We were lucky to catch up with Blake Hermann recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Blake thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was starting PILLAR while I was still a college student at Arizona State University. The idea came to me in 2019 when I realized there was a need for versatile, high-quality clothing that combined performance and style—especially for taller athletes. I wanted to create apparel that looked great outside the gym but was functional enough to handle an active lifestyle.
By late 2020, I decided to take a leap of faith and launch PILLAR on my own. It wasn’t easy, and I had no clear roadmap or guarantees of success. I poured my life savings into the idea, knowing full well the financial risk. But I had faith—faith that the vision was worth pursuing, faith that I could learn and adapt as I went, and faith that if I put in the work, the pieces would eventually fall into place.
There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but I kept moving forward, driven by the belief that this was something worth building. Today, looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for that risk. PILLAR has grown into something I’m proud of, from being the official apparel provider for the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders to opening our first store at the Biltmore.
This experience taught me that you don’t need to have all the answers to take the first step. Sometimes, it’s about trusting yourself and people around you, taking a leap of faith, and letting the journey unfold.
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.
I’m the founder of PILLAR, a premium athleisure brand designed to bridge the gap between performance, style, and versatility. The idea for PILLAR came to life when I was a college student at Arizona State University. I noticed a lack of clothing options that truly fit taller athletes—most options felt generic, boxy, and didn’t transition well between the gym, work, and everyday life. I wanted to create apparel that was tailored, functional, and stylish enough for any setting.
In 2020, I took a leap of faith and launched PILLAR, investing my life savings into the brand. I didn’t have all the answers, and I wasn’t sure how everything would unfold. But I believed in the vision and trusted that if I stayed committed, the brand would resonate with people who value quality and versatility in their clothing.
At PILLAR, we specialize in high-end, ethically sourced athleisure that looks and feels great in any setting. Our products are intentionally designed with a tailored fit, moving away from traditional box cuts. This focus has made us a go-to for taller athletes and individuals who prioritize both style and function. We solve the problem of having to compromise between performance wear and everyday fashion, offering a seamless blend of both.
What sets PILLAR apart is our commitment to exceptional quality, our attention to fit and detail, and the trust we’ve built with our customers. I’m proud to say that PILLAR is now the official apparel provider for the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders, a testament to the reputation we’ve built for creating apparel that stands out in the athleisure space.
As we just opened our first flagship store at the Biltmore, I’m reminded of what drives this brand forward: a desire to create clothing that empowers people to feel confident and comfortable no matter where their day takes them.
To anyone discovering PILLAR for the first time, I want you to know that this brand was built with purpose, faith, and a deep commitment to quality. It’s more than just clothing—it’s a lifestyle that encourages confidence, movement, and connection.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
When it came to funding PILLAR, the journey was rooted in sacrifice and faith. As a college student at Arizona State University, I didn’t have access to outside investors or big financial backing. Instead, I used my life savings to launch the brand, fully committing to the vision of creating premium athleisure that combines style, performance, and versatility.
Even now, I haven’t taken a single penny from PILLAR for myself. To support my livelihood, I work as a Mortgage Adviser while continuing to reinvest everything back into the business. This approach has allowed me to grow PILLAR responsibly and sustainably, ensuring that the brand stays focused on delivering quality to our customers without compromise.
The decision to self-fund and keep my personal finances separate from the brand wasn’t easy, but it reflects my dedication to building something meaningful. PILLAR isn’t just about clothing—it’s about creating a lifestyle, a standard, and a connection with people who value quality and confidence.
By balancing my role as a Mortgage Adviser with growing PILLAR, I’ve been able to maintain the integrity of the brand while staying true to the values that inspired its creation. This journey has taught me the importance of patience, faith, and the power of reinvesting in what you believe in.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
When I first started PILLAR, I had no experience in manufacturing or production. I knew what I wanted in terms of the final product—a high-quality, versatile athleisure line that could meet the needs of athletes and active individuals—but I didn’t have the technical knowledge to bring it to life.
To get started, I knew I needed to find the right partner who could manufacture the products to meet my vision of quality and fit. I spent a lot of time researching manufacturers and connecting with different vendors. I looked for ones who understood the importance of precision and craftsmanship, as I didn’t want to compromise on the details. Eventually, I found a manufacturer who aligned with PILLAR’s core values of quality and ethical sourcing. This partnership was a crucial step in turning the vision into a reality.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of communication. In the early stages, I didn’t always know how to communicate exactly what I wanted or what the manufacturing process entailed. It took time to build trust with my vendor and develop a clear understanding of timelines, materials, and production standards.
Another lesson I’ve learned is the significance of quality control. Even with a trusted manufacturer, there were bumps in the road—whether it was fabric quality or production delays. Over time, I’ve come to understand how important it is to stay involved in the process and check every detail, ensuring the final product reflects the standards PILLAR promises to its customers.
Today, I feel more confident in navigating the manufacturing process. It’s been a learning experience—one that has required patience, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to quality. It’s also taught me how essential it is to partner with people who share your values, because creating a brand isn’t just about the product; it’s about the relationships you build along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pillarathletics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pillarathletics
