Q&A with Female CoFounder Karlyn Tupper of Tenacity Jeans

Photo Credit: Skerpon Photography

Karlyn is one of the co-founders of sister-owned company, Tenacity. Tenacity is a USA-made denim jeans line specifically designed for active women. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Connecticut where she also played lacrosse. When she’s not working on the business, you can usually find her coaching or refereeing on the lacrosse field, spending quality time with family & friends, or at the dog park with her pup!

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I was born and raised in Syracuse, NY and graduated from West Genesee High School. In 2010, I headed off to UConn and took the opportunity to play alongside my sister (again!) on the Women’s Lacrosse team. After graduation, I returned to Syracuse where I worked in digital marketing for about 4 years. I left the corporate world this past March and decided to go all in with Tenacity. Being able to commit full-time to the company has allowed us to make this idea a reality and provide a quality product in the marketplace.

What inspired you to start your business?

My sisters and I were walking off of the lacrosse field and were talking with our teammates about how discouraging it was to find jeans that fit our active build. We always had to buy a size up to fit our muscular butts and thighs, only to be left with a gaping waist. Quickly we realized we weren’t the only ones that struggled to find a pair of jeans that complimented our shape and provided a confident fit. Since we couldn’t find them, we decided to design them!

Where is your business based?

Tenacity originated in Syracuse, NY, but is operating out of the greater New York City area.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

Research, research, research. Once we established the concept, we started asking teammates, active women, and coaches if they found it difficult to find jeans that fit. When the majority of the women said they have the same issue, we knew we had found our niche market. We performed extensive competitor research only to find there were very few brands that provided an athletic fit and confidence-boosting jean for active women. From there, we began contacting U.S. based denim manufacturers, designers, fabric suppliers, etc., and had our first prototype made.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Social media influencers and word-of-mouth! Selecting influencers to try a pair of Tenacity jeans not only provides a pair of jeans that are designed specifically with their body type in mind, but it naturally increases brand awareness as well. Secondly, do not underestimate the power of networking! Connect with other people, brands, and organizations with similar values and find a way to collaborate to help one another achieve success.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Facing the unknown everyday! Destiny is truly in your hands when you are living the entrepreneurial life. It can be very challenging to define your tasks and channel your focus. I embrace the hustle, the opportunity to learn from others, and connect daily. Stay disciplined and passionate; everyday is a new chance to learn, grow, and share your message.

How do you stay focused?

I stay on a routine! Starting off my day with a solid workout helps me channel my energy and focus. I'm a huge advocate for to-do lists and mini breaks throughout the day; both of these help me to stay disciplined while still maintaining a healthy balance in my day.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

Our team. Aside from our specifically engineered design, our team is how I differentiate Tenacity from the rest of the market. My sisters and I played sports and stayed active throughout our entire lives. Our hustle has shifted from the field to the business and I anticipate that level of intensity maximizing Tenacity’s potential.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Social media marketing and events. Keeping followers engaged on Instagram and other social channels with new content, blog posts, and product offerings is a key driver for our traffic. Jeans shopping is rarely easy, so we've focused on hosting or joining events to get Tenacity jeans in the hands of consumers to touch, try, and feel. We've really enjoyed teaming up with local brands for joint pop-up shops!

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Don't lose sight--Don't lose sight of your mission, don't lose sight of your goals, don't lose sight of your passion, and don't lose sight of your strengths. Being a new entrepreneur is challenging and everyday brings something new, so stay focused, believe in yourself, and embrace the journey.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite app is Instagram. I'm able to stay connected with friends, family, and other brands. Insta always gets my creative juices flowing and inspires me with new ideas almost daily!

My favorite blog is Camille Styles! Camille and her team have a ton of creative content with a wide variety of inspiring topics and ideas. Light and enjoyable reading, check it out!

My favorite book right now is Present Over Perfect. Not sure about the rest of you, but I certainly need a reminder from time to time to be more in the moment, focus less on perfection, and more on embracing the imperfections.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

My favorite business resource is other entrepreneurs. Books, articles, conferences, etc., are all extremely helpful, but to learn from someone who has experienced or is experiencing the start-up journey has been worth its weight in gold. Real conversations full of authentic insight and genuine thoughts is rejuvenating.

Who is your business role model? Why?

My father. He is a small business owner with several successful products that bring solutions to a niche market. He's intelligent, business savvy, and has always been present for our family while simultaneously running a successful business; his rewarding work-life balance truly inspires me.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

In the next six months we plan on diversifying our Tenacity line with various colors and styles! I am moving to the greater New York City area to expand our market reach and will be bouncing around there at events and other marketing opportunities!

How can our readers connect with you?

If you’re looking to learn more you can check out our site www.tenacityjeans.com, email me with questions or comments at info@tenacityjeans.com , and/or follow us on social @tenacityjeans & @ktupps27 .