One of my favorite words in the universe is “spirit.” You know that chant, “We’ve got spirit, yes we do, we’ve got spirit, how about you?” I prefer to hang out with people who have a lot of spirit. They possess some spark and curiosity about the world.  If you are someone who has a lot of spirit, you need a place to unleash it, right? Whether it’s going on adventures or being gung-ho about your job or, say, being spirited about your favorite team. Today our mermaid combines THREE of my passions: business, fashion and team spirit.

I love football more than the average girl. I was president of the pep club in Woodward High School – where today’s mermaid also graduated.  I was a member of Crimson n Cream football recruiting at the University of Oklahoma. Our mermaid went to “the other school” as did my best friend so I still spent a lot of time in Stillwater and now that my beau is a Cowboys fan, I do double duty cheering for both teams (except when OU plays them. 🙂

For me, game days are holy days. It’s spirit jacked to full volume. Love the fans, the tailgating, the marching band, and yeah, the game day outfits, too. So without further ado, may I introduce the very spirited boss babe, Shea Adamson, and her cool company, Kickoff Couture. Business is booming and I’m a big fan of this gal. Mermaid pearls in bold. 

Mermaid Shea Adamson,  Owner and President

www.kickoffcouture.com

ML: I love your success story. Tell us about the moment you made the deep dive for your dream.

SA: After several years in sales and a very meaningful stint as a full time stay at home mom, I realized I was at my happiest when I was able to work and also be at carpool every day, but there were very few opportunities for that. In 2011, a conversation with a friend, about how we spent more time finding clothes for our Saturday Oklahoma State games than at any other time during the week, lingered in my head. I realized there was a lack of stylish clothing for the female fan and wondered if I could do something to change that. More women were attending sporting events than ever before, yet stores were still full of men’s gameday tees. I pitched the idea of starting a women’s gameday brand to my husband, who was more supportive than I could have ever imagined. He told me to go for it and I knew in my mind it was a perfect fit. In high school, I was voted “Best Dressed” and “Most Spirited.” How did I not figure out sooner the connection I could make between the two? When I started, my goal was to become licensed to sell Oklahoma State and Oklahoma apparel to my circle of friends. Kickoff Couture now carries licenses for 6 universities, has sold our apparel to over 140 retail stores across the US and recently launched a retail site online. AND, I still make carpool. It’s amazing where taking a leap will lead you.

ML: Don’t you love when something just clicks? And kudos to your hubby on being so supportive. Mermaids need for our partners to have our backs. I have a feeling I know what you’re going to say, but I’ll ask it anyway, what always brings a smile to your face?

SA: I’m at my happiest attending sporting events with my family. I’ve always loved sports. As a child, some of my most treasured memories were attending football, basketball or baseball games with my parents. While most of my childhood girlfriends were playing with dolls or riding bikes, I was watching football every Sunday with dad. I love how thousands of people, from all walks of life, gather for a common goal, without regard if the fan next to them shares the same race, economic or political situation. Sports bind people together and create memories. I’ve always craved the energy inside a stadium or arena and I’m crazy competitive. Oh, and tailgates are my kind of party, and who doesn’t want to look good for the party?

ML: You are a gal after my own heart. Nothing like the spirit on campus on game day! As a mom, some of my favorite memories are taking my son to OU games starting when he was 9 years old. Now he’s 18 and going to OU in the fall and I’m proud to say he has a lot of spirit, though he’s a, ahem, quieter supporter than his mama. On the business front, even when we love something, it can be so hard. What’s the biggest challenge in being an entrepreneur and what did/do you overcome your fears?

SA: I had never started a business or considered myself entrepreneurial, but this idea that I could turn my love of sports and fashion into a business would not go away. I knew absolutely zero about the collegiate fashion market or retail industry and that was a bit paralyzing in the beginning. I really think my age at the time (36) was a huge factor. In my 20’s, I would have been too afraid of failure to actually follow through with the business. As I’ve grown older, I realize that risk, whether it leads to success or failure, always provides lessons. I love my job, because I’m learning everyday about what it takes to grow a business. I make mistakes all the time and I’m ok with that now. I’m not sure that would have always been the case. With our many successes, we’ve also experienced failures and those set backs have fueled me to push forward and try even harder. It’s also been a challenge to figure out a way to grow and still be able to be home with my kids. When we had to move the business out of our house and into office space, I had to lean on my staff to pick up many of the things I had once handled.

ML: Your advice for enlightened living (presence, intention, action):

As a 10 year cancer survivor, I truly am thankful for each day. I love the life I’ve created, instead of wishing for the life that I thought I would live or the one I saw my friends living. I’ve come to realize that I love the structure and routine of my family life, which includes busy, chaotic days, working nights and weekends full of sports, family, and the occasional impromptu dance party in our living room. I never saw myself as a business owner, but it’s been my most fulfilling career and proof you can make a living out of what you are passionate about and you CAN start and grow a business with an unconventional and limited schedule. And, in my case, a few hours in the gym each week and church on Sunday will save me a few hours of therapy…as will an OSU win.

ML: Shea, you really are an inspiration. You are a survivor and a go-getter. Go Pokes. (And Boomer!) See you in Stilly. Here’s to living in the deep.

Get to know Shea and her company here:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kickoffcouture

Instagram: @kickoffcouture IG

 Pinterest – KickoffCouture

Mermaids aren’t afraid to share their spirit with the world. Be bold and cheer loud! Would love to hear about your passions in comments!