Today we’d like to introduce you to Pia Soy.
Pia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always loved making things. The process of bringing an idea to life and see it give joy or solve a problem is so gratifying. There’s also something so special about making tactile and visual objects like a buttery leather purse or a colorful tote bag. I’ve sold items here and there but never believed I could have a scalable business that would replace my 9-5 income. However, this year I dreamed a little bigger. I invested in myself and took an entrepreneurship course from Brit + Co, called Selfmade. I was surrounded by talented and supportive women- some were just starting out like me and some were looking to grow their businesses. We were guided and taught by brilliant and successful industry leaders.
During the course, the PIA clothing line was born. It came out of my passion for fashion and a need to make positive shopping experiences for women with an apple body type, like me. The PIA clothing line focuses on making clothes that fit and flatter the curves of an apple bod. My mission is to make shopping fun and provide clothes that make women feel confident and authentic.
Our first piece is a statement wrap dress and will be available for purchase by the end of October. It will come in exciting prints. Because it’s a wrap dress, it’s adjustable. But the best feature is that it narrows at the slimmest part of an apple bod’s torso and then flares slightly to skim over the waist, making it ultra-flattering and comfortable. I can’t wait to get this dress to women everywhere who have been waiting for beautiful pieces that celebrate their apple body curves.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business has been exhilarating but also overwhelming. I’ve had to plan for the startup cost and budget time to do all the things. Currently, I make embroidered statement masks to fund my clothing line. This takes a lot of time and energy but it’s the hustle that’s funding my dream. And when I’m not doing that, I’m working on my website, my socials, or designs of my pieces. Some weeks I do a lot and some I don’t. As a full-time working mom of three kids, I don’t have a lot of free time. But each week, I try to execute on something. However small I think it is, it’s getting me that much closer to my goals.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
PIA is the only clothing line that specifically and thoughtfully designs for the apple-body. Women can go to our store and immediately spot clothes that they know would fit them. All they have to do is focus on the fun part of shopping, which is looking for colors, prints, and fun details that reflect their style. I’m proud to provide pieces that women will want to wear every day because it makes them feel confident and authentic.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Resilience has been the most important quality of my progress. Having the attitude of never giving up, believing in my vision and talent, not being afraid to fail, and pushing through challenges have kept me going.
Pricing:
- Embroidered Fashion Mask – $36
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepiashop.com
- Email: piasoy4@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thepiashop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepiashop
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