Hey! So nice to speak with you! Can you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you originally from and where do you live now?
Tyla Ballard. I am born and raised in the Catskills of Sullivan County, NY. I am currently still here raising my family, working full time and creating a start-up company all at the same time.
Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?
I love the smalltown vibe, while being able to head to NYC or upstate to the Adirondak - lake George Area.
Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?
Desiree and I have been friends since as long as I can remember. VWEAR started with a phone call. Desiree asked if I wanted to be a part of her new idea for leggings that were leakproof and good for women. I completely jumped at the chance as I always wanted to work with Des. This wasn't just about leggings for me - It was also about creating an amazing company. Our product helps women to feel confident and carry on their day to day. Life doesn't stop for a woman when they aren't feeling 100%. Our product gives them that support.
If someone wants to start a business, what's advice that will help them?
Patience - things take time. Also, get ready to be knocked down at times and pivot when needed. Sometimes your best idea comes from when you had to change directions.
What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won't forget about?
One that I hold dear was from a client that loved the leggings so much she purchased a pair for a stranger!! She told me to make sure I had someone in mind that loved them and she gifted them. She loved the product and what we stand for.
Where do you see your company in the future?
Global. I would love to see VWEAR LOVE take off and be in a position where we are able to gift leggings to third world countries. It breaks my heart that young women have to take time off of school because sanitary products are not always available. Our product can change this statistic.
What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
That the products on the pharmacy/store shelves are the only option and we just need to learn to deal with it.
What has been one of your biggest struggle building your business and how did you deal with it?
Coming into an area that we were all new too. Completely green. We knew what we wanted but had no idea where to start. We really dove right in headfirst. Lots of research, sleepless nights and we soon began to understand the industry and what we would and would not agree too. We set our company values up early in the process and collectively stuck to them. I am most proud of that.
What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?
This is a tough question. I have grown up with an array of music all thanks to my Dad! I can bounce from Peter, Paul and Mary to Ozzy and wrap it all up with some Bob Marley in a beat. Needless to say I had some crazy mixed tapes and CDs. My favorite athlete was Any Pettitte.
Any shoutouts you want to make?
To my family and friends that are family - thank you for your support. It means more to me than you know. To my team - thank you for being amazing. To my Madi -- Thank you for always keeping Mommy on task when things got hard and I felt like quiting. Mike- thank you for always being our biggest fan and my tech support. Mom and Dara the best cheerleaders ever- thank you. To my Dad - I wish you were here to see it all come together. We know you are helping from above. VWEAR LOVE would be nothing without the love and support we have behind us.
Where can our readers follow your work or learn more about your upcoming projects?
Instagram @vwearloveofficial and Facebook VWEAR Love
