Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Somers.
Hi Heidi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I recognized the need for a women-owned fitness apparel brand that was diverse and inclusive and in 2016 set out to create one. A brand designed for women by women; empowering and uplifting everybody. Before starting the brand I was quite nervous because I felt like I had all odds against me. There I was with no business background, college dropout, originally raised in a small town in Alaska so I was shy, homeschooled and sheltered most of my life, no business loan, and had no business partner. But I took a leap of faith and I stepped into the unknown entrepreneur life. I started Buffbunny Collection in my living room with no clue as to what it would become, but with all the determination to create incredible products that made women feel confident, beautiful, and be a small part of their everyday life.
5 years later and we are now a fully woman owned and operated business. Each department of Buffbunny Collection is headed by phenomenal women. I couldn’t be more proud of what this brand has grown into.
We emphasize body positivity, inclusivity and diversity. One of the major goals of BBC was and still is to create beautiful yet functional pieces. Pieces that make every woman in every-body feel and look their best. Meticulously designing each piece from the ground up, customizing our size grading to ensure the fit of each piece is the same no matter if you’re an XXS – XXXL.
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?
Starting your own business is full of surprises and there is no such thing as a smooth road! One thing I had to do was be brutally honest with myself and find out what my weaknesses are. When it came to Buffbunny Collection one of my many weaknesses was having no background in starting a business from the ground up. But my strengths included creating exceptional products and a lot of passion. I had to do a lot of research to figure things out along the way and find ways to strengthen or adapt!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the Owner, CEO, Creative Director, Marketing Director, and part of the fashion design team I do wear a lot of hats. But wearing all of these hats, the common denominator is the creative portion. I am there every step of the way from the idea of the collection theme, designing the collection alongside the fashion designers, trying on every sample, working with the team to create marketing plans, directing the creative campaigns, making sure the website has the proper photography/videography displayed, and I also model the apparel from time to time! I absolutely love what I do whether it’s shooting a collection on top of a glacier in Alaska or sweeping and wiping down an outdoor gym so we can have a model strike a pose.
Buffbunny Collection specializes in making women FEEL.
Feel empowered, feel confident, feel seen, feel comfortable in their own skin, and so much more.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Instead of reading books and listening to podcasts, I love meeting like minded individuals who are entrepreneurs and picking their brains! I surround myself with quite a few people who have similar businesses and we often share with each other different tips and tricks. This often surprises people since these people/friends are “competition”. But we all know there is room for everyone to grow and that’s exactly what has happened with our friendship group of entrepreneurs. We’ve all grown tremendously and still love to come together to share ideas and helpful tips!
Contact Info:
- Email: Customerservice@buffbunny.com
- Website: www.Buffbunny.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/buffbunny_collection
- Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/buffbunnycollection
- Twitter: Www.Twitter.com/buffbunny_co
Image Credits:
Andy Lee
Chelsea Pham
