Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Sherard.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began developing Stripped Underwear around 2010. My job had just went out of business, so to survive, I turned to my talents in photography. Photography was my escapism; it allowed me to capture my eye for fashion and style. It was during that time that I knew I wanted to deepen my passion to provide a business with meaning and longevity. I experienced how photographs made my clients feel… they embody sexiness, confidence, and a sense of boldness.
I wanted another factor to add to the equation for men. Something that I could also experience due to my own lack of self-confidence when I Stripped down to my underwear. Aside from self-confidence, one reason was because I had ugly underwear lol. There was nothing I owned or saw in stores that I felt represented me or that made me feel comfortable, other than my all-time fave Calvin Klein.
I began researching different fabrics that would best fit a man’s body. I took apart a pair of my underwear to figure out the stitching and how to get everything similar to that. My first creation was a disaster-i used a two-way stretch -couldn’t even get one leg in them because I have thick thighs. After multiple tries, I had success; it was then that a lot of friends began requesting underwear from me because it was comfortable.
I looked up manufacturing companies that would be able to assist me in the production process of the line. Sample after sample after sample- from one ugly color to me changing my mind to wanting to quit, to costs being high, it took me YEARS (7 to be exact) to find a reputable company.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing about this process was a smooth road. Once the line was funded, my products shipped out to the states to never receive clearance from Customs. I contacted the manufacturer they gave me the run around for like 2 months until they finally sent over another reproduction of Stripped Underwear.
I’ve never started a business, built a website, nor had I gone into an established business to propose a line be held in their store. Everything I learned in college was basically null and void because of so many changes in the business and technology world.
In late 2017 I walked into a local store here in Dallas, Texas, to propose getting Stripped on their shelves which would be my first major accomplishment as a new business owner and designer. I was fortunate enough to host a successful event there, which garnered more brand awareness. I kept working adamantly to get Stripped Underwear brand name out, the beginning of 2018; I was then accepted in another store in my second home state of Charlotte, NC. Two stores in different states with Stripped Underwear in them. These are the highs!
So how does Stripped Underwear fit a low?
Being in a brick and mortar store is indeed an accomplishment, but be mindful that while marketing your products you can also, in turn, have client finds other items to distract them from your product being that it is still new.
With that in mind, I began to focus heavily on my online presence to build Stripped Underwear brand awareness. More opportunities came, I was able to participate in Dallas Men’s Fashion Week as well as feature Stripped Underwear in upcoming projects.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Stripped Underwear story. Tell us more about the business.
Stripped Underwear is part of the specialty market in men’s apparel. What sets Stripped Underwear apart from other brands is that the line focuses on feeling confident, comfortable, and sexy without selling sex. Stripped focuses on fashion and style. Majority of Stripped clientele review the products as “comfortable, the fabric is so soft that it moves and conforms to the body well-It’s easy to workout in and it’s breathable.”
The underwear market can be tricky, and most go into the method of only selling sex to garner traction. I’m nothing of that nature, I don’t want people to see Stripped and think “Oh here’s another underwear brand objectifying men,” I want clients to see sophistication, style and to envision a luxe lifestyle. Stripped is geared towards all men, in shape, not in shape, active and leisure lifestyle.
I’m most proud of myself and my customers. I’m proud of customers for taking a chance on something totally new. I’m proud they see Stripped’s vision and experience a growing brand. I’m proud of myself because I literally went into building a company ground up blindsided with learning & teaching myself everything along the way. I also went back to my first love of photography, so every photo on www.strippedunderwear.com was shot by me. There is no manual on how to be successful; it’s literally trial and error. I keep focusing on my goals for Stripped providing something for men and women (visually) to enjoy and continue to inspire/motivate others. This is just the beginning of what Stripped Underwear has to offer.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see the industry continuously growing. With the extreme growth and use of social media, more people will be apt to purchase more underwear. Social media has made self-made models, where companies now can reach out to them to market their products. This will continue only continue to grow. The reach that social media has is insurmountable with marketing. I, for sure, will continue reaching out to online models with a great following, and proven record of sales to market my products.
Pricing:
- Briefs $10.00
- Boxer Briefs $12.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.strippedunderwear.com
- Email: admin@strippedunderwear.com
- Instagram: @strippedunderwear
- Facebook: @strippedunderwear
Image Credit:
Jorge Luis
Ernesto Torres
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