Happy 2025!
- searcymarye
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
Reflections on a Year of Growth and Challenges at Gemini Intimates LLC
Well, that was quite a year! Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much has happened since I first decided to start a blog back in June. I was so excited to share all the progress I had made with Gemini Intimates LLC, the resources I had uncovered, and the steps I was taking to get things rolling. But, as we all know, life has a funny way of throwing us a curveball every now and then, and unfortunately, some of those plans were delayed.
While things didn’t come to a complete stop, health issues with family members required my time and energy, and though they weren’t life-threatening, they were life-altering. I’ve learned a lot from this experience, and now, I’m back on track and eager to update you on everything I’ve accomplished this past year.
May: Small Business Fair
One of the highlights of the year came in May, when I attended the Small Business Fair hosted by the Michigan Small Business Development Center. This event was a goldmine of resources, connections, and information that I wasn’t even aware I needed. It was so inspiring to meet other entrepreneurs and learn from experts in the field. From business planning to marketing strategies, I walked away with a wealth of knowledge that’s been crucial in shaping the direction of Gemini Intimates.
That wasn’t all! At the last minute, I discovered the Chicago Pop-Up Garment District event hosted by the Apparel Industry Board Inc. I was fortunate enough to attend, where I connected with pattern makers, fabric suppliers, and even toured their lab facilities, where members could use their industrial sewing machines and pattern digitizing software. This event opened up a whole new world of possibilities and partnerships that I had been eager to explore.
June: Byron Center Pride
I had the opportunity to participate in the first-ever Pride event in Byron Center, Michigan, organized by Break Room Therapy. It was such an honor to be part of this celebration of diversity and inclusivity while showcasing Gemini Intimates' brief prototypes. I received amazing feedback and support from the community. The experience was empowering and reaffirmed my mission to provide intimate apparel that caters to all bodies and identities.
August: A Deep Dive into Business Development with SpringGR’s Idea Lab
I was accepted into SpringGR’s Idea Lab Fall cohort, a 14-week session that focused on key business concepts like creating a business model canvas, defining my target audience, and building a landing page. The class culminated in a graduation ceremony where participants presented their businesses at a booth to a group of mentors, other entrpreneurs, and community members. I cannot recommend this class enough to anyone starting or thinking about starting a business! The lessons I learned, the connections I made, and the guidance I received were invaluable. It was truly an honor to receive a cash award at the end of the course to help further my business.
Collaboration with Amy Roberts: A Breakthrough in Bra and Bralette Fittings
One of the most exciting developments this year has been my collaboration with my sister, Amy Roberts. Amy holds a degree in Textile and Apparel Technology, and together, we’ve been working on developing a new fitting system for bras and bralettes. Unlike the traditional methods that rely on band and cup sizes, our system measures the width and projection of a breast independently, allowing for a more accurate and personalized fit.
We hosted a fitting event, generously hosted by Zeal Aerial Fitness, to test this new system and gather valuable feedback. It was an incredible experience to see people try out our designs and give us insights on how to make them even better. The event will allow us the chance to refine our brief and bodysuit patterns based on real-world fitting feedback, bringing us one step closer to perfecting our product line.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Year of Foundations
As we kick off 2025, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation for the year ahead. I’ve laid a solid foundation over the past year, and now it’s time to build upon it. I can’t wait to share more updates and milestones with you as we continue to grow and evolve at Gemini Intimates LLC.
I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season, and I’m wishing you all the best for 2025. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and embracing the journey ahead!
Stay tuned for more updates—this is just the beginning!
If you’d like to connect or learn more about my journey with Gemini Intimates LLC, feel free to reach out or check out my social media pages for regular updates and insights. I love hearing from you!
And check out the businesses and organizations listed above at the following links:
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