Game Plan Has TOTALLY Changed...

Hey Y'all!

I know it's been forever since I've posted. Things around Exes and Ohs have been busy, but I haven't been able to post much about it. I've been getting in my samples from my incredible manufacturer, WhiteStar Manufacturing out of Austin. Quick plug: They. Are. So. Fantastic. Seriously. My samples have been exactly what I'd hoped for. The fit is perfect, and other than a few cosmetic changes on the design, everything has been wonderful. They're so informative, helpful, and positive. I've never felt like an idiot with questions on a million different things. Designers: GO TO WHITESTAR.

Anyway, a kind of huge thing happened last week. As you all know, my game plan has been to design everything, get samples made, and take them to Dallas Market. Last week, I contacted a rep for another line, just to get some information about Dallas Market. I asked her how many people she usually sees per market. Her answer? 5-9. BETWEEN FIVE AND NINE. What?! I could stand on 82nd and Quaker and see more people that would want to purchase my line. Why on earth would I spend money to go there, to maybe see 1-2 people a day?! The traveling expenses, the hotel expenses, then the market expense? There's no way I could make a profit after all of those things and seeing so few people. So, I changed my mind and my plan.

So, Exes and Ohs will officially be going on the road! I'm going to take my samples to the stores themselves and do trunk shows. I'll also be sending out line sheets, swatches, look books, and anything else buyers may want to help make their decision. Is it a little stressful to have plans change? Yes. Am I worried? Not at all. I have faith in my designs and I have faith in the fact that this entire journey of mine is in God's hands. He's led me to this point...why would He abandon me now? I'm just so thankful that I found out about Dallas Market before signing a contract. I also did research on Curve, which is the MASSIVE market with just about every lingerie brand in the world that shows in New York and Vegas twice a year, and I now have a goal set as to how much money I need to make this first go-around to be able to have a booth in Curve next year. I will have a booth at Curve next year.

God has blessed me with such amazing opportunities, and I know this game changer isn't a surprise to Him. He holds my future in His hands, and that is such a beautiful thing to me. He's blessed me with the ability to design and has placed the subject of body image on my heart. I really want to use Exes and Ohs Intimates as a platform to change women's ideas about the way they look. I've already had a few blog posts about body image, so expect many more.

I pray that you have a beautiful week and that you start thinking more positively about yourself. I look forward to what else is to come on this journey for me and Exes and Ohs! And don't worry...I'll keep you updated. :)

 

 #letsgetconfident

 

Exes and Ohs,

Kinsey 

Social Media...Is It Damaging Your Confidence?

Hi Y'all!

I hope everyone has had a great last couple of weeks! I haven't posted because everything on the Exes and Ohs end is pretty boring. I've been writing letters to buyers to introduce my line to them, as well as working on paperwork for market. But, I'm really excited because I'll get my first few samples in this week from my manufacturer! I'm SOOOO excitednervousanxiouscan'tsleep. :) But this post is about something that's been really heavy on my heart lately!

I wrote a post a month or so ago about Healthy VS. Skinny in the lingerie world (and really in the world in general). I talked about how models bodies are unattainable and can make girls have unrealistic expectations of their own body. But over the last few weeks, I've realized that I don't compare myself to models. I compare myself to other women on social media. I know I can't be the only one. Seriously, how many of you have been scrolling through your news feed and you're like "DAMN! She looks good. Gosh, why can't I have those abs/arms/legs/thigh gap?! I bet she only eats salad. Why don't I look like her? Where's her cellulite? Did she use a filter? Ugh, I'm never eating again! Not until I look perfect in my bikini!". I know I've done it. I've beaten myself up over the fact I've gained weight since my wedding, even though it's mainly been because of health problems dealing with my back and neck (and my love of cupcakes). But I still get embarrassed when a new picture is posted. I get really self conscious like "What is everyone thinking?! Why can't I put a disclaimer on pictures like "Oh hey, I can't work out the way I used to because my neck and back are falling apart?!" Does everyone think I let myself go now that I'm married?". It's a confidence killer for sure. But in the past week, I realized how consumed my mind is by my own negative thoughts.

