On her 29th birthday, Tia Robinson had a light bulb moment. “I had always been successful in my corporate career, but on that night I came to terms with the fact that I wasn’t fulfilled. Funny thing is — in hindsight I remember that I had made the decision to pursue a career in corporate communications instead of fashion because I thought it was the more ‘secure’ choice,” shares the corporate America professional-turned-entrepreneur. “I had always been successful in my corporate career, I never considered what the outcome of sacrificing passion for security would mean in the future. From that point on, I vowed that I would follow my passion and see where that leads me even if I had to start over in a new career. It’s funny how life brings you around full circle cause now I’m technically in the fashion industry [laughs].”
Read more about Robinson’s flirty fitness wear for “fitness devotees, dance enthusiasts and aerial artists.” –yvette caslin
Business: Vertical Edge
Website: OnTheVerticalEdge.com
What sets your collection apart from other brands like yours? Why is it unique?
Most workout wear is too bulky for pole fitness and dance; the cuts and designs interfere with what we in the industry call “making contact” with the pole. Vertical Edge’s clothing addresses these issues by offering silhouettes that work for pole fitness, dance, pilates, hot and aerial yoga and other forms of alternative fitness and styles that are flattering, yet functional. Our clothes are constructed using a technologically advanced, breathable fabric that wicks away moisture, holds its shape during workouts and keeps performing after washing.
Have you ever pole danced or taken part in pole fitness?
I’ve been taking pole fitness classes for the past four years. I got into the sport because I was looking for a new and fun way to stay in shape. I tried my first pole fitness class and fell in love! The problem I had was finding clothes that worked for the sport and that’s what sparked the idea for Vertical Edge.
How did you come up with the name?
I was looking for something that used industry terms like pole or vertical, but also described style and fearlessness … All things that I believe this brand represents and it just came to me one day … Vertical Edge!
What is the price point?
Between $32-$64
What three key pieces of advice do you have for people who are considering leaving their full time jobs to start a business?
Do market research. Timing is everything and you are going to want to count the cost of jumping into entrepreneurship. Market research will help you make that determination. When I started to put the piece in place for Vertical Edge, there wasn’t much research out there because pole fitness was still relatively new, so I created my own. I did surveys, test trials and compared my findings to comparable industries. Based on my findings a year or so later, I then decided to move forward with creating my company.
Have a business plan. This will be the roadmap for your business, not only in the beginning when you will most likely seek funding from a bank or investor, but it will also help you stay on track once you are up and running. I’ve had a business plan for a while now, but even to this day I refer to it. It helps me stay consistent with my messages and vision.
Make sure you have a sizable amount of money saved. It may be a long time before you are able to turn a profit or even place yourself on payroll, so you are going to want to make sure your day-to-day living expenses will be met for at least 3-6 months.
Any last words …
Having a team of advisers like a lawyer, accountant, and/or mentor that can give you guidance and an their professional opinion on your start-up business is great, but even they can’t tell you when it’s time to make the shift from employee to entrepreneur. If you feel strongly about what you can offer the market and you are well prepared, close your eyes and jump when your spirit tells you, you are ready.
