The Why

I made the Underwire Camisole for one reason: I hated seeing the lines of my underwire bra through my shirt.  I would layer a basic camisole over my bra, under my shirt, but this became bulky, and the double straps on my shoulders drove me nuts.  I realized my life would be easier if I had one single thing that offered the support of my underwire bra, along with the coverage of my camisole tank-top, and I had my "aha" moment.  I couldn't find this two-in-one underwire bra-camisole undergarment anywhere, so I decided I would make it myself.  

I sketched some designs and began learning everything I could about fashion construction (and coming from a financial services background, with no experience in the apparel industry...I had a lot to learn).  I sourced materials, found a manufacturer, and tested samples.  I also quickly realized I had no money to do this, so picked up a part-time waitressing job to fund the endeavor.  I launched my business, built a website, and eventually, the Underwire Camisole and Sophy by Sophia became a reality.

But, while supportive undergarments that make you feel and look your best are important, I wanted my business to stand for something bigger.

Life is short, and we all have just one chance to make this world a better place.  Years ago, I witnessed the devastating impacts of domestic violence first hand.  I realized it was my purpose in life to fight this.  

So, the same way I combined an underwire bra and a camisole, I combined my business and my purpose in life.  I made a pledge that for every Underwire Camisole sold, $2 will be donated to organizations fighting against domestic violence against women. A couple facts for you:

Global Prevalence: Nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner in their lifetime. Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

Intimate Partner Violence in the U.S.: Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Source: Safe Horizon

Frequency of Assaults: A woman is beaten every 9 seconds in the United States. Source: Emory University

Homicides by Intimate Partners: More than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends every day in the U.S. Source: Emory University

Global Homicide Rates: In 2017, over 500,000 women worldwide were killed by an intimate partner or family member, underscoring the severe risk women face from those closest to them. Source: Dolan + Zimmerman, LLP

This is about more than a garment—it’s about creating something that leaves the world a better place for the generations of women to come.