We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise Hopkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After 10 years in corporate America, I realized that I had brought millions of revenue into the bank accounts of family businesses that were established at a time when my family was not allowed to own businesses. I knew that I had the skillsets to go after my dream of entrepreneurship and thanks to the 22nd century, I was allowed. What I did not know was what business I wanted to have. My best friend, Alexandra Cristin, called me one day with the idea of Tribe 35. We used to go to the gym every day after school and workout together. We were the only ones in our group of friends that did this, and so we created a very close friendship at that time. Through school, engagements, and marriages, and childbirth, we have been there to support one another. Tribe 35 brings our story full circle, we want to be there for other women too – our Tribe, and dedicate 35 minutes per day to our self care.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Tribe 35 is an all new solutions focused move wear brand for women. Alexandra Cristin and I founded Tribe 35 because we identified a gap in the market for size inclusive clothing in which the plus size category was not an afterthought. We had just had our daughters and wanted to get back into an active lifestyle, but we couldn’t find any activewear that fit our bodies in a way that motivated us to move and feel good about ourselves. We experienced waistbands that did not come up high enough over our new kangaroo mom-pouches, waistbands that rolled, camel toes and drooping crotch areas, see-through material, and plain styles that did not reflect us. We knew there had to be other women looking for the same support.

We fit our custom designs on straight size and plus size women during our development process. Most clothing brands do not develop in this way because of the expense and time consumption associated, but it is this time and attention that sets us apart. After many trials and errors and multiple refusals of fit-samples, we finally got to leggings that fit like a glove, with the Corset Legging being a patent pending style. Whether you’re a size small or a 4X, or whether you’re naturally shaped like an apple or an hourglass, we have a product for you.

We also carefully construct our styles to last. We are not a fast fashion brand, we are a staple brand with evergreen pieces to stand the test of time. All fabric that we use has an all-way stretch, is breathable, high quality material to prevent a see-through wear or pilling, and our trims are custom made or printed.

We strongly believe in the importance of a beautiful fit, where fashion and function meet at equal parts, to help women be confident in our own skin. We’re dedicated to making women feel good about who we are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever time permits, you will find me at Zuma Beach in Malibu, right off of the PCH. You drive basically up to the beach area, so there is very little walking and you don’t have to lug a cooler through acres of hot sand and parking lots. It’s clean, safe, and totally worth the small parking fee.

I love eating at Dialog Cafe in West Hollywood, they have the most amazing Santa Fe Chicken Wrap that makes me drool just thinking about it! For dinner, I like to go to the Saddle Ranch Chop House in West Hollywood. It’s adult friendly with great drinks and food, and it’s appropriate for my two young daughters. The best place to be for a night out on the town is Byblos Mediterranean Restaurant & Hookah Bar. It’s a family run business with great, authentic food, tasty hookah, and a DJ almost every night spinning hot tracks.

I’m still new to Los Angeles, I’ve only been here one year, so there is so much more I’d like to explore!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to Mrs. Theresa McKelvey White. If it were not for her sincere efforts in teaching Alexandra and I how to exercise properly and to not think of movement as a punishment, her love and encouragement while we were teenagers together in boarding school, and for her continued encouragement in our adulthood, I would not be who I am today. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making the difference.

Website: www.tribe35.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tribe_35/?hl=en

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