering our customers to bring their ideas to life, to giving back through our 5% program, everything we do is rooted in purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The beach is my happy place, so if my best friend was visiting, we’d definitely build the week around that and being outdoors as much as possible.

Day one would be a slow start with coffee by the water, probably in Santa Cruz, just walking the coastline and catching up. Lunch would be somewhere casual with an ocean view, and we’d end the night with a great dinner and a glass of wine watching the sunset.

We’d mix in a few hiking days, Big Sur is a must. There’s nothing like those views, it never gets old. We’d do a morning hike, take our time, then find a great spot for lunch and just soak it all in.

One day would be more of a fun city day, heading into Los Gatos or downtown San Jose for some shopping, good food, and maybe a fun dinner out. I love places that feel lively but still relaxed.

Of course, there would be a little Napa trip in there too. Great wine, beautiful scenery, long lunches that turn into the whole afternoon. That’s always one of my favorite ways to spend time with people I love.

We’d also keep some unplanned time, because those are usually the best moments. Grabbing coffee, finding a random trail, or just sitting outside and enjoying the weather.

For me, the best experiences are simple, great food, being outside, beautiful views, and time with people who matter. That’s what makes it unforgettable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow, there are so many people in my life I’d love to shout out. My grandpa and my dad, both successful entrepreneurs, really set the foundation and passed that mindset down to me.

My two kids, Mitchell and Kayla, who motivate everything I do. When I started this business, I wanted to show them that whether you succeed or fail, you go after your dreams. I hope that’s something they carry with them.

And of course my husband, Greg, who encourages me to be the strong, intelligent, independent woman I am and is my constant support and biggest fan.

Website: https://www.spiritsoxusa.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritsoxusa/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamriggs/