How I Started My Own Pole Clothing Line.
We all know Pole dancers need pole wear. Some people actually start pole dancing just because of the cute outfits. Not only do polers like their outfits to be stylish, but they should also be comfortable and practical. I’ve always felt that when you look good you pole better. Nailing a killer pole combo or finally getting into that pole trick you've been working on is so much sweeter when what you’re wearing is just as amazing! Lets be honest, It makes for a perfect Social Media post and repost!
Where it all began…
I instantly fell in love with sewing when I took my first class in the 6th grade. It came so naturally to me and I caught on quickly. I was fascinated by how yards of fabric could turn into whatever your heart desired. All I had to do was learn was how to put the pieces together. One day when I was making a pair of pants I decided that I wanted to be a designer. It was so clear to me and I remember specifically saying that I wanted to design and make garments for women like me who are curvy and found it frustrating to fit into certain articles of clothing. The struggle!
“If you don’t jump to put jeans on, baby you don’t feel my pain!” - Beyoncé
NanDzins is Born!
Ten years later I started pole dancing. I still wanted to start my own clothing line NOT realizing that I should design pole clothes even though whenever I had a performance, I would make my own outfits! It wasn’t until I opened my own pole studio (Pole Felony Fitness) 5 years later, that it dawned on me, I should design my own pole apparel to sell as merchandise! I Mean Duh! Especially for curvy women who pole! Here we are, Full circle.
Year One - A Beautiful Mistake
I started designing ideas that I had trapped in my head for years. My signature pole shorts design actually happened by accident one day. I wasn’t sure if shorts with permanently attached garter straps would be a hit or not so I made shorts just for myself to see how functional they were for pole dancing, twerking, splits etc. When I felt comfortable enough with my first design prototype, (after figuring out the perfect strap to shorts ratio) I started selling them to my pole students at a discounted price. The feedback I received was very helpful because they were brutally honest with me on how the shorts fit and also gave me suggestions on certain things to tweak. I was always taking mental notes during classes while they poled and made any adjustments I found necessary.
Year Two - Growth
“Where’d you get your shorts?” Was a constant question I continued to get in my comments section whenever I posted myself poling in my NanDzins. When people found out that I made them the next question was, “How do I order a pair from you?” That question both excited and terrified me at the same time. I knew it was time to go for it. I started selling and shipping shorts to people outside of my studio. It made me see that it was also time to create its own Social media pages to gain a following.
Year Three-Vendor life
I began selling my shorts at major events like Pole Con, studio fashion shows and pop up shops. I loved traveling and meeting the amazing women who support NanDzins. The demand for my shorts became more than I could handle alone. So I had to find a clothing manufacturing company to mass produce my product. Luckily, I found a factory in my local area!
Year Four-Brand Ambassadors
I’m currently in the process of setting up the official NanDzins online store, as well as, searching for brand ambassadors to represent my clothing line. I'm conducting an ambassador search in the upcoming weeks. A future goal is selling wholesale to studio owners.
I am Looking forward to year 5!
What I Have Learned…
Everything happens when it’s supposed to happen.
Enjoy and don’t rush the process!
Hold yourself accountable and stay on top of things.
Find value in constructive criticism.
Do a lot…A LOT of research before making certain decisions.
I started my clothing line journey with mainly Curvy women in mind. However, I learned that we aren’t the only body type that struggles with finding the clothes that fit perfectly when we pole. We all struggle! Therefore, I made it my mission to make all body types, shapes and sizes feel and look amazing on the pole.