We recently connected with Laurie Wright and have shared our conversation below.
Laurie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?
The Journey of Scaling Modern Envy Apparel
In 2012, Chad Nakano and Laurie Wright met in a tiny bar in the heart of San Francisco, called Tony Nik’s. At the time, Chad worked in importing, and Laurie worked in commercial real estate at Westfield Shopping Centers. Chad struggled to find a high-quality sock that would keep his feet dry and stay up throughout the day. Rather than settle for subpar options, they decided to create the perfect sock themselves. In 2015, Modern Envy Apparel was born.
Modern Envy Apparel began with a simple yet ambitious idea: to create a high-quality sock that combined comfort, durability, and style. We recognized a gap in the market for premium socks that could withstand daily wear while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Armed with a vision and a passion for quality craftsmanship, we set out to design a product that would exceed expectations.
Our journey started with extensive research into fabric technology, manufacturing techniques, and consumer preferences. We sourced the finest materials and partnered with skilled artisans to produce a sock that was both functional and fashionable. Our initial launch focused on direct-to-consumer sales, leveraging e-commerce and social media to build brand awareness and attract early adopters.
As demand grew, we listened to our customers and identified new opportunities to expand our offerings. The success of our socks led us to introduce a subscription service, allowing customers to receive fresh pairs delivered to their doorsteps regularly. This model not only enhanced customer loyalty but also provided a predictable revenue stream that fueled our growth.
Recognizing the potential for customization, we soon ventured into developing bespoke apparel solutions for businesses. From corporate branding initiatives to custom-designed merchandise for events, we worked closely with companies to create apparel that reflected their unique identity. This expansion positioned Modern Envy Apparel as a go-to provider for high-quality, tailor-made product solutions across various industries.
Today, Modern Envy Apparel is more than just a sock brand—it is a comprehensive apparel company dedicated to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Our journey from a single product to a diversified brand with subscription services and custom apparel solutions showcases our ability to adapt, scale, and meet the evolving needs of our customers. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to our founding principles: exceptional craftsmanship, outstanding service, and an unwavering dedication to delivering products that people love to wear.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who may not have heard of us before, Modern Envy Apparel is the product of passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Our journey began in 2012, when Chad Nakano and Laurie Wright met at a tiny bar in the heart of San Francisco. At the time, Chad worked in importing, and Laurie was immersed in fashion retail at Westfield Shopping Centers. Frustrated with the lack of high-quality socks that stayed up and kept feet dry, we decided to take matters into our own hands. In 2015, Modern Envy Apparel was born.
We started with one simple yet ambitious idea: to create the perfect sock—one that combined comfort, durability, and style. Through extensive research into fabric, manufacturing techniques, and consumer preferences, we sourced the finest materials and partnered with factories to craft a sock that exceeded expectations. Our early days were focused on direct-to-consumer sales, leveraging e-commerce and social media to connect with customers who appreciated quality and innovation.
As demand grew, we listened closely to our customers and discovered new ways to serve them. This led us to introduce a sock subscription service, offering fresh pairs delivered straight to their doors. The response was incredible, fostering customer loyalty and providing a reliable revenue stream that fueled our growth.
But we didn’t stop at socks. Recognizing the power of customization, we expanded into bespoke apparel solutions for businesses. From corporate branding initiatives to custom-designed merchandise for events, we collaborated with companies to create apparel that reflected their unique identity. Whether it’s a startup looking for stylish branded gear or a corporation in need of high-quality promotional apparel, we pride ourselves on delivering solutions that meet our clients’ exact needs.
What sets Modern Envy Apparel apart is our relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. We’re not just in the business of making socks and apparel—we’re in the business of helping brands tell their story through what they wear. Every piece we create is crafted with intention, ensuring it not only looks great but also stands the test of time.
One of the things we’re most proud of is the trust and loyalty we’ve built with our customers. From our early adopters to the businesses we’ve helped transform through custom apparel, their support fuels our continued growth. We believe that fashion should be both functional and meaningful, and we strive every day to make that a reality.
As we look to the future, our mission remains the same: to craft exceptional apparel that people love to wear while helping businesses bring their brand to life. We invite you to join us on this journey—whether you’re looking for the perfect pair of socks, a subscription to keep your sock game fresh, or custom apparel that tells your story, Modern Envy Apparel is here for you.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
At Modern Envy Apparel, we believe that great products alone don’t build a brand—strong relationships do. We stay in touch with our customers in meaningful ways to ensure they feel valued and heard. From personalized emails and exclusive offers to behind-the-scenes content and social media engagement, we create experiences that keep our community connected.
Our sock subscription service, for example, not only provides fresh styles but also keeps an ongoing dialogue with our customers. We encourage feedback, respond to preferences, and continuously refine our designs based on what our community loves. Additionally, our business clients enjoy a hands-on approach, where we work closely with them to develop custom apparel that aligns with their brand identity.
Customer loyalty is at the heart of our brand, and we achieve it by prioritizing trust, consistency, and authenticity. We celebrate our customers’ milestones, offer loyalty rewards, and provide exceptional service that goes beyond expectations. Whether it’s a handwritten thank-you note, an early access sneak peek, or a surprise gift, we always look for ways to show appreciation for those who support us.
One of the things we’re most proud of is the trust and loyalty we’ve built with our customers. From our early adopters to the businesses we’ve helped transform through custom apparel, their support fuels our continued growth. We believe that fashion should be both functional and meaningful, and we strive every day to make that a reality.
As we look to the future, our mission remains the same: to craft exceptional apparel that people love to wear while helping businesses bring their brand to life. We invite you to join us on this journey—whether you’re looking for the perfect pair of socks, a subscription to keep your sock game fresh, or custom apparel that tells your story, Modern Envy Apparel is here for you.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
One of the pivotal moments in Modern Envy Apparel’s journey was our participation in the Minnesota State Fair. As a brand committed to quality and community engagement, we saw the fair as the perfect opportunity to introduce our products to a larger audience. With thousands of attendees each day, we knew it was the ultimate platform to showcase our socks and apparel, interact with customers in real-time, and solidify our presence in the market.
Setting up our booth at the fair was both an exhilarating and humbling experience. We put thought into every detail—from the visual presentation to ensuring each customer interaction was memorable. Our goal was not just to sell products, but to create an experience where people could see, feel, and understand the quality that defines Modern Envy Apparel.
The response was overwhelming. Visitors were drawn to our high-quality socks, intrigued by our story, and impressed by our commitment to craftsmanship. The fair gave us the chance to have direct conversations with customers, listen to their feedback, and educate them on what makes our products unique. Many who stopped by became loyal customers, and word-of-mouth spread, further strengthening our reputation in the market.
Beyond sales, our presence at the fair established Modern Envy Apparel as a brand that truly connects with its audience. It was here that we built relationships, formed partnerships, and gained insights that helped us refine our product offerings. It reinforced the power of face-to-face interactions and reminded us that our success is rooted in the trust and enthusiasm of our customers.
As we continue to grow, our experience at the Minnesota State Fair serves as a reminder of why we started: to create high-quality apparel that people love to wear while building a community around our brand. We look forward to future fairs and opportunities to engage with customers in meaningful ways, ensuring that Modern Envy Apparel remains synonymous with quality, innovation, and customer loyalty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Modernenvyapparel.com
- Instagram: Modern Envy Apparel
- Facebook: Modern Envy Apparel
- Linkedin: Modern Envy Apparel
Image Credits
Margaux Stinar