Community Spotlight: Cheryl LeBarr From MADE Apparel and MADE Tech
Meet Cheryl LeBarr: the entrepreneurial maverick behind MADE Apparel and MADE Tech.
Cheryl’s journey began in late 2020, springing from a personal quest to redefine outerwear in the outdoor industry. With a rich history in the industry spanning over 15 years, Cheryl and her co-founders embarked on a venture that was about to challenge the long-standing norms of the industry.
Cheryl isn’t just crafting outdoor wear; she’s tailoring an experience of fit, function, and fashion. Her company, which began as a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand, has now blossomed into a business-to-business (B2B) SaaS powerhouse. Join us in celebrating the woman who’s skillfully weaving innovation into every thread!
Laying the Foundation
It all started with a realization. As a size 18, Cheryl was often left out of the standard sizing narrative of the outdoor industry. This personal struggle gave rise to MADE Apparel: a brand that believes in the perfect fit for everyone. (Think custom business suits, but for the slopes.)
The brand’s crowdfunding campaign in March 2021 was the first step toward bringing this vision to life, leading to a product launch in June 2022. While the timing—the heat of summer—wasn’t ideal for winter sportswear, it provided an unexpected opportunity. During this delay, Cheryl and her team built their own tech, laying the foundation for what would become MADE Tech.
Transitioning to a Tech-Driven Model
By October 2023, MADE Tech had emerged as the primary focus, pivoting to a B2B SaaS model. This strategic shift was bolstered by participation in the M51 accelerator, the Founder Lab, and the recent addition of the CTO to the team.
Cheryl’s approach of always staying at the forefront of the industry trends is evident in her decision to maintain the D2C brand while focusing energies on its technological solutions.
Embracing the Future with MADE Tech
The world of custom outdoor apparel is buzzing, with the global market experiencing a 52% growth since 2021. MADE Apparel is at the vanguard of this surge, championing personalization, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Cheryl’s insight into industry megatrends, coupled with her commitment to offering “the proper fit, not just the inclusive fit,” positions MADE Apparel as a pioneer in a rapidly evolving market.
Exciting collaborations are on the horizon, with plans for partnerships with professional athletes and a collaboration with 3D Look for 3D body scanning software, expected to launch in Q1 2024.
Founder Lab Experience
Cheryl’s journey through the M51 Founder Lab was instrumental in shaping her approach to business. This experience offered her a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of running a successful venture, from understanding cap tables to navigating the complexities of VC funding.
After graduating from the program, Cheryl emerged not just with a redefined business strategy but with a profound understanding of market dynamics and investor expectations, armed with the confidence to take MADE Tech to new heights.
Advice to Her Past Self & Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
Cheryl’s approach to business and life is encapsulated in her mantra: “slowing down to speed up.”
To her, this philosophy became particularly resonant following a challenging period in her personal life, including the loss of her father in 2022. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself, acknowledging that the health and well-being of the founder are integral to the health of the business.
In line with this anti-hustle culture, Cheryl has strived to focus on significant tasks, prioritizing well-being and mental space. She has implemented practices like the Pomodoro technique and gardening breaks to ensure a balanced approach to work and life.
Cheryl’s advice to her past self and fellow women founders is poignant: Don’t let the pursuit of perfection hinder progress. “Just do it, and refine it later,” she says.
Embrace flexibility, listen to your market, and be prepared to pivot. Your well-being is as crucial as your business; they are two sides of the same coin.