When the husband and I moved to Chicago, we learned that one of the key differences between NYC and Chicago is that EVERYONE here, regardless of gender, loves sports. This may be a slight exaggeration, but I have been asked more times in the last 6 1/2 years which teams I like or which college I went to (for sports of course) than in the previous 35. Seriously. Women here like their sports and like to show their support with apparel, but this sometimes looks… well, not so great. To that end, Sporty Threads is coming to the rescue!
Sporty Threads was founded by Kristine Regan, a “corporate world drop out” who decided to put her passions and drive towards the same goal: creating an online sports fan apparel boutique tailored specifically for women. Unlike the sports apparel sites that are primarily for men or the “other popular site” where “push-up bras and rhinestone embellished apparel ring up some sparkly costs”, Sporty Threads is for the every day, every woman, sports fan. Kristine selects clothes for the woman consumer that are high quality, fashion-forward and don’t cost a fortune.
I met Kristine at a race recently. She was cheering for her husband and our friends. We started chatting post race and she mentioned her business. I, of course, checked it out and followed up with some questions. She was a great sport about giving her perspectives.
EF: I love your idea, what was “the last straw” that moved you from idea to reality with Sporty Threads?
KR: “Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, I would randomly get the honor to attend the city’s finest sports games and at the moment’s notice, be left searching for a cute team tank or tee. Having purchased way too many of those starchy, “wear once before they literally shrink to a baby-sized tee” t-shirts, I was left thinking, why isn’t there a central place for women to purchase trendy, sports fan apparel? After researching this a bit, there was only one other site that offered anything that was the least bit fashion-forward; yet they were selling bedazzled pieces for outrageous prices right next to their Miracle Push-up bras. I found that quite simply put, Victoria’s Secret markups were not a secret and, there was a huge market for the female fan. It was then and there, right next to the padded bras and lace panties, that Sporty Threads was born and I decided to pull the trigger on development.”
EF: What has been the best part of starting your own business? The most challenging?
KR: “Starting your own business checks so many boxes on the professional growth chart that many times, you don’t realize the amount of things you learn each day until you take a step back. For me, the greatest fulfillment comes from creating something from scratch and then see it grow. You get to use the freedom of working for yourself to use the creativity, tools and methods you believe will work best. On the other hand, the uncertainty and risk involved in getting a business off the ground, is both challenging and frightening at the same time.”
EF: What advice do you have for someone who has a great idea but doesn’t know where to start?
KR: “The advice I would give anyone thinking about starting a new business is to vet the idea to others, research as much as possible and immerse yourself in a community that you can learn from. I am trying to follow my own advice now and connect with as many entrepreneurs as possible.”
Great advice! Sporty Threads has t-shirts, tanks, hoodies, sweatpants and more. Prices range from $27 – $50. They offer $4.99 shipping and free shipping over $75. They have some good promotions, too, so like them on Facebook or follow on Twitter to keep up. Great news, they are also offering 20% off on your order with the coupon code EricaFinds. How awesome is that?
More great news, Kristine is donating a #1 fan T (Cubs or White Sox – winner’s choice!) to the Run for Boston 5K virtual race raffle. What is a virtual 5K? What is the Run for Boston 5K? Check out Marcia’s post for the 411 on this and other great prizes for a great cause!
So support your team, be sporty, save money and look good. Definitely a winning proposition!