Today we’d like to introduce you to Velma Canaday.
Velma, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
As person totally obsessed with keeping my 6 pack abs, staying in shape and looking good for as long as humanly possible, I needed workout clothes to match my personality, my view on life and have total uniqueness. I also need to mention that, it has to not break the bank. I am a very budget conscious person, so buying a pair of $100 leggings just does not cut it for me, even when I was working in corporate America as a senior web developer and graphic designer. I had the money, but I just couldn’t see myself forking out that money for clothes I had planned to get SUPER SWEATY in! Nope not doing it.
I am originally from Virginia and lived in DC for about a decade and I would catch the Chinese bus, and go to New York to get my leggings. Let’s face it New York has everything and also New York prices spoke to my wallet and I could get a lot and they were unique and not everyone I saw at the gym had leggings like mine — BONUS!!!
Fast Forward I moved to Dallas in August 2014 to start my other business, Cravin’Fit which provides nutrition services and meal prep. In that time, I was thinking, “Oh My God” I can’t go to New York anymore and get leggings *inserts sad face, super sad! * There was always amazon, but when I ordered from there the leggings were never great quality, didn’t last very long, see-thru and I didn’t like the disconnected feeling of buying my legging off amazon. Just a random exchange from someone selling a product, you have no idea if this is their jam or not, if they are really into them or they just want to make money. So, while trying to find NEW and EXCITING leggings here in Dallas, I found an opportunity to sell them myself and keep a few pair for myself when I came across a pair that I had to have, and no I don’t sell Lularoe. So, 3 years later, I am affectionately known as the “Tights Lady” in Dallas and I love it!!! Because I am obsessed! You can never have too many leggings’, unless it’s wash day.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I feel like my leggings are a work of art. The represent fun, getting fit, feeling happy and being affordable. People hate working out and you may be one of them. What Tights Presented by Velma Canaday does is offer you instant transformation into a good mood a happy feeling. This is because you will feel good in a new fun pair of leggings or even a sexy pair, because I do have those too! When you look good, you feel good. There is always a pair to fall in love with and becomes an instant favorite. Just think about your favorite item, it makes you feel happy, warm or puts a smile on your face. That’s what I want my leggings to do; put a smile on your face. The words “OMG, I Love these!” never gets old to me when I am in and around Dallas doing events, or even on social media.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
What I find to be extremely helpful is having a lot of other friends in business, other entrepreneurs; above and below the level I am. This helps to keep my prospective in check, but also to let me know I am not the only one who has gone through this and I won’t be the last. Not to diminish the fact of the feeling, but more so to acknowledge it. Process It. Then deal, plan and execute out of it. You can’t stay in that space for too long it isn’t healthy long term. I am so grateful to have so many entrepreneur friends that understand. We live for people to understand us. That makes us feel comfortable and safe enough to express our truest self. That understanding place is the greatest place one can visit!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My leggings are available online at shop.VelmaCanaday.com. There are also available to shop via Facebook.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://shop.VelmaCanaday.com
- Email: tights@velmacanaday.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/TightsByVC
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TightsByVC
- Other: www.vimeo.com/TightsByVC
Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/TightsByVC
Image Credit:
– Velma Canaday; Tights Presented by Velma Canaday
– Marzia Prince; The Natural Photographer
– Jermaine; Eyeconic Visuals
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
