Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Myers.
Holly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I learned to sew at an early age, but never thought to pursue anything in design until later in my life. Even through college and my previous career, I would sew my own clothes because I could never find anything that really fit me well. In my free time, I would take fashion design classes and found so much more joy from those classes than I had for my career, so I knew I needed to make a change. Intimate apparel was always very intriguing to me because of the garment structure, the fabrics, and because I could never find anything in my size that looked as beautiful as what the lingerie stores had to offer. So, after years of frustration when it came to bra shopping, I decided to try to make my own bras. Right away, I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life. I sought out one of the best bra making instructors in the world, and in 2015, I was finally ready to make the leap into starting my own custom bra and lingerie business in Portland, OR. In the summer of 2016, my fiancé’s career brought us to Boston, so I brought Intimate Underpinnings with me and have been in business here since August.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think anytime you are starting a small business, it is a bit of a struggle. You are putting your entire self and your passion out there in front of the world, and sometimes that alone can be quite scary. My greatest challenge was relocating my business from Portland, OR to Boston, MA. I moved from a city with great business coaches and a fantastic network of other small business owners to a city where I didn’t know anyone. Building up those relationships and my business from scratch again was definitely challenging, but I learned so much through the process.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Intimate Underpinnings – what should we know?
Intimate Underpinnings specializes in custom bras and lingerie. Everything is made-to-measure, meaning that we draft a pattern based on your unique measurements and go through multiple fittings, so that you have a garment that fits you, rather than trying to fit you into an existing garment, as in ready-to-wear. My clients usually have a lot of fun choosing fabrics and embellishments for their garments, so they really are unique and one-of-a-kind.
I am a Mastectomy Fit Specialist, and have worked with many women who have gone through mastectomy or lumpectomy surgeries. Just as we are so different as people, these surgeries effect women in such different ways. Seeing the confidence and joy that these women experience after they receive their custom bra and/or breast form – those are definitely proud moments for me.
My business is unique, and there is nothing like it in Boston. While I am currently working on a small ready-to-wear line, no other lingerie store will be able to offer custom, made-to-measure bras or lingerie. Everything is handmade in Boston, so you know you are getting a quality garment.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom has been a huge support system for me and my business. She encouraged and gave me the push that I needed to pursue owning and running a small business. And she is always there for me to bounce new ideas off of.
I would certainly not be where I am today without the teachings and guidance of my bra making instructor, Beverly. I feel very fortunate to have learned so much from her about lingerie and life over the past several years.
My small business coaches, advisors, and teachers, who not only helped me build the confidence to own and operate my small business, but also made sure that I had all of my t’s crossed and my i’s dotted from the beginning.
And of course my friends and family. Not just for their support, but as I was building up my skills and working through different fitting issues, I had to have people to practice on. Thank you!
Pricing:
- Initial Consultation – $50 (this amount goes toward the cost of the bra/lingerie if we proceed)
- First Bra – prices start at $225 ; Additional Bras – prices start at $185
- First Panties – prices start at $50; Additional Panties – prices start at $35
- Garter Belts – prices start at $50
- Body Shapers – prices start at $75
- Body Shaper with Bra – prices start at $265
- Vintage Inspired Girdles – prices start at $65
Contact Info:
- Website: www.intimateunderpinnings.com
- Phone: 503-516-5131
- Email: info@intimateunderpinnings.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/intimateunderpinnings
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/intimateunderpinnings
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/intimate-underpinnings-boston-2
- Other: intimateunderpinnings.blogspot.com
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