The Bra Barrette Team

Letter from the Inventor, Lara Merriam-Smith
Who knew a paper clip could start a fashion revolution? I certainly didn’t start out life as an inventor, it just sort of came to me while staring at a paper clip. In June of 2006, I was sitting in my favorite comfy chair, dressed in my preferred summer attire – a camisole tank top and shorts – diligently grading my students’ papers and pulling up the strap that had, once again, slipped off my shoulders. My constant case of FBSS (Falling Bra Strap Syndrome) had flared up again and the traditional cures (the safety pin, rubber band and hair barrettes) weren’t cutting it anymore. As I sat there becoming increasingly frustrated by my falling straps, I looked at the paper clip in my hand. That’s when the idea struck me to create a product that would hold my straps in place, simply and satisfyingly. I saw other products on the market that could cure my case of FBSS, but nothing I found was meant to be seen. They had all been designed to hide your straps and I knew I wanted something I could show off on my favorite summer tank tops and swimsuits.

Since the first day I bent that little blue paper clip into a spiral shape, the Bra Barrette has evolved into something much more. The original metal versions quickly gave way to a flexible and durable plastic that offers comfort and support, while mimicking the look of metal jewelry. As I started adding charms and other decorations to the Bra Barrette my “ah-ha” moment came, I knew I was going to start a fashion revolution that would turn style around and show off my personal style, with jewelry for the back!

With the great response to our product in our first year selling, we’ve expanded the line to include new colors, charms and Swarovski crystal versions, and in 2009 we will introduce two new sizes of Bra Barrettes. The Larger version will accommodate women with wider shoulders and the Petite version will be for girls under 8 and women with narrow shoulders. However, any woman can also use different sized Bra Barrettes on different styles of bras to ensure the best fit and comfort.

Be a part of history and join us in this Fashion Revolution! Make 2009 the year you get “back” in fashion, whether you choose to hide, with a Plain Bra Barrette, or show off your straps, with one of our many Charmed and Crystal versions, you’ll be able to relax knowing that you won’t need to “adjust” yourself in public anymore. From the first sigh of relief and comfort, to always knowing your straps are fashionably in place, I believe you will enjoy the Bra Barrette as much as I do. I look forward to hearing from you about the buzz you stir up as you walk away showing off your Back Bling!

Shari Skinner, COO and General Manager
I consider one of the most serendipitous moments in my life to be the day Lara showed me the first prototype of the Bra Barrette. Impressed with the idea, with the combination of function and fashion, I soon became caught up in Lara’s enthusiasm for and belief in the product and her determination to bring it to the world’s women. It was an easy decision to jump at the opportunity to be involved in the birth of this company, to learn new skills and try new frontiers.

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to develop management and operations skills in a variety of environments. I’ve worked in a children’s home and counseling center, at a wildlife refuge, a household hazardous waste and recycling center, and a community college. A perpetual student, I have taken classes in a wide range of subjects such as psychology, computer science, engineering, languages, and educational theory. When Lara talked to me about being a part of this amazing adventure, I realized I had an opportunity to take all I’ve learned and help create something new, something that will have an amazing impact in women’s lives. How cool is that!?! I wear this product all the time, and it’s made a world of difference for me. It will for you, too!

Erica Gaddis, Product Development and Marketing
After years of working in theatre and at Starbucks, I went back to school for a degree in Industrial Design. I got my first design job doing furniture and graphic design at a furniture manufacturing company in Seattle, WA. I consulted with Lara about manufacturing, production and packaging design, and in spring 2008 I began officially working with Lara at Bra Barrette. Lara’s passion for solving everyday problems with the often over looked combination of function and fashion, spoke to my own design sensibilities. Since beginning my work here I’ve been able to create packaging, coordinate a new branding and help develop the Bra Barrette into a useful accessory that every woman can wear with comfort and style.

I’ve worn a BB every day on my bra, tank top, dresses and swimsuits for over a year and have discovered the sense of “Ahhh” and satisfaction that can only come when a product solves a long held need. I have very sloped shoulders and even custom fit bras don’t work to keep my straps in place. But the best part is picking out different Bra Barrette versions (like Charmed, or Crystal) to wear on different occasions and match my outfits.

I am excited to be part of the team bringing the Bra Barrette to the world, and hope you’ll join us in 2009, the year of the back – Bling It Up!