Five Questions with Ali Von Paris

Ali von Paris is an energetic entrepreneur who loves creativity and community. While she was a student at the University of Maryland, she started Route One Apparel, turning a simple t-shirt idea into a thriving business that celebrates Maryland pride. Ali has made a name for herself with her innovative leadership style, taking bold risks and creating products that truly connect with her customers.

She’s also dedicated to giving back, actively supporting local causes and encouraging others to embrace their roots. Through her work, Ali really captures the essence of entrepreneurship. She’s not just building a brand; she’s fostering community and advocating for her state while inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

We couldn’t be more excited to kick off our Five Questions series with Ali!

Q: Why did you choose Towson as the headquarters for your business Route One Apparel and how has the experience been so far?

I grew up in the Baltimore County area, so when I graduated from College at University of Maryland my business naturally came with me. My first office operation (after my parent's basement) was in Phoenix, Maryland which ended up having some limitations that were issues as we grew - most importantly, a location close to people entering the workforce and loading docks. On the hunt for flex warehouse space close to home, our current office on Cromwell Bridge Road was incredibly desirable. I wanted to make sure we owned the property vs. leasing it, so that was an added plus! Running a business in Towson has been great. The support from the chamber, the public services like police/fire (when we have had minimal issues), and the community (especially when we host events) has been really awesome and welcoming over the years.

Q: What advice would you give to other local entrepreneurs who might be thinking about starting their own small business?

Don't be intimidated by the "success" you see from people or businesses you emulate. First of all, a lot of us struggle, but what I find most rewarding about running a small business is it's a great way to tap in to your greatest strengths and challenge your weaknesses. You get what you put into it - so just start with baby steps if taking that leap of faith is intimidating. If you are like me, you get addicted to the micro-accomplishments that lead to larger accomplishments of your goals.

Q: What is the biggest misconception about Ali Von Paris, owner and face of Route One Apparel?

For the longest time in the beginning I ran Route One Apparel behind the scenes. A lot of people may assume I "had help" starting my business, whether it be financially from an investor or through executive management/partnership. I am grateful for my father quitting his job a few years into my business to help me, but other than that this venture was really a solo concept. I never had investment money, and in fact being a first-time college student on complete financial aid, I took a huge risk starting a business that was essentially not guaranteeing me a paycheck post-graduation (I started the business in college when I was 19). I remember at graduation ceremony they handed out pieces of paper that asked where we got a job, and what our starting salary was. I wrote "No job - $0". Less than a year later, I was able to pay off my student loan debt with the funds of putting 100% effort into my "small business".

Q: What accomplishment (whether business or personal) are you most proud of from 2024?

2024 was one of the first years where I really did some self-reflection on what I, personally, want out of my life. Running a company has been an absolute blessing but when you don't have boundaries in something that is in need of your time or effort, it can lead to burn out and stress. I've spent a lot of time this year working on creating pathways to solve this issue so that Route One can scale to new heights in the new year.

Q: What does 2025 hold for Ali Von Paris and Route One Apparel? Any New Year's resolutions?

For the business, there will be a lot of expansion of Route One Apparel in 2025 - my goal is to work with more sports licensing partnerships in the national space. As for New Years Resolutions, my goal is focus on building more authentic human friendships, travel for culture and inspiration, and develop new talents/hobbies.

Check out Route One Apparel