We were lucky to catch up with Krystal Gillis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Krystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What can you share with us about the story behind how you found your key vendors?

Finding vendors has been a balance of both necessity and relationship-building. As a startup, we’ve had to find people to fill immediate gaps as we pushed forward, while also seeking out others with whom we’ve developed long-term relationships. I believe it’s important to stay flexible with your plans and constantly evaluate the company’s needs.

For us, when we sought out manufacturing, it was about finding a partner for product development who had the capability of understanding our unique product build requirements and minimums as we moved into production.

Reach out to your network when looking for new vendors. If your network isn’t vast, use platforms like LinkedIn and UpWork to expand your contacts in areas where you need resources. Sometimes, it’s not the perfect long-term fit, but it’s enough to get you started.

For long-term partners, make sure they are aligned with both your personal and company missions and values. Our biggest setbacks occurred when we weren’t crystal clear about our expectations.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For the last 16 years, I’ve navigated through a blend of entrepreneurship and corporate roles, crossing various industries from human capital software to medical devices, and direct-to-consumer hair products. Each step in my journey has been filled with learning opportunities and has shaped my identity both in business and personally. My path to Tighties™ began after I worked on a commercialization plan for an orthopedic product launch. This experience piqued my interest in wearable products focused on muscle engagement rather than muscle off-loading, leading to the creation of Tighties™.

Our brand sits at the intersection of orthopedics and performance, driven by a passion to challenge the status quo. With Tighties™, customers are not merely wearing activewear—they are actively contributing to their optimal physical health. Our products enhance strength, agility, and overall performance, making Tighties™ ideal for individuals seeking activewear that matches their effort levels. Our patent-pending adjustable support technology integrated into activewear helps consumers experience less pain and more gain in their daily activities.

Throughout my life, I’ve embarked on numerous ventures and gathered diverse experiences, all of which have led me to Tighties™. Embracing the journey is crucial because you never know when your past experiences will converge to create a unique opportunity. The industries I’ve worked in and the connections I’ve made have paved the way to Tighties™. This is the most inspiring and exciting venture of my career thus far and has been a true culmination of my expertise and passions.

The timing of this project was serendipitous, aligning perfectly with my personal and professional growth, enabling me to build Tighties™ from the ground up.

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

As we developed and worked toward the launch of our products, we had to constantly pivot. I believe the ability to be agile is what enables startups to truly innovate in ways that larger companies cannot. The unexpected challenges with a product or a production plan will keep you on your toes, but oftentimes, these curveballs happen for a reason and end up being better for your business in the long run.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There are a million books I love to pull pieces of wisdom from. I have also been very fortunate to meet so many incredible mentors along the way. One of the greatest gifts of being an entrepreneur is the ability to connect with people at various stages of their careers across a wide range of industries. One key tip that has helped me along the way is to always ask the person you’re speaking with if they can recommend anyone else who might be valuable to connect with. Taking the time to ask this question as well as follow up, has led me to an incredible network far beyond what I would have had on my own. I have found: investors, mentors, a support team and even some great friends through this philosophy!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tighties.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotighties
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-gillis-a2582611