Founder Spotlight With Vicky Pasche, Dapper Boi
Vicky and Charisse Pasche are the Founders of Dapper Boi, an inclusive clothing line that prioritizes body diversity and personal expression. Launched in 2015, Dapper Boi has helped thousands of people feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. Vicky and Charisse’s mission is to provide affordable, stylish clothes that fit both the body and the personality. They believe that changing your clothes can change your life and hope to continue empowering their customers to express themselves authentically
During the interview, we had the opportunity to connect with Vicky and learn the origin story behind Dapper Boi. She shared how frustrating it was searching for clothes that fit well which was the inspiration behind Dapper Boi. We also learned about Vicky and Charisse’s journey searching for investors, a few of Vicky’s favorite LGBTQ+ owned brands, plus so much more.
Check out the interview below:
What inspired Dapper Boi and how did you get started?
Vicky: We launched the brand in 2015 but we started designing the name, logo, and concept in 2013. It began with suits, believe it or not! Our very first logo had a bow tie.
At the time, I worked in marketing at a casino and wore suits daily. As a plus-size person, shopping in the men’s department was always a problem for me. Ultimately, we decided not to do suits because it was a crowded market and the truth is I love everyday wear.
Back then, I was also struggling to find jeans that fit well which was the inspiration for our very first product; slim-straight jeans, which we have today. The function was a top priority and we wanted to be size inclusive to fit many body types. So we launched the jeans as our first product on Kickstarter and it was a success.
The interesting part was that I didn’t have a background in fashion. Finding manufacturers outside the industry takes a lot of work. I was literally Googling manufacturers. When we finally found them, they’d ask questions we didn’t know, like product minimums, technical packs, etc.
We were turned away so many times. Then finally our vision resonated with one manufacturer. We went through six months of development for the first pair of jeans. Then almost a year later we launched the button-up.
It has been a wild ride but that’s how Dapper Boi began!
Photo credit: Dapper Boi
Can you share your creative process and what inspires the pieces?
Vicky: Inspiration mostly comes from a personal need. The most important thing is that I want clothes that fit. However, I love classic pieces like t-shirts, hoodies, and bombers that are easy to swap out in my everyday outfits.
Tell us about a significant challenge you have experienced in building, creating, or growing Dapper Boi.
Vicky: One, in particular, is fundraising. I believed that I had to prove myself before being able to qualify for a conversation with an investor. I wish I had made those connections earlier in my journey. I felt like I needed to know everything and do everything.
Some ‘people’ can close investors on an idea sketched out on the back of a napkin! Sometimes when we didn’t get funding I think it could have been based on how I look or a belief that we are too niche.
During those conversations, assumptions about me and our brand were made, and getting through all of that requires tenacity.
Cat & Marianna: Definitely! And ensuring those assumptions by investors don’t invalidate anything you believe or have accomplished.
What advice would you share with future LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs?
You have to believe in yourself. If you’re talking with investors you need to be confident about those conversations and stick to your values and beliefs. Just because people have money doesn’t mean they know more than you or your brand and what you’re trying to do.
Cat & Marianna: Checking in with yourself and your values before accepting money from an investor is so important. Once you do, they will have a stake in your company and may have different incentives that don’t align with your vision or values.
Vicky: Totally. That’s the mindset; you’re interviewing them. Are these people aligned with your brand? Because this is now a long-term relationship.
What’s great is that the right investor may come from these conversations and connections. We were on Shark Tank and that’s what happened to us. We didn’t get the deal but that experience gave us more exposure which led to an investment from someone else who understands us.
What is the long-term vision for Dapper Boi?
Vicky: I believe we will have much more visibility staying online long-term vs. having a physical location. We will be making an announcement soon but we’ve partnered with a company that utilizes VR technology, which will create a shopping experience to match the in-person try-on experience. You’ll be able to see every piece of clothing on your body and share those looks with your friends. This is the future of fashion, while also creating a safe space to shop.
The goal is to become the next Levi’s of nonbinary fashion!
What LGBTQ+ owned brands are your go-to’s?
Vicky: A favorite of mine is Sharpe Suiting. Leon from Sharp Suiting is incredible and a good friend and they make some incredible suits!
Another one is Nik Kacy Footwear. Their shoes are amazing. What they represent, in general, is incredible. They’re very community-centered, they created and produce Equality Fashion Week, along with many other LGBTQ+ events. We’re good friends as well and working on a possible collaboration with their shoes, which will be awesome, so keep on the lookout!
Another is Coming Out Happy, a brand focused on mental health. The founders are therapists and the sweetest people. They created conversation cards for LGBTQ+ couples. The cards are so cool and a great way to connect.
How are you celebrating Pride this year, if you celebrate?
Vicky: We haven’t attended a pride festival since our twins were born in 2018. This is the first year we’re going as a family. We’re so excited to celebrate with family and friends!
For the brand, we’ve been very intentional with the influencers we’ve been working with. Making sure we’re more effective and efficient at getting our name out there through people aligned with our values.
We’re also doing some giveaways with our customers. Having them share their coming out stories or their clothing journey and the confidence they’ve found with clothing that fits them inside and out.
How are you taking care of yourself during this time, given the record-breaking number of bills introduced and policies passed that are anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+?
For us, it is most important to showcase visibility from our community by representing diverse models and our customers. You never know who you may be resonating with.
Personally, I’ve also been trying to make a daily habit of meditation and I exercise regularly.
I also have a business coach who wanted to work on me vs. the business items, and I was so surprised by that. It has been a game changer for my relationship with Charisse.
Overall, I care for myself through personal development, reading, shutting off my phone, sleeping, exercising, and meditation. It doesn’t all happen. Sometimes weeks go by when I don’t prioritize self-care. But when I’m in the habit of doing those things for myself, that’s when I’m performing my best.
Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ celebrity and why?
Vicky: Janelle Monáe right now is SO good. I think it’s because they don’t represent what most people typically picture when considering someone who is nonbinary. The visibility that they’ve been able to put out there aligns with Dapper Boi and what we’re trying to do.
What’s one fun, random, or bizarre fact about yourself?
Vicky: I was Athlete of the Year and inducted into my College’s Athletic Hall of Fame. I was all Conference, all Region volleyball, and a national throwing champion. My three specialties were shot put, discus, and hammer throw.
Cat & Marianna: Athletes and former athletes make great entrepreneurs because of their mentality and discipline
Vicky: Totally! Discipline, for sure.
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Check out Dapper Boi’s profile here.
