Today we’d like to introduce you to Zipporah Jarmon.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Pyramid Seven underwear started from my own feelings of dysphoria that arose from having to wear feminine underwear during my period, more so than a lack of options for people in general. That being said, the more people I talked to, the more I realized that I wasn’t alone in feeling this way. To support this initial idea I did a casual survey on a number of different Facebook groups, and there was an overwhelming response from other people who menstruate that they needed a product that was affirming, comfortable, and period-friendly. One year later we launched our menstrual boxer briefs that have an interior pocket to secure menstrual products like pads, sit close to the body, and feature leak resistant material. Coming from my own experience of not feeling seen by major companies, Pyramid Seven has made it our mission to spotlight all people who menstruate no matter age, gender identity, ability, or ethnic background.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not in the least bit. Starting and running a small business is by no means an easy thing to do, especially when you’re making a product that inherently defies the gender binary! I am a graphic designer, not an accountant or a lawyer or a seamstress, but starting a business means that I have had to wear a bunch of different hats and learn how to do it as I go. I am fortunate that I do know some accountants and lawyers and folks with the expertise I need, but it has been a challenge to have to learn so many different things. The other huge challenge in starting any business is securing capital. There have been real financial hurdles since we first began developing our boxer briefs, but the solutions we have developed have often turned into the things that make us stand out. For example when we were starting out we didn’t have the money to have our fabric dyed by the supplier. Our solution was to hand dye all of our fabric here in Chicago, and that became something we were really proud of. Since then, we have been able to secure an angel investor who has allowed us to order premium modal material and have it manufactured versus hand-making and -dyeing. Smooth roads don’t come along often, but we’ve been able to turn those road bumps into lessons to grow and strengthen our company.
Pyramid Seven – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Pyramid Seven makes boxer briefs for period, not gender. The thing that has made me the most proud about Pyramid Seven is that we were named “One of 30 innovations that made 2017 a better place”. We are not only selling a product, we are trying to create space to talk about menstruation. A lot of companies don’t brand their product with someone like me, a black masculine presenting woman, in mind. I built Pyramid Seven to showcase the diversity of people of who menstruate, highlighting individuals who identify outside of the gender binary. I’m proud of the way we have shifted the conversation around menstruation and pushed other companies to start seeing and marketing to communities that have been ignored or excluded by mainstream industry.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is the small victories. For each goal I set I know that there are small steps that I have to take to achieve them. For the company it started as an idea; the first victory for me was pursuing it. Throughout our first year we’ve been able to move the conversation about who menstruates forward while expressing the importance in feeling comfortable in your underwear. We’ve received countless emails from parents, partners, and customers showing their support for our product. One of the biggest markers of success for me has been seeing our product actively making a difference in people’s lives.
Pricing:
- Our boxer briefs are $45 a pair
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pyramidseven.com
- Phone: 7086120688
- Email: info@pyramidseven.com
- Instagram: pyramidseven
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pyramidsevenunderwear
- Twitter: pyramid_seven
Image Credit:
(photos with snow) Jelena Lazarevic
(all other photos) Nicci Briann
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
