The Shirt That Started a Rebellion

The Shirt That Started a Rebellion

I had no business starting a business. No formal education or experience in apparel and e-commerce. Hell, I barely knew how to print a shipping label. But what I did have? A serious grudge against the idea that women over 40 should just shrink into the background and "act their age." Screw that.

It all started with a single shirt. Not one I made, but one I ordered from Custom Ink. It wasn’t just fabric and ink—it was a middle finger to every outdated notion about aging, strength, and what women are "supposed" to do after they hit a certain birthday.

At 45, I wasn’t buying into the whole "fade into the background" narrative. If anything, I was just getting started. The problem? The fitness industry—and society at large—seemed to have collectively decided that women over 40 were supposed to be either invisible or politely chasing after some unrealistic fountain of youth.

I wasn’t interested in either.

In 2017, I entered into a Masters Fitness competition with my gym bestie, wanting to throw down… and realized there wasn’t a single badass tank top to wear designed for women like us. It was frustrating searching for workout gear that didn’t scream either "suburban mom at spin class" or "wannabe Instagram influencer," I said, "Screw it, I’ll make my own." And just like that, Old Lady Gains was born (except not really, because the next six months were an absolute disaster).

The Shirt That Sparked a Movement

The first design was simple: an old lady and barbell icons with simple text that said "Old Lady Gains" and dash of unapologetic attitude. We had ordered two tanks. Just two. But the moment we posted them online, women flooded my DMs. "Where can I get one?" That’s when I knew—this wasn’t just a shirt. This was a rebellion. That’s when it hit me—if the industry wasn't making them, I will.

So, the first order from Custom Ink turned into another, then another. I started selling shirts from my a shoe rack in my spare bedroom closet, packing orders in the evenings when I got off of work. Eventually, I realized this wasn’t just a side hustle—it was something bigger. Women weren’t just buying shirts; they were buying into the rebellion. They were tagging me in posts, sharing their stories, and, most importantly, realizing they weren’t alone.

More Than a Shirt—A Statement

Today, Old Lady Gains is more than just the best apparel brand for women over 40. It’s a call to arms (literally, because muscles). It’s about showing up, taking up space, and never letting anyone dictate what you can or can’t do based on a number. It’s about rewriting the narrative and wearing that rebellion proudly—preferably in a soft, sweat-wicking tank.

That first shirt? It wasn’t just fabric with a graphic on it. It was a battle cry. And trust me, we’re just getting started.