I finally had the big light bulb turn on that made me realize that I'm not fat, I'm not overweight, and I'm not unhealthy. My body is simply different than it was a year ago, and that's ok. God has blessed me with THE BEST LIFE. Seriously, I couldn't be happier, and I'm ruining it by even caring what anyone else thinks about my body, especially people I went to high school with that haven't seen me in 7 years. There are so many things about me that are absolutely wonderful that have nothing to do with how I look. But I know I'm not the only one who's gone through this social media insecurity. Girlfriends of mine have talked about it and even women on Facebook have posted about it. But seriously girls, let's get it together.

I think the female body is SUCH a beautiful thing. Think about what it's capable of! I know most women get annoyed at their boyfriend/fiancé/husband because he can drop 10 pounds at the drop of a hat by "not eating as much." Either they do that, or they complain about how they need to gain weight. *insert the most dramatic eye roll here* But their body is not even close to being able to do what ours does. We can literally grow and carry a human being around in us for 9 months! How incredible and absolutely beautiful is that?! But unfortunately, most women only see the negatives of their body before, during, and after babies, because we want to look like someone else. But hey I have something to tell you...STOP WANTING TO LOOK LIKE SOMEONE ELSE. God created you to be exactly who you are. LOVE YOURSELF. Love your eyes. Love your curves. Love your flat chest. Love that big ol' booty. Love your stretch marks. LOVE YOUR BODY AND YOURSELF. RIGHT NOW. This very moment. Stop being negative. Look in the mirror and be like "Damn. It is good to be me today! I'm *fill in the blank with something positive*!!" I know it sounds ridiculous and over the top, but there's already so much negativity out there! Why add to it?!

My main goal with Exes and Ohs is that it'll give women confidence. I want you to feel good in front of the person you love. I've designed the panties to have lace waistbands so they don't dig in. I've made the cups of bras to where small or large busts can look AWESOME in them. I did thongs and full coverage undies for different tastes. I kept women in mind when I designed my line. I kept in mind what my insecurities are and what other women have told me they want. Exes and Ohs is designed to make you look good and feel even better.

Remember, comparison is the thief of joy. Embrace your body today, no matter what it looks like. And embrace those traits that will never change with your waistline: your personality, your goals, your demeanor, and how you make others feel.

And just FYI, I think the term "thigh gap" is the most absurd thing of life and needs to be deleted from everyone's mind forever.

 

Love to you all!

Exes and Ohs,

Kinsey

 

Blinders. And The Truth.

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Hi Y'all!

I haven't posted in a while, and I apologize! The last week has been pretty crazy for Exes and Ohs. I realized I needed to stop taking my sweet, precious time in getting my tech packs in. It'll take a month to get my first round of samples in to approve, and then another month after that to get my final samples in. I realized that was putting me getting everything in at the end of June if I get it in now! So, I busted my little (or big) booty and got all tech packs sent in yesterday!

I thought I would have a huge sense of relief after sending in my tech packs, but I had an overwhelming combination of emotions--none of which was relief. I was almost in tears (very happy tears) on my way to the post office, praying, thanking God that because of Him, I am on my way to achieving my dreams. But after I left, other feelings set in. I realized that I'm done with the only part of this process that I know how to do. I'm confident in my design ability, in my flats, and being able to relay what is in my mind onto paper, and into the hands of my patternmaker and sample maker, but I'm not nearly as confident in marketing. I started questioning myself and my sales ability: What if no one likes my designs? What if I don't sell them well? What if I take no for an answer, every time? It made me freak out a little and then made me realize that I hadn't let myself feel any part of this process. I've talked about being excited, nervous, anxious-but until yesterday, I hadn't truly felt any of those feelings.

It reminded me of the other night when I was at my in-laws having some good ole venison that Travis killed. Carson, my brother, was talking about how busy he is with the Pie Bar and we just started talking about when he opened his first one three years ago. He said something that I totally identify with: he had blinders on for the months leading up to opening. He said he just concentrated on the "this week I have to paint, next week I have to buy furniture," type things rather than ever fully realizing the gravity of what he was doing. It made me realize--I've had my blinders on for 4 months. I've gone through the steps--illustrating, picking fabric, making flats, doing spec sheets--but I haven't let everything completely sink in. Honestly, I think it's your mind's way of protecting yourself. I mean, I've had moments of barely thinking about the fact that I'm trying to achieve my dream (like yesterday), and it made me have such a rush of every emotion--it was exhausting. I don't think that anyone could go for their dreams and goals if they felt everything--it's too much. You wouldn't make it past the first step. The process scary, exciting, nerve-wracking, overwhelming, wonderful, maddening, and every emotion in between.

