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

Hi Erin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I first embarked on this journey, I wasn’t necessarily thinking, “oh! I can turn this idea into a business!” It was more a mixture of frustration and deep-rooted conviction that women deserve more.

Pregnancy and nursing changed my body, and I just wanted to wear clothes that made me feel like me again. I knew there were more women grappling with similar struggles and I also knew I could help. I hated the way I felt and it became my mission to keep other women from experiencing the same body image turmoil I went through.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was incredibly naïve when I started Livi Lu Lane jumping in without any design, manufacturing, production, or supply chain experience. I didn’t have contacts or influence in the industry. I didn’t have investors or lots of capital. But I had deep conviction that women deserve better – and as it turns out you can figure out the rest.

We approach bra design differently and help women achieve their desired look, regardless of breast size or shape, whereas traditional bras are designed to fit the (actual) size of a woman’s breasts. She takes her measurements and purchases the corresponding bra based off the size she measures.

But, what if she is unhappy with her size? What if she is asymmetrical with different sized breasts and doesn’t like the imbalance? What if her breast tissue has changed and her bra cups feel less full than what she desires? What if her breast size makes her feel self-conscious in clothing?

For women struggling with these issues, the available bras will not help. The only option I found was plastic surgery. PLASTIC SURGERY?! So, Livi Lu Lane is changing that by providing accessible options and solutions that allow women to create the shape they want when they want it.

Our designs include a signature internal pocket where an (optional) insert can be placed. The inserts add volume, replace tissue loss, and create shape — think of it as a bra she fills-up, not a push-up bra. The inserts are filled with a water/oil mixture for a breast-like feel. They come in three different sizes for customization based on personal preference or her individual experience with changing breast tissue.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Greenville! It’s a great mix of big city activity and action with a small town feel intimacy. There is always so much to do. Our kids’ activities and schedules keep us pretty busy but we love taking advantage of all the city has to offer whenever we can. The Peace Center brings in incredible shows along with local performances at the Greenville Theatre. We are very lucky to have many great places to eat but my favorites are White Duck Taco, Myles Pizza Pub, and Camp. And breweries are always fun too and we get more and more every year. We love Yee-Haw Brewing, Fireforge, The Either State Brewing Co.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am incredibly fortunate for the amazing support system that surrounds me, providing guidance, motivation, and encouragement but without my husband, Livi Lu Lane would not exist.

Marc has been unwavering in his support for Livi Lu Lane’s from the very beginning. In fact, he was the first person I talked to about the idea. I went to him demanding his attention while shaking an old bra in his face. I had “Frankenstein stitched” these bra pads into the cup so I could fill it out like I used to and said, “This should exist. I shouldn’t have to go through all of this just to feel like myself in my clothes.”

He could have said a thousand things in that moment, but he said… “I love it. Do it.” Those five words changed everything. His clear, unmistakably confident response was the springboard I needed to charge forward. I’m not sure he knows what a critical moment that was or how different things could have looked if that conversation went another way. ⠀
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There have been a million more moments like this one along the way and I will never be able to adequately express how much his support means to me.

Website: https://www.livilulane.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livilulane/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmehagan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiviLuLane

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ZIxW72X4PIvpWlBJ50lvA

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@livilulane

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.