As teenagers transition from the familiar comforts of home to the new world of college life, one of the biggest shifts they face is moving into a dorm. For many students, Dormify, the trendy room decor brand founded by Amanda Zuckerman and her mom Karen Zuckerman, has become the go-to source for transforming their small dorm spaces into stylish and personalized havens.

The Teen Magazine had the opportunity to chat with Amanda about her inspiring business journey and the exciting future of Dormify.

From Dorm Room To Dorm Empire

Amanda's own experiences were the catalyst for developing this brand. As an incoming freshman moving into Washington University in St. Louis, she and her mom struggled to find stylish options for her twin XL bed.

It was crucial to Amanda for her dorm to feel like home and knew that others felt similarly. This inspired her to design her own XL bedding brand, with her journey starting with just a blog.

"I was filing all my insights on college life, including decor tips and favorite finds in one spot,” said Amanda Zuckerman, founder of Dormify, “The engagement on the blog was incredible, and there we found proof of concept: dorm decor was something young people cared about.”

The brand soon launched, selling its own line of Twin XL bedding. However, this launch did not come easy, as Amanda initially lacked a background in manufacturing.

“I remember when we were searching for partners to help us create our first bedding line, we went to one of the textile buildings in New York City and knocked on every door,” said Amanda, “We really had to sell partners on our basic idea for Dormify, who we were as people, and our vision for where the company could go.”

Armed with just a stack of business cards, no website, and an unshakable belief in their vision, Amanda Zuckerman and her mom, Karen, pushed forward with determination. Their persistence paid off when they found a partner who helped guide them through the process of turning their vision into a thriving brand.

Now, Dormify is a multi-million-dollar success and the largest dedicated retailer of college dorm and apartment essentials on the market, proving that a vision can be brought to life through persistence.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Dormify

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The Strategy that Launched Dormify to Millions

Amanda credits Dormify's success to something larger retailers often struggle to do: understanding their customers' evolving needs and style preferences by building close relationships.

“The internet moves at lightning speed, and we have to keep up in both product development and content creation," said Amanda. "We focus on curating products that not only reflect the latest trends but are also practical for our customers, and we always want to make sure we are making the shopping experience as seamless as possible.”

Dormify's strategy also centers around tailoring to the Gen-Z audience through social media marketing. Over 40% of customers discover Dormify through social media, and the Dormify team ensures that they are creating resonating content year-round, instead of only during back-to-school season.

"Our approach leverages user-generated content from students who are slightly older, offering younger students a glimpse into the “cool older student” look they aspire to, often years before they even begin college – we often say Dormify is the “older sister,” said Amanda.

In an age where advertisements are omnipresent, Dormify distinguishes itself through displaying authenticity and creating community. Various social media posts share products, content, and advice that are not only beneficial to customers but entertaining and informative. Amanda hopes to continue to reach further audiences in the future, such as tweens, teens, camp-goers, and young adults.

Decorating Your Own Room: Latest Trends

As a leader in furniture design for small spaces, Amanda offers advice for incoming students who are shopping and decorating their very first dorm room. Using the Bed Visualizer Tool and Shop The Room pages Dormify offers can simplify the process and identify what would make your room feel like home.

Want to make your dorm feel like home? Try following some of Amanda’s tips:

• Overhead lighting can make a room feel sterile – use a mix of overhead lights, bedside lamps, string lights or neon lights for a more inviting atmosphere
• Make good use of under-bed storage, the back of closet doors, and the front of main doors
• Stay authentic! Mix and match different styles and aesthetics to create your own unique style.

Recently, top trends for room decor include Dormify's playful and bold Disco Fever Room, nostalgic and soft Sea Salt Sand room, and whimsical Coquette Aesthetic.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Dormify

"Our #1 rule at Dormify is: don’t copy people!" said Amanda, “Including personal touches that reflect the student's style and interests really makes the dorm room feel more like home.”

Dorm rooms can be small and have a tight squeeze. To maximize space while maintaining style, these Dormify products can be a lifesaver:

• Sutton Charging Cart - This all-in-one bestseller keeps your essentials organized and charged in one place. It features built-in A/C and USB outlets for convenient charging, while its lockable wheels provide mobility and stability. Designed for smart, small-space storage, it includes three spacious drawers, an 11" cubby, and a bedside table top perfectly suited for lofted beds.
• Extra Long Dorm Bed Skirt - Keep your space looking tidy and elegant with this functional bed skirt that hides everything you’re storing under your bed. Its height is adjustable, so it works on any height.
• Harlow Tufted Charging Headboard - Dormify offers a bunch of options for charging headboards. This lightweight headboard, designed for Twin/Twin XL beds, adds cushion for late-night study sessions while preventing pillows from sliding, as well as the ability to recharge by powering your devices from the bed with A/C, USB, and USB outlets.
• Under the Bed Storage Bin On Wheels - This accessible under-bed storage solution features handles on either side, ensuring easy access to your items, so you'll never forget what's tucked away.

Advice for Teen Entrepreneurs

Recognizing the growing interest many teens have in entrepreneurship, Amanda stresses the importance of developing a strong personal brand early on.

“Whether it’s through a blog, Instagram, or TikTok, creating an online presence that authentically reflects your passions and personality is key,” said Amanda. “This kind of visibility is invaluable when it comes to landing internships or job opportunities, as it lets people see beyond your resume and get a sense of who you really are.”

Equally important, Amanda points out, is the power of networking. Maintaining relationships with people you meet at internships, events, or even through online platforms can be instrumental in opening doors and paving the way for future career opportunities. These connections can prove invaluable in the long run, especially when looking to grow professionally.

Finally, Amanda believes that embracing the learning process, remaining humble, and making mistakes are part of the journey.

"It’s perfectly okay not to have all the answers. Use this time to listen, learn, and ask questions–remembering that these experiences will benefit you in the long run," said Amanda.

Keep Up With Dormify

● Instagram: @dormify

● Tiktok: @dormify

● Pinterest: @dormify

A huge thank you to Amanda Zuckerman for the opportunity to interview!