Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Jaye Femia.
Dee, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my journey. I am Dee Jaye Femia, Founder and SeaEO of Plimsoll Gear®, an online lifestyle living brand encouraging our community to embrace the art of balance.
I am excited to share the inspiring journey behind Plimsoll Gear and how it began.
It started with a simple curiosity about a captivating symbol on my husband’s business card… the Plimsoll Mark.
Delving into its history, I discovered the remarkable story of Samuel Plimsoll, a maritime social reformer.
With its over 140 years legacy of ensuring a ship is balanced and safe to sail the seas struck a chord with me. It became much more than just a symbol; it became a metaphor for living a balanced life.
My studies in wellness, focusing on the harmony of mind, body, and spirit, and my husbands as a retired mariner now marine cargo surveyor added to the depth of this concept.
I envisioned a brand that embodies the essence of balance -not just in maritime endeavors but in every aspect of life.
Whether you find your balance at sea, surfing, a yoga mat, relationships or in silence, we believe that a healthy, balanced lifestyle is the key to a life well lived.
More than just a brand, PG is a philosophy. It’s about finding balance both physically and spiritually amidst life’s challenges.
I invite you to join your personal journey towards balance, share your stories, and build a community with Plimsoll Gear.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There were/are definitely struggles and challenges along the way.
Embarking on the mission to bring the concept of balance to a broader audience filled me with excitement. However, this enthusiasm was met with the daunting challenge of realizing this goal. At the time, and still to this day, the company was a solo venture, with me taking on the responsibilities of owner while also serving as Operations Manager of my husband’s thriving Marine Cargo Surveying business.
Constantly consulting my instincts, my personal and entrepreneurial growth persisted. No matter what I did, I could not shake the idea and dream of growing this company into something bigger. I made attempts to enter the wholesale market, collaborating with a local printer a decade ago, and unfortunately, the inefficiencies of the time, coupled with internal frustrations, hindered progress. Despite these setbacks, deep within my heart, mind, and spirit, I remained steadfast. There were moments of stepping back, even walking away, but giving up was never an option. I just could not let this dream go.
By the close of 2022, I decided it was time to reboot the business, aligning it with my authentic self while channeling this authenticity through the Plimsoll Gear® brand. Technological advancements had finally caught up with my aspirations for work-life balance. I was able to leverage Shopify, utilize an incredible drop-shipping partner, and surround myself with the support that has helped me watch the business gain momentum. A supportive village played a crucial role—a group of multigenerational powerhouses offering decades of experience in photography, social media, design, and business coaching have made stepping into this retail arena feel seamless.
In our village, our insights show that support is balanced among different age markets. Working with bright women from their 20s to their 60s, the collaboration mirrors the diverse yet harmonious nature of the brand. This balanced approach ensures that our products resonate with a wide audience.
At 68 years old, I find joy in working alongside these talented individuals. Working on a contractual basis provided the sought-after balance I needed, and wanted to make this company align with my personal goals. It’s a dynamic arrangement that keeps the Plimsoll brand fresh, current, and vibrant—a reflection of how I feel as an entrepreneur and of the brand itself.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There were and will always be highs and lows, but on October 12, 2023, we successfully rebooted Plimsoll Gear®. Our products have now reached 10 states, 8 countries, and 3 continents. While there’s still a long road ahead, we remain true to ourselves and convinced our message is something that every single person needs to hear, guided by the mantra, “It’s All About Balance®.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Plimsoll Gear®?
At Plimsoll Gear®, we believe that life is a constant journey, and just like ships, when we are in balance, we feel safe to weather life’s storms and everyday challenges. Our clothing is designed with this philosophy in mind. We strive to strike the perfect balance between comfort and quality, allowing you to step out with confidence, no matter what the day brings. Embrace the power of balance with Plimsoll Gear®, where fashion meets functionality, and you’re always ready to set sail into life’s adventures.
How do you define success?
Continuing having fun building the business. If the fun fades as I grow my business, it is a signal to reassess my goals and ensure I’m staying true to my authentic self because It’s All About Balance®
Contact Info:
- Website: plimsollgear.com
- Instagram: @plimsollgear
- Facebook: Plimsoll Gear: It’s All About Balance
Image Credits
@corryfrazierphotography