So am I thankful for my blinders? Absolutely. But I'm more thankful for 3 family members that have been through what I'm going through, as well as a mom who's been the backbone of the other 3 businesses. I also couldn't imagine my life without Travis. He has faith in me when I don't have it in myself. He helped me get back on track last night after my momentary freak out about everything. He reminded me that God has blessed me with this opportunity--so if I doubt myself, I'm kind of doubting Him. The Lord is in control of this, and I just need to have faith in that.

Here's a little somethin' to help you if you're having the same type of days I am...

 

He's always in control. What a blessing.

 

I'm tellin' you though...Exes and Ohs will be successful. I'm not going to stop until it is.

 

Exes and Ohs,

Kinsey

Just a Good Ole Update

Hi Y'all!!

I haven't written in about a week, but I was overwhelmed with what a great response I got on last week's post, "Healthy or Skinny?". I'm so happy to know that so many women agree that maybe the world of celebrities and models don't always depict the norm and don't always provide a healthy body image for women.

As you all know, women are all different shapes and sizes, and no two bodies are the same. Because of this, the basis of Exes and Ohs' designs are that they fit a wide range of shapes of women. I know there are some people that have said they won't wear my designs until I have molded cups and underwire. Well, I hate to tell those people, but they'll never wear one of my designs if that's the case. I have worked in a lingerie store for well over a year and I've learned what women want and what the market doesn't have. Lingerie made with molded cups and underwire fit a very small range of women. If your booty is bigger than your bust, you'll have a problem wearing a fitted chemise with molded cups. It'll be tight on bottom and the cups will gap at the top (trust me, I know from experience).Very few women are the same size all the way through (and if you are, I give you a major high five because finding lingerie must be a lot easier for you :)). I've even had women with breast implants and a tiny waist and booty come in that try on X-Large lingerie so it'll fit in the cup, but it obviously looks huge and terrible the rest of the way down. Therefore, my designs are made with non-molded cups to fit a wider range of shapes and sizes. They stretch to conform each different bust, and the panties have a stretch lace waistband so they don't cut in on the hips either. Buyers will have the opportunity to mix and match sizes or to sell their bras and panties separately. Women will have the chance to pick what fits their body, rather than what looks decent on them for what's available.

So, just to update on where I'm at in the process, I've sent out 4 spec sheets in the past couple of weeks! I realized that if I keep going at this pace, I won't have them all sent in for like another month. So, this week my goal is to pick up the pace and send out four more along with the fabric needed for each sample as well. I've also had my hang tags designed and I'll hopefully be getting them printed soon! I'm so excited because I have one tag for Ex designs and one tag for Oh designs. Each also has a love note printed on the inside. I wrote the Oh note to Travis of course, and the Ex is to a guy named K.D. :) My tags tell the story behind Exes and Ohs and offer a little intrigue as well.

After spec sheets are done and the production of patterns and samples are started, I'll begin the marketing aspect of everything! Any advice from anyone? I'm also planning on starting my website soon, hopefully to have it up and running by summer for Exes and Ohs pre-orders! How fun is that?!

I'm continuing to thank God every single day for this opportunity and for blessing me with such supportive family and friends. Travis has been a huge blessing in my life for 6 years now, and it becomes even more evident each day. He hasn't faltered in his support of me and has been my biggest fan. Any doubt I have, he easily washes it away. Blessed to have married him almost a year ago. And it's also no surprise The Travis Bralette Set has been my best seller so far.

I would love some prayers that the designs and samples come back as I have pictured them and that everything remains fun and exciting, and not crazy stressful.

Here are pictures of my hang tags! (I apologize that they aren't the best pictures...)

Stripes are Exes, Dots are Ohs

Thank you all so much for the love and support! Please share my blog as well if you enjoy it! :)

 

Exes and Ohs,

Kinsey

Healthy or Skinny?

Hi Everyone!

I hope you had an awesome weekend! I definitely had a relaxing one. :)

Today's post is about society's view on models...are they healthy or skinny? I bring this up because I was on my way to work at Ribbons and Bows this afternoon, casually looking at my Instagram (at the stoplight, of course), when a photo from Victoria's Secret popped up. It was their regular model with her bangin' bod jumping on the beach! So precious and adorable, right? But then I immediately thought "Wow. Is that the most positive body image to send to women?"

