Meet Dee Riley of Thickumms in North Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Riley.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Thickumms is an Arizona based creative plus size online boutique that caters to Curvy Women. My business partner and husband, Todd Riley of Dionte’s Pixels started Thickumms with a mission to be a voice for everyday plus size women by representing them in a more positive, sexier and appealing light. Thickumms is driven by empowering women to embrace their curves with love and confidence; no matter her shape, size, height, ethnicity or sexuality.

We started with one t-shirt, “No Fucks Given” in 2015; which is still our top selling T-shirt, today. Later that year we were excited to be partners with Amber McCullough and Ex Reed of CityBuzz to bring in the new year of 2016 with a Thickumms’ TV commercial which was shown on VH1 and MTV. The following year in 2016, we participated in the first Miss Arizona Plus America pageant organized by Queen Christina Joy by offering our signature t-shirts in the event’s swag bags. We were then invited to join the Roots Fashion Show presented by Eve and Dominic Clark of Charm and Royalty in our lively breakthrough walk on the runway. We also had the pleasure of having some of our clothing sold by then Nickle City Clothing and Books Store, owned by Cynthia Scott.

One of our proudest moments happened in 2017 when we presented our very own first fashion show, “Thick and Sip” hosted by TeeCee Eichelberger, founder of QWEENDOM. This event was filled with excellence with DJPest and musical talents: CityLyfe and Just the Empress of Arizona and Princess Taylor of Michigan. Our models: SRenae Perkins, Patricia Noguez, Michelle Noguez, Sabrina Ferguson, Vi the Dancer, Shimian Jonquil, Shontrelle Bibbs, Tacorey Williams, Romekia Brown, Lisa Dunker-Furch and Erin Tyler worked their magic representing the soul and heart of Thickumms. Photographers: Cheryl Dunn of Loki-Vision Image Lab and Kendra Townsend of Vision2Lens Productions captured every moment of the event. This is one event that will always be remembered.

Our merchandise now includes leggings, dresses, intimates, and accessories. We pride ourselves in creating quality clothing that is unique and true to size. We believe every woman has her own beauty no matter the extra fluff or the lack of it. This is what we want to share with not only the plus size community but the world. We also provide custom clothing not only for women but for men and children. Over the years, we have worked silently behind the scenes creating custom clothing for other brands in Arizona, Nevada, and Michigan.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would love to say my experience starting Thickumms has been a delightfully easy journey. But I’d be lying if I said it was (giggles). There have been many challenges with starting Thickumms especially for a person like myself that has no prior experience as a business owner or a fashion designer. I had no clue of what I was doing in regards to marketing and gaining a solid audience needed to allow Thickumms to thrive as a business and a movement in the plus size community. However, the thing about challenges, if you don’t learn to push through them you won’t be able to succeed. The challenges Thickumms has encountered has only made us a stronger and better brand.

Please tell us about Thickumms.
I am most proud to be the owner of Thickumms. We are known for encouraging women to have more confidence to embrace and love themselves more: one t-shirt and a pair of leggings at a time. The thing that sets us apart from others is that we’re honest, sincere and genuine. We put our heart into everything we do.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over there would be only one thing I would do differently. That one thing would be starting the business/movement of Thickumms much earlier!

Contact Info:

• Website:  www.thickumms.com
• Email: info@thickumms.com
• Instagram: @thickummsdotcom

Image Credit:
Cheryl Dunn, Vince Lee

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