We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lynda Oniah. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lynda below.

Lynda , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

It all started one sunny summer afternoon. I was shopping for a new pair of jeans, an experience that had always been more of a chore than a delight. At 5’11”, finding jeans that fit both my height and style had always been a struggle. Every time I walked into a store, I’d be greeted with rows of beautiful denim that ended frustratingly short at my ankles. It was an emotional rollercoaster of hope and disappointment, and I knew I wasn’t alone. Every tall woman I knew shared similar stories of compromise and settling for less than perfect.

One day, after yet another fruitless shopping trip, a light bulb moment went off in my head – I have a Fashion Design degree from FIDM (SF) and there is a need; I think there’s something here. The frustration I felt sparked a thought: Why isn’t there a brand dedicated to women like me, who need longer inseams but don’t want to sacrifice style or comfort? The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. This wasn’t just a personal problem; it was a gap in the market that no one seemed to be addressing.

I began researching the denim industry, diving deep into market analysis and consumer behavior studies. The data confirmed what I already knew – there was a significant number of tall women who were underserved. Existing brands offered extended sizes as an afterthought, often with limited styles and subpar quality. There was a clear opportunity to create a niche brand that prioritized tall women from the start.

The more I delved into it, the more passionate I became. I envisioned a brand that celebrated tall women, offering them stylish, high-quality denim that fit perfectly. The logic was clear: if we could combine premium fabrics with expert tailoring specifically designed for longer legs, we could fill a void in the market and build a loyal customer base.

With this vision in mind, I took the plunge. I collaborated with experienced manufacturers and sourced the finest denim fabrics. Every detail mattered, from the perfect rise to the ideal length, to unique details and trims that made each pair of jeans stand out. We tested various fits and styles until we had a collection that I was proud of.

Launching StandTallJeans in September 2023, was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. But the response from our first customers was overwhelmingly positive. Women who had been struggling with the same issues were thrilled to finally find jeans that fit their tall frames beautifully. Their excitement and gratitude confirmed that we were on the right path.

What excited me most was not just the potential for business success, but the chance to make a real difference in the lives of tall women. I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it was rooted in a genuine need and a passion for solving a problem that had been ignored for too long. We weren’t just offering another product; we were offering confidence, comfort, and a sense of belonging to a community of tall women who deserved better.

As we continue to grow and expand our offerings to include shirts and dresses designed for tall women, that initial spark of frustration has turned into a burning passion to empower and celebrate tall women everywhere. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for StandTallJeans.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Certainly! My name is Lynda Oniah, and I am the Founder and Creative Director behind StandTallJeans. I’m originally from Lagos, Nigeria and currently reside in Central, California. I worked in corporate America for over 15years in Banking and Treasury Services. My journey into the world of fashion and business began from a deeply personal place of frustration and inspiration. At 5’11”, finding stylish and well-fitting jeans had always been a challenge. This struggle, shared by many tall women, sparked the idea to create a brand dedicated to serving this often-overlooked market.

StandTallJeans was born out of the need for fashionable, high-quality denim tailored specifically for tall women, with an inseam of 35″ and up. Our jeans are crafted with longer inseams, premium denim fabrics, and unique details to ensure that tall women no longer have to compromise on style or fit. Our collection includes two signature styles, Slim Boot (bootcut feel) and Slim Fit (straight leg feel), all designed with the tall woman in mind.

We are expanding our offerings to include denim shirts, a denim dress and an additional wide leg denim that maintain the same focus on extended proportions and premium materials. Each piece is meticulously designed to celebrate and enhance the tall woman’s silhouette, providing options that are both stylish and comfortable. Stay tuned, more to come on the new collection soon!

Our primary goal is to solve a problem that many tall women face: the lack of fashionable and well-fitting denim options. Traditional brands often treat extended sizes as an afterthought, resulting in limited styles and subpar quality. At StandTallJeans, tall women are at the forefront of our design process. Every detail, from the rise to the length, is carefully considered to create garments that truly fit and flatter taller frames.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality, fit, and style specifically for tall women. We don’t just add a few extra inches to standard designs; we start from scratch, ensuring every piece is proportioned perfectly for taller figures. Our dedication to craftsmanship and our understanding of the unique needs of tall women have earned us a loyal customer base and a reputation for excellence.

