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How did you come up with the idea for your business?
After the birth of my daughter, I started experiencing physical symptoms that caught me by surprise. These symptoms, which included a bulge and heaviness in my vagina, made it difficult to do simple things, like hold my baby or walk around the block. Frustrated, confused, and hoping to find relief, I talked to my healthcare providers.
Eventually, I learned I had pelvic organ prolapse. I found a pelvic floor physical therapist, who recommended that I wear a pelvic floor support garment to help alleviate my symptoms.
I tried many options, but none of them seemed right. They were bulky, uncomfortable, and unsightly. Every time I put one on, I knew there had to be something better; something that would provide support and make me feel beautiful. There wasn’t, so I set out to make it myself! And Hem Support Wear was born.
What does the average day look like for you now as an entrepreneur (especially compared to past jobs/days)?
Being an entrepreneur at Hem Support Wear is a dynamic journey. Balancing a full-time work commitment as a strategist and two kids, my schedule is packed to the brim. My entrepreneurial time is moonlighting in the truest sense. Most of my time spent on Hem is in the evenings after my kids are in bed. Every moment I have to focus on Hem Support Wear is infused with the passion to redefine pelvic health support. I wear many hats, including supply chain manager, financial planner, customer service representative, marketing and sales manager, and strategist, to name a few. There is an incredible team supporting me; I've wisely delegated tasks, ensuring I focus on what I am best suited to tackle. Each day at Hem Support Wear is infused with purpose, innovation, and a touch of moonlit magic.
What are some of the top things you have learned so far?
I have learned what it takes to launch a technical apparel clothing company from idea to getting the garment into the hands of customers, which is much more complicated than you might imagine. I have also learned small things add up and when you least expect it, you will have more momentum than you thought possible. You’ll also have a list of accomplishments to be proud of even though it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
My parents and my drive to make a difference. My dad was a business owner and owned his own electrical contractor company, Savage Electric. And my mom, who worked incredibly hard in a male-dominated industry, had an entrepreneurial spirit and always encouraged me and my sister to pursue our dreams and show us what is possible. I have always wanted to do something that makes a difference. I am fortunate because I am able to make progress towards that every day whether it is in my job at a non-profit, as a parent or as an entrepreneur.
What have been 1-2 of your proudest moments in creating your business?
One of my proudest moments is hearing from customers how Hem Support Wear’s garments are helping them. I recently had someone share that she was having pelvic floor surgery and would be wearing one of our garments to support her recovery. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is challenging in so many ways and I am incredibly proud to be able to create a product that helps people feel confident and live well with conditions like POP.
What’s the best advice you have received along your journey?
“Patience and perseverance” was a motto my dad used to have, say and I reflect on it often as I travel on this entrepreneurial journey. There are so many times when I run into another roadblock or hurdle and continue to persevere. Being an entrepreneur often consists of a lot of time working by yourself and spending hundreds of hours working all while it feels like nothing is going the right way. Having patience and perseverance has helped overcome obstacle after obstacle and helped me deliver a reimagined product that is already helping people with a challenging issue.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I was a beekeeper for about 8 years and managed 6+ hives in Blanco County.
About The Author:
Lauren Fleming '26
Founder of Hem Support Wear
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