This Friday Underlines interviews the incomparable Molly Hopkins of LiviRae Lingerie, USA.
Molly Hopkins first opened the LiviRae Lingerie Shop in 2006 in Kennesaw, Georgia and has created a lingerie experience like no other. I first met Molly over ten years ago at Curve New York, she was buying lingerie for her store and was a force of nature! The following season at Curve she was being followed by a camera crew for the US show ‘Double Divas’ which followed the LiviRae business, and was often heartwarming and hysterical in equal measure. We have kept in touch over the years, and she is always so generous with her time and happy to discuss ideas and offer support to women in the lingerie industry. Her passion and enthusiasm for the industry is infectious, she truly loves what she does, and I know she changes lives when she’s doing it. She has stories for days, and really, who could resist that accent! Bok Goodall reports on a woman who has dedicated herself to other women, uplifting and supporting them in more ways than one.
Molly is 47 years old and studied music originally before transitioning into Bauder College, where she learned to sew and design. This is where she became truly intrigued about the fashion industry, clothing and intimate apparel.
Why the world of intimate apparel?
Since I can remember my grandmother could never find a place that offered bras for my bust volume and she would sew my bras so they would fit me properly. My personal bra journey began, and my interest peaked to fill the gap in the community for others who were experiencing the same challenges with full bust volumes. I yearned to fill the gap and provide a size inclusive judgment free zone for clients who were experiencing the same challenges as I had with no real resolution.
What is different about working in intimate apparel?
The thing that differentiates my boutique from others is we genuinely love what we do and the clients we service. We offer an environment where we provide the best service to our clients, and a full line of bras from size 28A-52-O.
A Typical Week in your life
My life is truly a roller coaster for the majority of my days, but I enjoy the ride. I spend the majority of my time at LiviRae Lingerie servicing our clients, and maintaining the administrative aspect of the business. Creating innovative ways to increase our overall local traffic and continue to engage the community. I serve as the President on the board of directors for I WILL Survive, which is a nonprofit organization that offers services to clients by providing economic support, prevention education, and health and wellness services to those at high risk and affected by breast cancer.
Those Special Moments in your career
Some of my most special moments during my career have been my connections I have been able to make along the way, with so many people in various aspects of my life who share the same experiences and goal to provide a great service.
If you were not working in retailing and intimate apparel fitting, then what do you think you would have done instead?
If I had not chosen to go into intimate apparel and fashion, I am sure I would have had a successful career in the music industry and orchestrated a mega choir.
What are your greatest challenges?
One of my biggest challenges is not being able to service clients nationwide or have the opportunity to further develop the business in additional states and locations. Currently the alternative is offering virtual bra fittings and hosting nationwide fit events with hopes that clients can secure an appointment which will provide them with the best bra options for their bust volumes.
Your proudest moment to date?
My proudest moment is the achievements with my children. My daughter Olivia Hopkins is coming into her own by following in my footsteps and learning the ins and outs of the business and being a sharp and super sales person within the business.
Your biggest mistake?
One of my biggest mistakes, I feel, is not establishing a true work/personal life balance, during this journey. I am finally coming to the realisation that it is essential to take the time for and with the ones you love just as much as it is important to be active in my role as the business owner at my boutique.
Any other ambitions you have yet to fulfil?
Having a bra store in every state.
The one product you cannot live without?
From a retail perspective the one thing I can’t live without are my retro thongs, they are super comfortable, with a wide waistband, and provide support in all the right places. The other product without a doubt is my Plexus Probiotics which keep my gut health on track and help me maintain a healthy weight.
And what about your time out?
In the past, I have not always had free time or taken the time to really spend with myself or my family. This year is the beginning of me finally taking time to further develop myself and strengthen my relationships with my family as a whole.
Pet Hate?
Lying and theft, because even if the truth hurts, it’s better than a lie, and I would give the shirt off my back.
And I love all animals but am highly allergic!!