One of the things I am most proud of is the impact we have had on our customers’ lives. Hearing from women who have finally found jeans that fit them perfectly, who feel confident and beautiful in our clothes, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the fact that we are not just selling products; we are providing solutions and boosting self-confidence.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that StandTallJeans is more than just a brand. It’s a community that celebrates and empowers tall women. We are dedicated to providing exceptional products that meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Our passion for quality, fit, and style drives everything we do, and we are committed to making sure that tall women never have to settle for less.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. We are excited to continue growing and serving the tall women’s community with beautiful, well-fitting denim that makes you feel as amazing as you are.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

From Banking to Denim: A Journey of Purpose and Passion

For over 15 years, I navigated the intricate world of Banking and Treasury services. Despite my success, a persistent feeling tugged at my soul—I craved a transition into something meaningful, something that would serve my soul’s purpose.

I vividly remember the day it hit me. Sitting at my desk, I felt like an imposter, occupying a space that belonged to someone else’s future. The reflection in the mirror was unrecognizable, a stark reminder that I needed a change. The question was, how?

Through deep self-reflection, I evaluated my strengths and passions. My background in client service was impeccable, I held a fashion design degree, and I recognized a glaring gap in the market: tall women’s denim. This realization was my catalyst for change.

Making this shift was daunting, filled with anxiety and uncertainty, but it was necessary. I refused to be just another designer with a new collection. I wanted our products to be intentional, to solve a real problem. I dove into research, seeking manufacturers in the USA specializing in denim and supportive of small businesses. With designs sketched, fabrics sourced, and trims selected, my vision began to take shape.

By June 2023, I had fully transitioned from the corporate realm to entrepreneurship. StandTallJeans was born with a clear and simple mission: to provide tall women with denim featuring inseams fit for women with 35″ inseam and up. This journey has been a blend of passion, purpose, and the determination to fill a void in the fashion industry, creating something truly meaningful.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

From Concept to Creation: The Manufacturing Journey of StandTallJeans

Starting StandTallJeans was a leap into the unknown for me. Coming from a solid background in Banking and Treasury services, manufacturing was an entirely new terrain. However, my passion for solving the problem of finding stylish and comfortable denim for tall women drove me forward.

When I first conceived the idea of StandTallJeans, I knew I had a vision but not the technical know-how to manufacture denim. My fashion design degree gave me a foundation, but turning sketches into wearable products required more expertise. I had to find the right vendor who could bring my designs to life while maintaining high-quality standards and understanding the unique needs of tall women.

The search for the right manufacturer was exhaustive. I began by researching manufacturers in the USA that specialized in denim and were friendly to small businesses. It was crucial to find a partner who understood my vision and was willing to work closely with me to perfect the product. I visited trade shows, networked within the industry, and reached out to several potential manufacturers. After numerous meetings and sample reviews, I finally found a manufacturer who not only met my quality expectations but also shared my passion for the project.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. There were numerous lessons learned along the way about manufacturing a product. Firstly, I learned the importance of clear communication. Detailed and precise communication with the manufacturer was vital to ensure that every aspect of the design was understood and correctly implemented. Secondly, I realized the significance of quality control. Regularly reviewing samples and overseeing production runs were necessary to maintain the high standards I envisioned for StandTallJeans. Lastly, flexibility and problem-solving became essential skills. There were times when materials weren’t available, or a design needed tweaking. Being adaptable and finding solutions quickly were key to keeping the production process on track.

Despite the hurdles, the experience has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the first batch of StandTallJeans was a moment of triumph. It reaffirmed that taking the risk to transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship was the right decision. Today, StandTallJeans proudly offers stylish, high-quality denim for tall women, filling a significant gap in the market and turning a personal passion into a successful business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://standtalljeans.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standtalljeansofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standtalljeansofficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynda-oniah-466751180/

Image Credits

N/A