"How did we ever live without Bumwraps?
"It's a practical and fun way to add a splash of fashion to your workout wardrobe and a trend that's sure to catch on," said customer Lynne Taikowski.
"Love your idea Flavin sistas!"
Amey Flavin Simonds graduated with the class of 1979 from . Her sister Liz Flavin graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall but stays in touch with her NCHS class of 1975. Today the sisters who each have three children, live close by each other in Fairfield.
Simonds got the idea for itsabumwrap at a dance class. She wanted something to wear over her workout pants and leggings that would fashionably cover her derriere and compliment her hips -- in and out of class.
By cutting the straps off one of her camisoles and making a few adjustments, Simonds created the first functional version of a bumwrap.
She shared the idea with her sister who is a veteran in the fashion industry. "Fashion can change in a heartbeat," Flavin said. "When I saw Amey's prototype, I knew we had a hit on our hands."
The two women started wearing their eye catching samples around town and soon got queries from female dance, yoga, pilates, running and workout enthusiasts ranging from ages 8 to 80.
More than three dozen designs made of a body hugging blend of nylon and spandex are now available in their online store.
"The reception that "itsabumwrap" has gotten so far is incredible," Simonds said. "We're already working on our next collection."
"Every woman's black exercise pants needs a flash of style, color and coverage," said Gail Keegan another bumwrap wearer. "I never leave home without one on now and not just to exercise. I wear my velvet one out with my jeans."
The Flavin sisters were sponsors for Moffly's Women in Business Event at The Dolce Center in Norwalk last month and said it was a good night for bumwraps.
Amidst much buzz on the fashionable functionality of their product and its catchy name, placed an order for their New Canaan store and for their other stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Inspired by fashion, fitness and entrepreneurship, Flavin says she is guided daily from a quote by Goethe, "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now."
"I envision It's A bumwrap growing into a successful company," she told About Town, "One that inspires and encourages other women to fulfill their dreams as well."
