Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicky Pasche.
Hi Vicky, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I used to shop in the women’s department. I didn’t have a ton of confidence and honestly just picked whatever fit because I never really enjoyed the styles. I felt frumpy and unseen. I always loved men’s clothing, but never wanted the world to judge me for it.
Once I became comfortable enough to shop in the men’s department (which was/IS an uncomfortable process), I knew it was in the style that best represented me, but the fit was completely off.
Men’s clothing is not made to fit the curves of a woman’s body. Or ANY body with curves for that matter. Women’s clothing is typically very form-fitting and sometimes revealing. I’m also a plus-sized person, which limited me even further with some really unattractive options.
My wife and I realized more than ever that this is SO much bigger than my personal niche. We are living in a binary world even when it comes to fit and style. You walk into a department store and you literally have two choices that provide you with a pre-set style, embedded with societal rules and norms based on gender. It’s time to wake up and ask ourselves why this all still exists. We all just want to fit in and be accepted. The confidence that can be created from being able to express yourself without judgment can create endless opportunities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This 7-year ride has been a wild one with the highest of highs, and lowest of lows. Our biggest challenge is fundraising. We’ve proven ourselves and our product with over 28,000 customers and a 51% repeat customer rate. This speaks volumes about our product and our loyal customers that continue to come back.
With all that being said, we have outgrown our bootstrapped, pre-order business model. The additional delays that COVID brought on definitely pushed our cash flow limits, and we are in need of funding to be able to invest in inventory, product development, and further marketing initiatives to enhance the customer experience and scale our brand.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Dapper Boi?
Dapper Boi is a gender-neutral clothing line, made for a variety of body types and sizes. We believe in the confidence that can be created with great-fitting clothes that represent your authentic self.
We have people tell us all the time that Dapper Boi has changed their lives and their confidence, their self-worth, and that they don’t feel alone. A place they finally fit into, literally and metaphorically.
We’re all people but we are all different with unique body types and style preferences. We all want to feel like we can be authentic. Feeling confident in who you are can move mountains. Not only for yourself. But for society. Bottom line. It’s about time we all fit in. Isn’t it?
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I know that sometimes it is so easy to get buried on your own in what you are trying to accomplish, I have been guilty of it. But there are so many great resources that exist. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You are not alone, and connecting with others like yourself, or others that have past experience can be refreshing, motivating, and eye-opening.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dapperboi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dapperboi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dapperboiclothing
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dapper_boi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DapperBoi
Image Credits
Shay Studios
