I'm always inspired when I come across other entrepreneurs like myself - women who have a dream and are determined to succeed.Recently I came to know about Tiffany Bressan and Courtney Noelle, two friends who founded Girl ExtraOrdinaire. They began as a wholesale sportswear store on the internet and have grown into a clothing empire. You can find their designs on celebrities like Paula Abdul and Tori Spelling, not to mention the 700+ internet retail stores and many boutiques and department stores that sell for them.
I was able to interview Tiffany Bressan via email where she shared the story of Girl ExtraOrdinaire...
MP: Tell us how Girl Extraordinaire came about...Who or what inspired you to start this company?
TB: We were inspired to start in the bridal industry designing t-shirts and tanks that said bride and bridesmaid. Since we were one of first company's in this niche market to sell t-shirt/tank and apparel accessories we pioneered a whole new a whole demand in the market.
Girl ExtraOrdinaire got it's name because we were two girls with and one ExtraOrdinairy dream!!! We knew it would take a double dose of courage and sincere thirst for success to become a Girl ExtraOrdinaire. We wanted to select a name that girls around the world would be proud to wear.
MP: Have you always had an interest in fashion and becoming an entrepreneur?TB: Yes, both Courtney and I always shared an interest in becoming fashion designer and owners of a clothing company. We met at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins CO. and we both graduated with a BS from CSU with a degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising. We used to brainstorm ideas of company names and what type of clothing we would design. We would keep a journal of our best designs and daydream about the days we would have the chance to reveal them to the world. Both of us had an entrepreneur spirit and were willing to take the risk of the road less traveled. We were known as students in college for pushing the creative boundries.
MP: What's the main philosophy behind the brand?
TB: Girl ExtraOrdinaire's philosophy is : Always remember there is never a limit to being extraordinary!!! Whether you are a mother, bride to be, sister,friend, what ever you decide to do it to your best ability to become extraordinary.
To be ExtraOrdinary: means going beyond what is regular or usual it just takes a little more to become ExtraOrdinary.....Our brand was created for women that love clothing that show there personality. We created clothing line that is as unique as the women wearing it. The colors are bright and bold and make a statement which is always positive!!
MP: What do you think has been the key to your success?
TB: The key to Girl ExtraOrdinaire's success is attributed to the following:
#1 Daring To Dream BIG!!!
#2. Never Giving Up...
#3. Being Yourself
MP: What's your vision for this company?
TB: Our Vision for Girl ExtraOrdinaire is:To Change the World - By daring people to Dream BIG!!!! Becoming a household name and sending positive messages out to the world in one tank top at a times. We recently wrote a book called Beeing ExtraOrdinary, which is an inspirational book about being yourself!! To be ExtraOrdinary in our community and to empower others to do what they love to do.
Find ut more about Girl ExtraOrdinaire by visiting: www.girleo.com
