Meet Tetiana Shevchuk | Leading Sports Designer & Founder of Leotaire

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

Hi Tetiana, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
As the creator and founder of Leotaire, what makes me truly happy is the incredible journey that began 15 years ago with my daughter. When she was selected for a competition, I was faced with the daunting task of finding a suitable leotard—something both high-quality and reasonably priced. The options were scarce and expensive, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. With no prior sewing experience and minimal resources available, I embarked on a mission to create a leotard from scratch.

I spent days immersed in learning and sewing, captivated by the process. The moment my daughter stood on the podium, wearing the shiny new outfit I had crafted with my hands, is one I’ll never forget. Her joy and pride ignited a passion within me that has driven me ever since.

Now, years later, my happiness as a designer comes from seeing other girls achieve their dreams while looking stunning on the competition carpet. Each unique leotard I design is a labor of love, crafted with the same dedication and care that I put into that very first leotard for my daughter. Parents often call me their Fairy Godmother, a title that fills me with immense pride. Like Cinderella’s fairy godmother, I strive to create something magical and extraordinary for each athlete, ensuring they feel the most beautiful and confident.

What fulfills me is not just the creation of these garments, but the impact they have on young athletes and their families. Witnessing their achievements, knowing that my work plays a part in their success, and being able to share in their joy and triumphs is what makes this journey so incredibly rewarding.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a sports designer specializing in rhythmic gymnastics industry, my expertise lays in sewing costumes for performance, also called leotards, and creating customized designs of equipment like hoops, clubs, ropes and ribbons. For leotards, when creating a sketch, I meticulously consider all the nuances of a gymnast’s figure. It’s well known that the right lines can visually enhance the silhouette. For example, to emphasize the waist, I incorporate beige inserts on the sides. There are numerous techniques like this that contribute to the visual “WOW effect” and ensure the costume fits comfortably and securely. Over the years, I have developed my own sewing technology, which I keep refining each year.

I offer a wide range of decoration options for equipment, utilizing
various designing techniques, from wrapping with special tape to airbrushing. These techniques are crucial, not only for aesthetic appeal but also to prevent damage during important performances. Being one of a few artists in Ukraine and the US specializing in painting ribbons, a unique “know-how” in the gymnastics world, I can create any color gradient and design unique patterns, making each order highly personalized. I also sign the items with the gymnast’s names, which adds a special touch that delights the athletes. These personalized elements set my work apart and bring immense joy to the gymnasts.

Definitely, my 15-year journey as a designer has been full of ups and downs, but I am grateful for each triumph and failure since they taught me that there is so much more to perfection and provided a path that leads to even bigger goals. Overcoming challenges was not easy; I often sought support from my family and instead of giving up, I took short pauses to analyze the situation. For instance, developing the ribbon painting technique took years. Finding the perfect proportion formula for the paints and determining which paints would be best for this type of design, without affecting the gymnast’s performance, was a significant challenge. Persistence and seeking information from various sources helped me to achieve these breakthroughs. Leading me to realize that the main ingredients for success are desire and dedication to the goal.

My brand, Leotaire, is built on a key idea that my daughter once articulated: “Dream, Work, and Win!” This mantra holds profound meaning for me and conveys a powerful message—that no matter how far-fetched your dream may seem, you can achieve it if you put in the necessary work. Leotaire is more than just a brand for me; it is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. Each piece I create is a reflection of my journey, my dedication to the sport of gymnastics, and my commitment to making every gymnast feel beautiful and confident on the carpet.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I always enjoy spending time where I can find new inspirations for my creations. Most of my friends share my passion for what I do and love brainstorming new ideas for my designs together. If my best friend were to visit me, I’d plan a week-long itinerary filled with creativity, nature, and cultural experiences.

We’d start our adventure in the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles. While it might not be the most popular place, it’s a treasure of inspiration with its vibrant colors, high-quality fabrics, and sparkling gems and accessories. Walking around the district feels like entering Wonderland for a seamstress. My daughter and I often wander these streets, marveling at the beautiful materials and dreaming up new creations. Sharing this experience with my friend would be the perfect way to kick off the trip.

Next, we’d head to Malibu for a hike at Point Dume. This peaceful trail offers breathtaking ocean views and a refreshing ocean breeze. It’s a fantastic way to recharge and find inspiration in nature’s beauty. The serene environment and stunning views would provide a perfect contrast to the bustling city.

For a taste of home, we’d visit “Mom Please,” a cozy Ukrainian café. I’d treat my friend to a hearty plate of famous Ukrainian borscht with garlic buns. Sharing a meal that’s both comforting and delicious would add a special touch to our week.

In the evening, we’d attend a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. This iconic venue offers a magical experience with music under the stars. Wrapped in warm blankets on a breezy summer evening, we’d enjoy live music and create unforgettable memories.

Before my friend’s departure, we’d spend a day in Santa Monica. We’d start with a visit to my favorite boba place, “Sunright Tea Studio,” for some refreshing drinks. Then, we’d head to the famous Santa Monica Beach. Sitting on one of the world’s most renowned beaches, sipping our favorite drinks, and reflecting on the wonderful week would be the perfect way to conclude the trip.

This itinerary combines the best of LA’s creative, natural, and cultural offerings, ensuring my friend has the best time ever while immersing in the inspirations that fuel our passion to art.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my daughter, Masha Shevchuk, who has been by my side through every challenge and triumph. Even as a tiny six-year-old when I was laid off from my job as an engineer, feeling disheartened and lost, she was the first to take my hand and tell me, “Mom, everything will be alright!” Her unwavering support and love for sports that she did (gymnastics) helped me discover my own passion and uniqueness, setting me apart from thousands of other designers in this niche.

Masha’s endless enthusiasm and creativity have always sparked new ideas, turning us into a true team ready to overcome any obstacle in pursuit of our shared dreams. Today, I’m incredibly proud to have her by my side, not just as my daughter but as my co-founder and an aspiring filmmaker. I support her wholeheartedly in all her new endeavors and am thrilled to witness her growth and achievements.

Currently, Masha is working on her first short film, which will capture part of the sports journey we’ve experienced together. She plans to use this film as part of her application to the USC School of Cinematic Arts, a dream she’s held for a long time. Seeing her dedication and hard work towards this goal, I can’t wait to see the incredible things she’ll achieve.

Website: https://leotaire.com/

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