Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Chapman.
Hi Tara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Winter Park, Colorado, where skiing and spending time in the mountains were just part of everyday life. I’ve always loved the outdoors, but I’ve also always been drawn to things that are a little different.
My mom was an entrepreneur. She owned a hair salon and a ski shop, so I grew up watching her build businesses and take chances on herself. After she passed away, I started thinking more about that and what it would look like to build something of my own.
The idea for LayerOne actually came to me while I was skiing. I started noticing how much outdoor apparel looked the same, especially women’s base layers. There are plenty of great technical products out there, but not a lot that really stood out to me.
I’ve always loved tattoos and the stories and individuality behind them. So I started thinking, what if I could take original tattoo artwork and put it on technical base layers? Not just another printed pattern, but actual artwork created by tattoo artists. Something that performs the way it should but also looks amazing.
That was the beginning of LayerOne.
Now I’m getting ready to launch our first two collections, featuring artwork from two incredibly talented tattoo artists. It’s exciting and a little terrifying, but I’m building something that brings together so many things I’ve loved my entire life. I’m really looking forward to finally getting it out into the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I knew there would be challenges, but I don’t think I realized just how much I didn’t know about the apparel industry until I was in the middle of it.
I have an MBA and a pretty solid business background, but none of that prepared me for figuring out fabric weights, stretch percentages, sizing, printing techniques, or how to actually get a piece of clothing manufactured. I’ve had to learn a lot as I go, and there’s definitely been some trial and error.
The biggest frustration has probably been the production process. There have been delays, missed timelines, and times when I felt like I was spending more energy chasing updates than actually moving the business forward. That’s been hard for me because I’m used to being able to take action and get things done. When you’re relying on other people to move things forward, you have to learn to let go of some of that control. I’m still working on that one!
I’m also building LayerOne while working full-time, so there are plenty of late nights and weekends spent trying to figure things out. Some days I feel like I’ve made a ton of progress, and other days I wonder what on earth I’ve gotten myself into.
But I keep coming back to the fact that I really believe in what I’m creating. I’ve learned more in the past several months than I ever expected, and while it’s definitely tested my patience, I wouldn’t trade the experience.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about LayerOne Basewear?
LayerOne is a women’s performance base layer brand that brings original tattoo art into outdoor apparel. We’re starting with long-sleeve tops and leggings designed for skiing, snowboarding, and pretty much anything else that gets you outside.
The idea is pretty simple. I wanted to create base layers that actually perform but also have some personality. I love being outdoors, but I’ve never understood why so much technical apparel has to look the same. Just because something is functional doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
What really makes LayerOne different is the artwork. I work directly with tattoo artists to create original designs for each collection. These aren’t generic tattoo-inspired prints. They’re actual pieces of art created by talented artists who bring their own style and perspective to the brand. Each artist gets credit for her work and earns a royalty on sales, which was really important to me from the beginning.
We’re also taking a limited-collection approach. Rather than keeping the same designs around indefinitely, the idea is to introduce new artists and artwork over time. It gives us a chance to showcase different styles and keeps things interesting.
Of course, the clothing has to do its job, too. We’ve spent a lot of time developing the fabric and fit because I want these pieces to be something women actually reach for when they’re heading out for a day on the mountain. They’re designed to wick moisture, move with your body, and feel comfortable whether you’re skiing, hiking, or hanging out afterward.
We’re launching with two collections featuring artwork by Anastasiia Pakhanova and Lou Garner, and I’m really excited about both of them. Their styles are completely different, which is part of what I love about this concept.
I think what I’m most proud of is that LayerOne feels genuinely different and personal to me. I didn’t want to slap a logo on something and call it a brand. I wanted to create something that brings together technical apparel, original art, and the individuality that I love about tattoo culture.
And honestly, I just want women to put on a LayerOne piece and feel good in it. Whether they’re wearing it under their ski gear or grabbing a drink after a day on the mountain, I want it to be something they’re excited to wear, not just another layer they throw on because it’s cold.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think we’re going to see a lot more personality in outdoor apparel over the next several years, especially when it comes to women’s gear.
The outdoor industry has gotten really good at making technical products. There are incredible fabrics, innovative designs, and gear that performs in just about any condition. But I think there’s still a lot of room for creativity, particularly in how those products look and feel.
Women aren’t all looking for the same thing, and I think brands are going to have to get better at recognizing that. Just because we love skiing, hiking, or spending time outside doesn’t mean we all want to dress alike. We have our own styles and personalities, and I think more women are going to expect their outdoor clothing to reflect that.
I also think people are becoming more interested in the stories behind what they’re buying. Who made it? Where did the idea come from? What does the brand actually stand for? That’s something I hope continues because I love the idea of people connecting with the artists behind our collections, not just buying a piece of clothing because they like the print.
And I think we’re going to see the lines between technical outdoor apparel and everyday clothing continue to blur. People want pieces they can wear for more than one activity. I know I don’t want to change my entire outfit every time I come off the mountain, and I don’t think I’m alone in that.
I can’t say exactly what the industry will look like in ten years, but I’d love to see it become a little less predictable. More creativity, more individuality, and more options for women who don’t necessarily fit the traditional outdoor brand mold.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.layeronebasewear.com
- Instagram: @layeronebasewear.com
