May I Introduce

May I Introduce: MOLLIPOP GLOW

PROFILE

YEAR FOUNDED: 2012
LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA
OWNER/FOUNDER: Molly Malone-Beal
LINKS: Website Facebook Etsy Instagram

Dialogue

SFRA: When did you guys come up with the idea of starting the MOLLI POP GLOW clothing brand?
MolliPop was born out of my passion for sewing and music. In 2012, I went to Ultra Music Festival. It was my first 3-day festival and I was absolutely in love. Everyone’s creativity and self-expression was fascinating but one outfit in particular caught my eye. There was a girl wearing a glowing vest and I just loved it. I have been sewing all my life, and have a degree in Fashion Design so after the festival I got to work making my first glowing garments.

SFRA: How did you discover a need for this type of products in the marketplace?
In researching how I was going to make my first glowing outfit (for personal use) I realized that there was not much out there that glowed. What I did see was, mostly people hand-sewing eLwire onto already made clothing. There really wasn’t anything out there that was changeable, washable, glowing and as versatile as my designs. Most of my garments double as swim-wear which was another fun element that works both within and beyond the EDM community.

SFRA: What are two aspects of business in which you believe a new brand should invest resources?
MOLLIPOP: Especially when starting out and building a foundation it’s important to invest in quality as well as the audience. Whether that means a better quality product or service through research or trial and error it’s important to be able to believe in and get behind your own product. When it comes to investing in your audience I think it’s important to have an open line of communication with the people you’re trying to reach. When people feel like they’re included and considered, they feel a part of the brand and are more inclined to support it.

SFRA: What’s been the most successful marketing outlet for MOLLI POP GLOW?
MOLLIPOP: Good ‘ole word of mouth and face to face interaction with people. MolliPop really speaks for itself and seeing it in its element has been the most successful marketing for me. So far, my customers have been happy enough to recommend to their friends as well.

SFRA: Tell me about the name.
MOLLIPOP: MolliPop Glow as a line is supposed to be fun. It is full for bright colors and prints and can be pretty playful. I wanted the name to be the same. My name is Molly so it wasn’t long before I jumped from lollipop to MolliPop – and added Glow for obvious reasons.

SFRA: Who would you love to see wear the brand?
MOLLIPOP: Any and everyone! I created MolliPop Glow because I love to sew, design and I love to wear it even more. My goal is for people to feel great wearing something they love while doing something they love.

SFRA: It seems that there is new EDM brands popping up on the scene every week, how do you guys do such a good job of separating yourselves from the rest of the crowd?
MOLLIPOP: Quality, customization, and versatility. Everything in the line is made from high quality materials, is handmade and hand checked. I pay attention to the small details like making sure the prints match at seams and including hidden pockets on the clothes and bags.
Unlike most other eLwire clothing out there, MolliPop is machine washable and changeable. I have created a tracking system for the eLwire so you can change the colors, wash them or just wear them with no lights. You choose the combination of fabrics/prints and you choose the color lights. Any garments that don’t have eLwire in them can double as swimwear as well.

SFRA: What does the future hold for MOLLI POP GLOW? What should your followers expect to see in 2015?
MOLLIPOP: A lot! MolliPop Glow is only continuing to grow. I have recently stopped working as a tailor and custom apparel designer to really focus all my energy and creativity on MolliPop. Followers can expect to see not only new styles and fabrics but new divisions as well. Right now the line focuses on women’s clothing and accessories. I plan to expand to include men’s too.