The JOMPER Story: Transforming Functionality into Fashion One Jumpsuit at a Time
Welcome to JOMPER, the epitome of where fashion meets function. I’m Brittany Weltner, the founder, and driving force behind this revolution in jumpsuits. But before we jump into the nitty-gritty of our (fun)ctional apparel, allow me to take you back to the very beginning of this fantastic journey.
From San Francisco to Maui: The Genesis of an Idea
In the bustling avenues of San Francisco, I found myself at the crossroads of a fashion conundrum. Despite a 12-year stint as a Creative Director working with illustrious brands like Gap, Betabrand, and Impossible Foods, I saw a void in the fashion industry—jumpsuits that lacked practicality. Most didn't even have pockets! Inspired by my mom’s home-based business in apparel and my dad’s entrepreneurial spirit, I saw the opportunity for change and seized it.
In my middle school ceramics class, I had learned a valuable lesson: "Form follows function." This became my design motto. Fast forward, and you’ll find me in Maui, surrounded by 30 of my closest friends, fusing playfulness, innovation, and radical self-expression into the very fabric of JOMPER.
Reinventing the Jumpsuit
It started in a yoga class in San Francisco. My shirt flopped over my face as I attempted a headstand, and the thought struck me like a lightning bolt—what if I just wore a jumpsuit to yoga? This epiphany was the catalyst for an 8-year-long journey. I wanted my jumpsuits to solve the two major issues I had encountered:
- The lack of flattering designs for various body shapes.
- The dreaded “naked pee” experience that comes with wearing a traditional jumpsuit.
Not Just Apparel, It's Art
I set out to create jumpsuits that resonated with my values. Partnering with ethical US manufacturers, including some in Texas, every stitch of JOMPER is a work of art. After extensive R&D and an arduous hunt for the perfect fabric, we settled on a unique blend of recycled polyester that complemented my custom print designs. Our jumpsuits are modular; the foundation remains the same while sleeves and pants can change, offering a modern, scalable aesthetic.
The Breakthrough: A New Dimension in Comfort and Style
The real game-changer was the hidden zipper booty-flap, designed to tackle the most annoying problem associated with wearing a jumpsuit—the bathroom struggle. Once JOMPER debuted in the festival scene in Austin, TX, the response was electrifying. In fact, our marketing is as unconventional as our designs. Imagine QR codes tattooed on people's bums to showcase the unique booty-flap feature!
The Insane Journey
From pitching at startup events to navigating the treacherous waters of sourcing and production, the journey had its challenges. Investor propositions, Indiegogo campaigns, multiple factory tests—I’ve seen it all. But the real moment of validation? When strangers in San Francisco stopped me to ask where they could get a JOMPER. That's when I knew I was on the right track. This is the essence of #JOMPERLIFE.
What Now?
Today, I’m more inspired than ever. Whether I'm collaborating with my favorite DJs for print launches or interacting with our community via Twitch livestreams, it's clear that the essence of JOMPER is more than a jumpsuit; it's a lifestyle. Through play, we discover love and, by extension, who we are and who we want to be.
I hope our origin story resonates with you. If it doesn’t, that’s okay too. Feel free to hit reply and let me know your thoughts. After all, we're in this journey together, transforming the world of fashion one jumpsuit at a time.
Here’s to living the #JOMPERLIFE.
Warmly,
Brittany Weltner
Founder, CEO, & Creative Director, JOMPER