Meet Cass Hoverson | Founder of Crummy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cass Hoverson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cass, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Sacrifices can be a good thing.

Before starting Crummy, I worked as a Graphic Designer in the corporate world. It was a stable 9-5 job with more money than I’ve ever earned before. Crummy had been a dream of mine for a long time, but I wasn’t able to make the jump because I was afraid of losing a stable income.

Once the pandemic hit, I realized that life is shorter than we thought. I decided to sacrifice my income to make my dream a reality. After I made the decision, I literally became a different person. I’m not saying that this is for everyone. It’s been a lot of hard work, but I do encourage it for anyone who has a deep desire to do what they love.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Crummy is a size- and gender-inclusive clothing brand where each garment is made from thrifted materials. Each piece is handmade and priced lower than other gender-neutral brands on the market.

I started Crummy because there was a need for it. I would watch my friends struggle to find clothing stores that made them feel seen. And the few gender-neutral brands/collections that are out there are still considered “niche”, so brands can get away with marking them at a really high price.

I’ve always enjoyed sewing. My grandmother taught me when I was 12, so I’ve been going at it for some time. In college, I remember randomly making a top. I posted it on Instagram. One of my friends called me and asked if anyone had claimed it. When I told them it was all theirs, they burst into tears. They said no other garment has made them feel so seen. That’s when I came up with the idea. It sat (and sat….. and sat) in my brain for about 5 years. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I actually turned that dream into a reality. COVID-19 really put the “life is too short” mantra into my head. I was a shell of a human at my corporate job, so I decided to chase happiness rather than money. That’s when Crummy was born.

My hope with Crummy is to make everyone, no matter how they identify, feel seen, sexy, and satisfied.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
After picking up my friend from the airport, I would take them to Jobot in downtown Phoenix. Their patio has the best people-walking-their-dogs view (I am a huge dog person).

I would make sure they see the Botanical Gardens – that’s always a killer spot. Not only is the vegetation unlike any other place, but there are lizards everywhere. They’re so cute.

I would definitely take them to Sedona for an overnight camping trip. The town has cute, kitschy stuff that is sure to please anyone. The natural swimming holes and hikes that Sedona has to offer are unmatched. At night, you can see nearly every star that exists. You may also see some UFOs…

Back in Phoenix, I would take them to the Grand Ave arts district. There, you can get tea, records, plants, you name it – all from local small businesses. Bikini Lounge is a must, especially on their DJ nights. The secret garden is also a must!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my grandmother for teaching me how to sew at age 12, my friends for inspiring Crummy and always being willing to model my garments, BBQ Pringles, and my parents for believing in me.

Website: crummyclothes.com

Instagram: crummy.clothes

Other: Tik Tok: @crummyclothes