Vicky Pasche: Ensuring Access to Body-Inclusive Clothing for All
Ladderworks is a publishing platform of diverse picture books and online curriculum with the mission to empower over a million kids to become social entrepreneurs. Our current series features interviews by our interplanetary journalist Spiffy with inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders, and Changemakers who are advancing the UN SDGs.
Spiffy here with the scoop on the entrepreneurial leaders of Planet Earth. As the only interplanetary journalist stationed on this blue planet, I’m thrilled to present this galactic exclusive with Vicky Pasche, the CEO of Dapper Boi. Let’s learn what’s happening at Dapper Boi and how Vicky is making a positive impact in the world.
Spiffy: Thanks for joining me, Vicky! Tell me, what challenge are you addressing through Dapper Boi?
Vicky: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! Dapper Boi is a body-inclusive clothing line that my wife, Charisse, and I started in 2015. We're partners in business and in life and have five-year-old twin girls. Our mission is to ensure everyone has access to affordable, stylish clothes that fit both their body, and, more importantly, their personality. We believe changing your clothes can change your life.
Spiffy: Very cool! What motivates you to do it?
Vicky: We started Dapper Boi in 2015, because I was tired of shopping in the men’s section for clothes that just didn’t fit my body’s shape. The clothes in the men's department didn't fit me well, and when I couldn't find a gender-neutral, size-inclusive clothing brand, I decided to start one! We’ve heard thousands of stories about our clothes helping people feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. And, we hope to hear millions more.
Spiffy: What is the impact of your work?
Vicky: We are a size- and body-inclusive clothing line. Our clothing is for every BODY! We offer sizes in XXS-4XL, and pants in size 26-52! We wanted to make sure that on our social media pages we don't show just typical looking models wearing clothes—we know how important it is to showcase our clothing on diverse body types and backgrounds.
Spiffy: Tell me about a recent organization milestone or initiative. What impact does it make on your audience/community?
Vicky: Just recently, we were featured on Shark Tank! We were so excited to be featured on a mainstream show like this, because representation of the LGBTQ+ community is important!
Spiffy: Is there anything else you would love to tell our audience?
Vicky: A customer recently reached out and said that Dapper Boi has completely changed their life. Being able to have access to clothing that not only looks good but also makes them feel good has made them confident enough to apply for a promotion. Since then, they have been promoted and just recently got engaged!
Spiffy: Wonderful! Thanks for speaking with me today, Vicky—it’s been an honor!
Vicky Pasche believes that so many of us do not fit in today’s binary norms in the retail world. After years of hesitation in “taking the plunge” to embrace her masculine style, Vicky struggled finding clothes that fit her body and her authenticity. With zero experience in fashion, but with a decade of marketing expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, she decided to make her dream business a reality. Now she balances being the CEO of Dapper Boi while raising twin daughters. (Nominated by Dani and Keely. (Nominated by Gaingels. First published on the Ladderworks website on August 17, 2023.)
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Ladderworks LLC.
© 2023 Ladderworks LLC. Edited by George Romar. Spiffy’s illustration by Shreyas Navare. For the Ladderworks digital curriculum to help K-3 kids advance the UN SDGs, visit Spiffy's Launchpad: Creative Entrepreneurship Workshops for K-3 Kids and their caregivers here.