Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Mehagan.
Hi Erin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Like many entrepreneurs, my journey began as a frustrated consumer unable to find a solution to my problem. After multiple pregnancies and years of nursing, my house was whole, and my heart was full, but my bra was not. Big gaps suddenly appeared between my skin and my bra. But when I went down a bra size, I lost my shape and felt self-conscious in my clothing. Nothing fit. Not my bras, not my shirts, not my dresses. Nothing. Throughout all my years of nursing, I continually joked with my husband that the money we were saving on formula was going straight to my boob job. I even made an appointment and discussed the surgery with a plastic surgeon, but ultimately, I couldn’t go through with it. The elective surgery seemed too drastic, too permanent, and it was way too expensive. I committed myself to positive thinking. I told myself to be proud of my body. It grew three humans and kept each one fed for their first year of life. Yes, it is way cool my body did that, but I couldn’t shake it. Why couldn’t I feel proud of my body and confident in a tank top? I felt backed into a corner, forced to choose between plastic surgery or living with bras and clothes that didn’t fit. And I knew if I thought this way, other women did too. There had to be another way. That’s why I started Livi Lu Lane. To empower women with accessible options that help them look the way they want, regardless of the size or shape of their breasts. I hated the way I felt, and I’m committed to keeping other women from experiencing the same body image spiral by bringing them accessible solutions that help them feel beautiful.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
I was incredibly naïve when I started Livi Lu Lane, jumping in without any design, manufacturing, production, or supply chain experience. I didn’t have contacts or influence in the industry, investors, or much capital. But I was deeply convinced that women deserve better, and I was determined to figure it out. We have faced – and continue to face – many challenges, including product development. Bras are notoriously complicated to make, require special manufacturing equipment, etc. We’re also flipping the script regarding bra design, which makes it tricky, too. Until now, all bras were designed to fit the current size or shape of a woman’s breast. She had no control and was left to the mercy of Mother Nature. We’re altering that mindset and allowing her to look (and feel) how she wants. No Mother Nature is required. There will be challenges anytime you bring something new to the market and rebel against an established industry.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We approach bra design differently and help women achieve their desired look, regardless of breast size or shape. Traditional bras are designed to fit the (actual) size of a woman’s breasts – she takes her measurements and purchases the corresponding bra based on the size she measures. Bras have been designed this way since the first bra was introduced in 1914!
But what if she is unhappy with her size? What if she is asymmetrical with different-sized breasts and doesn’t like the imbalance? What if her breast tissue has changed, her bra cups feel less than they used to, and they no longer fit without gaps? What if her breast size makes her feel self-conscious in clothing?
For women struggling with these issues, the available bras will not help. However, our designs include a signature internal pocket with an (optional) insert. The inserts add volume, replace tissue loss, and create shape — think of it as a bra she fills up, not a push-up bra. The inserts are filled with a water/oil mixture for a breast-like feel. They come in three sizes for customization based on personal preference or experience with changing breast tissue. Our designs enable women to create the shape they want when they want it. And we haven’t even scratched what is possible with this brand. This year, we will launch our first collection with three styles – underwire, wireless, and bralette/lounge bra. In addition to adding more bra designs and styles, we also get a lot of requests for swimwear and see that as a significant part of our future product offerings, along with tank tops, camisoles, loungewear, athletic dresses, etc. Every design and style will include our signature internal pocket and the option to add shape.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I am incredibly fortunate for the excellent support system surrounding me, providing guidance, motivation, and encouragement, but without my husband, Livi Lu Lane would not exist. My husband, Marc, has been unwavering in his support for Livi Lu Lane. He was the first person I talked to about the idea. I went to him, demanding his attention while shaking an old bra in his face. I had “Frankenstein stitched” these bra pads into the cup to fill it out like I used to and said, “This should exist. I shouldn’t endure all this to feel myself in my clothes.” He could have said a thousand things then but said, “I love it. Do it.” Those five words changed everything. His clear, unmistakably confident response was the springboard I needed to charge forward. I wonder if he knows what a critical moment that was or how different things could have looked if that conversation had gone another way. There have been a million more moments like this one, and I will never be able to express adequately how much his support means to me.
Pricing:
- Bras are $58
- A pair of inserts is $12
Contact Info:
- Website: www.livilulane.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/livilulane
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/livilulane
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ZIxW72X4PIvpWlBJ50lvA
- Other: www.pinterest.com/LiviLuLane; www.tiktok.com/@livilulane
