Title Nine: Missy Park (October 2021)

This episode explores the journey of Missy Park, founder of Title IX, a women's sportswear brand, from its rocky launch in 1989 to its current success. Against the backdrop of the passage of Title IX and Missy's experiences as a female athlete facing ill-fitting gear, the episode details her entrepreneurial journey, starting with a mail-order catalog funded by her savings. More significantly, the unexpected success of sports bras in that initial catalog became a pivotal moment, highlighting the unmet need in the market. The discussion then pivots to the challenges of bootstrapping the business, including financial struggles, a warehouse flood, and the difficult transition to a digital model. For instance, Missy candidly discusses periods of near-failure and the crucial support of her partner. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes Missy's long-term vision, her commitment to mentoring other female entrepreneurs, and her unique approach to building a sustainable and supportive company culture, rather than prioritizing rapid growth and maximizing shareholder value. This reflects emerging industry patterns of prioritizing ethical and sustainable business practices over solely financial gains.