I know of so many girls that would die to look like that, and no matter how hard they try, most probably won't. Not from lack of trying, but because of the way their body is built. I mean, I know I'll never look like her. It doesn't matter how much weight I lose or how thin I am--God blessed me with some wide set hips and junk in the trunk even J. Lo would be jealous of. Both of those things will always give me curves no matter what weight I'm at, and, over time, I've learned to embrace it! Especially after working at Ribbons and Bows--I've learned almost every girl has a "thing" she hates about her body. If they have a small cup-they want implants. The larger cups want breast reductions. Thin girls want curves--curvy girls want to be thin. Everyone wants what someone else has...which makes me wonder: why can't we LOVE what God intended us to have, rather than what we think looks good?

That's why I had such a problem with the picture I saw on my Instagram. What girl doesn't wish for that body? I even used to want to look like those models! I've always wanted to be so happy to be in a bikini that I was jumping for joy too! But it's just not realistic. By the way, I know there are naturally thin girls, so PLEASE don't think this is a slam toward you at all. Some great friends of mine are naturally thin with a high metabolism and eat like crazy (yep, I sometimes hate them a little too!). I'm just simply stating that average girls don't need to have that desire to look so different and to wish away their blessings. I think we should all desire to be healthy...not skinny. I mean even after the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, I saw too many girls on Facebook stating that they wanted "that body," and that they needed to run 20 miles and eat lettuce for months. It seriously made me sad for them. We're all beautiful women in our 20s and I feel like we should embrace who we are and what we have a little more than we do.

So, because of all of the pressure to be thin in the world (especially in the swimsuit/intimates area), I'm making a vow right here, right now that Exes and Ohs Intimates will always, always have wonderfully healthy, curvy girls to represent their brand. I know one of the models I have right now definitely eats cupcakes and ice cream (in moderation, of course), which is what I want. I want girls to look at my lingerie on models and go "That's gorgeous!" rather than "That's pretty, but I'll never look like that." I pray that Exes and Ohs will give women a positive sense of self and help them to feel beautiful-no matter what size they are.

So, let's all just be a little more positive and a little easier on ourselves and each other today...even if it is a Monday!

Exes and Ohs,
Kinsey

Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart....

Proverbs 3:5-6...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight

Happy Hump Day Y'all!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful week so far! This week has been a super busy and productive week for Exes and Ohs, but that's not even what this blog is about!

This blog post was laid on my heart today. I was actually in the middle of sewing a new design for Ribbons and Bows when I got an email from monster.com. It said "TWO NEW JOB OPENINGS IN YOUR AREA" on the subject line. I immediately smiled, laughed, and deleted it without opening it. What's funny about it is that a little over a year ago, I joined Monster after meeting my wits end with Over the Moon, the children's clothing line I had for two years. I had cried to Travis last February in 2013 about how burned out I was on it. I had gone to Austin Fashion Week that previous August with my line and had over 60 orders--that I had to construct myself--on top of the custom embroidered shirts I did. It was too much. I was exhausted. I told Travis through tears that wanted a "real job" with a real salary and normal hours. He has always encouraged me to do what I think is best, and totally supported my new job search.

A company in Lubbock that specializes in children's fashions and accessories was hiring--I knew it had to be for me! It was perfect. Who better to start in a children's design position than someone who had their own business for two years? I was PUMPED. "This is what I was looking for! This is what I need. I just KNOW God led me here. It's perfect," I thought to myself. You could only imagine my humbled response when I followed up and was told they went for someone "with more experience." I was devastated. What happened? Why? Tears rolled down my face. "What am I going to do now?" I thought to myself. Honestly, I had that little bit of anger toward God. Why did He lead me to this if it wasn't going to work out??

After praying and trusting that God always has the best in mind for me, I moved on and started working at Ribbons and Bows Intimates part time to get away from the monotonous days of working alone at my parent's house. I fell in love. It was laid back, fun, and I could actually be social! But as time went on, my love for Over the Moon permanently slipped away. I told my customers that I was taking a hiatus because of my wedding in June (which was totally true), but after I got married, I couldn't do it. I couldn't bear getting back into Over the Moon. My love and passion were lost.

