Meet Karen Gleason of Glove It in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Gleason.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always loved fashion!

As a young girl, I sewed my own clothes and went on to graduate from ASU in Fashion Merchandising. I worked for a women’s clothing manufacturer and moved to New York to work in the garment district. After moving back to Phoenix, I teamed up with a friend and we started a women’s accessory company.

While out playing golf with girlfriends, I couldn’t help but notice the market for women’s golf gloves was in desperate need of feminine, fashionable options. So…off to the PGA Show I went in search of a glove manufacturer to team up with. That was 18 years ago and my hobby manufacturing leopard print golf gloves has grown.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an entrepreneur requires you to be tenacious. Starting and running a business is incredibly rewarding, but not without challenges.

I think most of my struggles along the way came hand-in-hand with growing…needing additional financing, finding overseas factories, and moving warehouses to name a few. As a small business, it is also difficult to compete with larger company employee compensation packages. I had to step up my employee benefits and have been rewarded with amazing long-term employees.

Glove It – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Glove It is women’s golf, tennis and active accessory company that sells to golf courses and golf specialty retailers worldwide. We design and manufacture golf bags, golf gloves, golf accessories and tennis and pickleball bags for the female fashion-conscious enthusiast.

We are best known for our stylish collections that come in a variety of patterns from florals, plaids and animal prints. Our gloves have matching visors and you can outfit your golf bag with coordinating club covers, towels and accessories. Everyone can find that special color or print that allows them to bring out their personal style…and maybe have a little more fun on the course! We all need the equipment and accessories to play…so why not look fabulous?

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I am so blessed and proud to have created a brand that is relevant in the golf industry. Nothing makes me happier than to see fellow female golfers on the course sporting Glove It!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gloveit.com
• Phone: 480-968-2021
• Email: karen@gloveit.com
• Instagram: gloveitgolf
• Facebook: gloveitllc
• Twitter: gloveitgolf

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