Skirts for Badasses - Purple Rain Adventure Skirts
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mandy Bland, owner of Purple Rain Adventure Skirts, located in Medford, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I make women’s hiking apparel that inspires freedom of adventure without compromising style and function. My customers are badasses who love the outdoors and look good while climbing mountains!
Tell us about yourself
After I completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, I couldn’t imagine going back to the 9-5 grind. I was inspired to try hiking in a skirt, so I made a prototype and headed back out on the trail the next summer. I loved the dichotomy of hiking big miles in what was seemingly a feminine garment. I knew I was onto something. I’m a DIYer at heart, so I set to work fitting women for sizing and sourcing fabrics. Many hurdles and learning curves later, I’m still at it. I love inspiring women to get outside. If you look good, you feel good! I also love the lifestyle owning my own business provides. I work hard, but I also play hard.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Hiring employees so I can take off six months to hike the PCT with my family! I am able to make the business work for me, which has always been a goal.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Lessons are learned financially, and I’m the only one to blame when things go wrong! I’m all self-taught, so there were many learning curves in business and moving my garments into production. I’ve said I’m sorry many times, learned from it and moved on.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- There’s no one way to run a business. Stay true to yourself and run it how you want!
- Ask for help! Many people in the industry are willing to help because they’ve been there too.
- Just go for it! You never know until you try. It will be easy to talk yourself out of it; fake it till you make it!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It’s hard running your own business. You will work your tail off, and it’ll be worth it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.purplerainskirts.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PurpleRainSkirts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purplerainskirts/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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