On our patio one night, I told Travis I couldn't do Over the Moon anymore. We discussed that I loved my job at R&B but that I wanted to utilize my degree--I LOVED school. I love fashion design. Travis suggested I try designing lingerie. I loved my job and loved design--why not combine the two? It seemed like a crazy idea--children's clothes to lingerie? What?! But I prayed on it heavily and brought up Travis' crazy idea to my boss, Elissa. She immediately said "DO IT." I knew that was the answer to my prayers. Now, 9 months later, I'm starting a professionally manufactured line of lingerie. God knew what was in store. And man am I thankful for that! (I'm also beyond thankful Elissa gave me this chance. I would've never considered it if it wasn't for her pushing me to do it. Now she's a massive support and help throughout this process. Blessed He brought us together at that church craft show, huh Elissa?)

So, I laugh thinking about working for that company, or even when I think about any 9-5 corporate job. The Lord blessed me with the talent and drive to start a business--I couldn't imagine putting it into anything else other than Exes and Ohs Intimates. I'm thankful that God's plan is always better than my own. I'm thankful that I'm continually reminded to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart...and lean not on your own understanding." My paths will always be perfectly straight because of Him.

I'm not sure what lies ahead for Exes and Ohs this year--but what I do know is that God does. And the end result is what He wants for me. What a blessing, knowing He's in control.

Love to you all.

 

Exes and Ohs,

Kinsey

S#!T is Getting Real--And I Couldn't Be More Pumped

Hi Everyone!

***DRINKING GAME ALERT***Take a shot every time I use some form of the word "excited"...you may not make it to the end of this post.

I hope y'all are enjoying this gorgeous Friday as much as I am. High in the mid 70s without a haboob? I'm in. And the best part is that I get to work on my parent's porch with the most gorgeous view.

Not a bad office for the day.

Just wanted to catch y'all up on the past week! I seriously wish I could bottle up the excitement, optimism, and enthusiasm I have right now. That way on my overwhelming days, I can take a shot and get back on track. But, I guess that's what vodka's for. Am I right or am I right?

First exciting thing, I'm officially sending out my first two tech packs next week. MASSIVE moment for Exes and Ohs! The tech pack consists of my fashion illustration, flats, a form with sample fabrics, trims, and hardware, and my spec sheets. I send it to my contractor, and patterns are started! It's a lot of work to get to this point, but after all tech packs are done, my work is done. Well I mean not all of it---I've gotta work my booty off on marketing--but designing wise, I'm done. It's in someone else's hands--which can be a little nerve wracking. Since college, everything I've made has been designed as I go. So when I design something and then just send it out to someone else with fingers crossed that they are mind readers--yeah nerve wracking is probably the best word for it. But my excitement about seeing my samples when they're done overpowers any negative thoughts I may have. Oh, and my faith. That always helps.

Second exciting thing is this week my sweet boss at Ribbons and Bows, Elissa, took me to Dallas Market for a quick 24 hour trip. The trip was AWESOME, and not just because the road trip conversation was hilarious and entertaining, but because I got to go pick out my showroom for market in August! Seriously. I got to go in, tell the director that I wanted a certain room, and it was mine. Pumped. SO pumped. It's right across the hall from a showroom with major bra brands and in a high traffic area. It's perfect. And I get to know what it looks like so I can decorate! It was SUCH a surreal moment just knowing that in a few short months, my dream will be coming true and my line will be in there. That. Shit. Cray.

Also, I cut my line down from 18 to 12 for many reasons. My manufacturer/contractor recommended it and I didn't want it to be too much and too overwhelming for my first time (for both me and my buyers). So I had my family and friends give their honest opinion and vote, and I'm really happy with my final 12!

Whew...I think that's it. Please say many prayers for me and Exes and Ohs since in the next week or so, shit gets real. Sorry for the profanity--but that's the only way to put it. Pumped. Excited. Nervous. Optimistic. Happy. Blessed. Loving. This. Life. and most importantly, Thankful & Faithful.

Thank you Lord for the opportunities you have blessed me with, the people you have blessed me with, and this life you have blessed me with. I pray I glorify you in all that I do--even if it is designing lingerie.

I'll leave you with pictures of my OFFICIAL LOGO and my OFFICIAL SHOWROOM. Exes and Ohs is head to the big time people!!!!!!!!!!!

MY LOGO! I thought of it, my mom drew it, and Beth Davidson brought it to life! Obsessed.

 

The Future Showroom of Exes and Ohs Intimates!

 

By the way, if you played my drinking game, you probably don't even understand written English at this point. But, needless to say, I'm excited.

 

Exes and Ohs,

Kinsey