Life & Work with Tori Wells

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Wells. Her team shared her story with us.:

Feline Apparel Brand, Inc. also known as Feline Apparel, was founded in the summer of 2018 by Tori Wells. She saw an opportunity to create a women’s athleisure wear brand that prioritized both fashion and comfort. Originally named “Black Feline,” the company was rebranded due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback of the infamous “feline.” logo. Her vision is to provide every woman no matter their size, with high-quality, stylish pieces that are versatile enough to be worn both in and out of the gym.

From the beginning, Feline Apparel has been committed to providing its customers with a truly exceptional experience. The brand’s customer service is second-to-none, and we are always looking for ways to improve our products and offerings to better serve our customers. As the brand has grown, Feline Apparel has become a beloved fixture within the Nashville community. Our athleisure wear has been worn by various influencers and we have been featured in numerous publications and media outlets.

Today, Feline Apparel continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in the athleisure wear industry. With a focus on comfort, style, and quality, the brand is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come. We believe that every woman deserves to feel confident and empowered in her own skin, and our mission is to provide her with the perfect athletic wear to make that a reality.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our road to sustaining Feline Apparel has not been a cup of tea however we have made some tremendous strides while continuing to hone in on our mission and vision. Some of the challenges we still face today: are access to resources such as capital, business networks, partnerships, and mentorships.

As a black woman entrepreneur, I have on many occasions faced challenges accessing these resources due to systemic inequalities and biases. Discrimination can very much still be prevalent in business so because of this, I initially started Feline Apparel by bootstrapping simply because it was impossible to secure funding and partnerships due to my race and gender.

The fashion industry has historically been dominated by white male designers as well so the lack of representation of black women in the industry is another challenge I still struggle with. Getting my brand noticed and creating brand awareness has been a continuous project in addition to having to navigate how to balance my personal identity as a black woman with the branding and marketing of Feline Apparel.

The decisions I make surrounding branding, marketing, and the message I want Feline Apparel to convey has to be authentic to my personal identity and still appeal to a broader audience.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As the founder and CEO of Feline Apparel Brand, Inc., I am proud to lead a women’s athleisure wear brand that embodies the perfect fusion of comfort, fashion, and empowerment. At Feline Apparel, we believe that every woman deserves to feel confident and empowered in her own skin, and our mission is to provide her with the perfect athletic wear to make that a reality.

What sets Feline Apparel apart from other women’s athleisure wear brands is our unwavering commitment to creating comfortable luxury athletic wear that not only feels amazing but also looks fashionable. We understand that today’s modern woman wants to look good and feel good, whether she’s working out, running errands, or simply enjoying her leisure time. Our unique blend of style, comfort, and functionality makes Feline Apparel a standout brand in the industry.

As a black woman entrepreneur, I bring my unique perspective and experience to the athleisure wear industry. I am deeply passionate about promoting diversity, inclusion, and empowerment through my brand, and I strive to create a brand that is inclusive, representative, and authentic. My personal journey and cultural background inspire and inform the vision and values of Feline Apparel, setting us apart as a brand that is committed to making a positive impact beyond just fashion.

At Feline Apparel, we are not just selling athletic wear, but also promoting a lifestyle that encourages women to be confident, comfortable, and fashionable in all aspects of their lives. With our exceptional quality, unparalleled style, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Feline Apparel stands out as a brand that truly understands and caters to the diverse needs and desires of today’s modern women.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a young child, I was introduced to the world of dance at the tender age of 3, igniting a lifelong passion for movement, expression, and creativity. Dance quickly became an integral part of my life, and I poured my heart and soul into honing my skills, pushing my boundaries, and exploring the limitless possibilities of the art form.

In addition to my love for dance, I was also a dedicated honors student, excelling in my studies and always striving for academic excellence. My inquisitive mind, thirst for knowledge, and creative flair extended beyond the dance studio, and I often found myself sketching designs of clothes, fascinated by the world of fashion and its power to convey self-expression and individuality.

Growing up, I was a unique blend of artistic talent, academic prowess, and a deep passion for movement and fashion.

My days were filled with dance rehearsals, academic challenges, and moments of creative expression through sketching and designing.

This combination of my love for dance, my academic achievements, and my creative instincts laid the foundation for my future career in fashion and ultimately led me to establish Feline Apparel Brand, Inc., a women’s athleisure wear brand that embodies my multifaceted personality and passion for empowering women through comfortable luxury athletic wear that also embodies fashion and leisure.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.felineapparel.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/felineapparelbrand
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/felineapparelbrand
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/felineapparelbr
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@felineapparelbrand

Image Credits
VOL. IV, Khay Renee, and DPledger Photography