|
Founder disliked women's choices
Monday, August 16,
2004
Company: Trashy Cat Enterprises, LLC
Owner: Jane Ryan
Opened: September 2003
Type of business: Women's cycling apparel retailer
Financial backing: Private investor and personally financed
Motivation: Ryan took up bicycle riding in 2001 and did not like the
clothing available for women. Her daughter inspired her to start a clothing line
solely for women.
Planning: Ryan hired an outside consultant to help develop a business
plan. She also contacted various cycling apparel manufacturers throughout the
United States and Italy.
Experience: Ryan received a degree in sales and marketing from a vocation
school and worked for several years in retail sales.
Biggest obstacle: Obtaining outside sales. Ryan is adding a marketing
consultant to help the company land a national department store.
Future: Ryan plans to expand the Trashy Cat apparel line to many types of
active wear for women, including yoga attire.
Marketing: Ryan has placed advertisements in national bicycling
magazines, had booths at trade shows, distributed newsletters and created a Web
site, through which the majority of orders are placed.
What makes the business unique: The clothing is specifically designed for
women and manufactured with quality materials in Italy.
Best part of the job: "I like designing. I love going over to Italy and
sitting with my manufacturer to go over designs for the clothing," Ryan said.
Information: (602) 266-8686 and www.trashycat.com
— Aaron Royster
|
