Meet Norma Bilbo of Bilbo Sportswear in Downtown Phoenix on Roosevelt Row

Today we’d like to introduce you to Norma Bilbo.

Norma, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in a little town called Emmett, which is located about 10 miles from Hope, Arkansas. My parents had seven boys & five girls, me being the second to the youngest.

My mother was an excellent seamstress. She taught me how to use a sewing machine. My mother also taught me how to identify and recognize the contents of fabrics for the perfect design. This is very important! At the tender age of 13, I made my first dress and sold it to my favorite aunt.

I remember sitting in class my junior year thinking about how I wanted to own my own studio and to sell my creations. (this was my dream).

I graduated May 16, 1971, from Blevins High School. The next day I left to pursue my dream.

After visiting family and friends, I met my soul mate, Terry L. Bilbo at Lowry Air Force Base, Denver, Colorado where he was in training. We have been married for 47 years. We have two wonderful children (Randi & Troy) and two beautiful granddaughters (Ysabella & Anaiyah Bilbo).

During my European travels with my husband, I enhanced my designing and sewing abilities in the European markets. I had the opportunity to be the costume designer for the United States Air Force Show Case that traveled all over Europe singing and dancing. (a wonderful opportunity).

We left Europe and moved to New Mexico in 1987. This is where Bilbo Sportswear was born. I produced a line of southwest design baggy pants with matching tops that took off like wildfire! I was also a professional racquetball player at the time (3rd in the world 1989) so I created comfortable gym wear as well.

My drive is to make comfortable clothing that will FIT & FEEL GOOD TO THE BODY at competitive pricing.

In 1993, my family moved to Phoenix, Arizona and I hit the ground running. I opened up my first storefront in Glendale, AZ where I spent 11 years developing the Bilbo Brand. During that time, I came into my niche of custom bodybuilding competition suits when a female bodybuilder approached me to create a custom suit to fit her body. I saw a great need for bodybuilding athletes to be able to showcase their physiques in quality, custom fit apparel and I was right there to fulfill that need. I spent the next 14 years honing my craft and creating the most luxurious stage bikinis, figure suits, and competitive apparel.

In 2010, Bilbo Sportswear got a timely and impressive overhaul when my beloved daughter, Randi Bilbo joined the company full time. With her background in design and business management, she was able to catapult the company into new international markets and streamline operations. She has spearheaded the company’s marketing and branding efforts to what it is today. Randi also takes the lead in handling client consultations and suit designs; selecting the perfect fabric and crystal combinations for clients. Our system is set up to flow seamlessly from consultation to my area of manufacturing each item.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Today I have been in business for 32 years. What a blessing! The road thus far has been somewhat challenging but not too difficult. There are certain quotes and phrases I live by:
1. When creating something you love – you will never tire from it and it doesn’t seem like work.
2. If you can create something from scratch that you love­ — you will always have money.
3. Do it right the first time.
4. Always treat your customers with respect.
5. Never trust a salesman (do your homework)
6. When they go low, you go HIGH!! (famous words from Michelle Obama)

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Sportswear/bodybuilding/competition bikini/gym wear/pageant swimwear/wrestling/ DESIGNER.

We custom design and make competition suits to include: bodybuilders, bikinis, figure suits, physique suits, classic physique shorts, and angel wings. We also carry a very nice line of workout gear, photo shoot sports model tops and shorts, stage shoes, swimwear, jewelry, hoodies, muscle top for men, just to name a few.

We have had the pleasure of working with clients from all over the world; i.e. Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Tahiti, Mexico, and many more.

One of my proudest moments is when I designed and produced the first T-back crystal connector back in 2015. Since it’s creation, I have been able to develop it over the years to be the one and only luxury bikini embellishment that is distinctly Bilbo Sportswear. Even though in recent years, low cost imitations of my connector design have popped up, people still recognize our signature design and remain loyal to the brand. They are just not interested in compromising the integrity of a custom competition suit with cheap materials. And that is something to be very proud of!

Our prices are competitive but never do they compromise quality. We are firm believers in “you get what you pay for” . Superior craftsmanship coupled with high-quality materials makes for a product worth every penny.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were just starting out?
For me, I have always followed my heart and have never strayed away from my childhood dream of becoming a clothing designer. I learned over my career that hard times made me stronger and good times made me appreciate getting through the hard ones.

I learned that I had to always go above and beyond and be 100 times better than the competition to make and sustain my mark in the industry.

I learned that to always treat others with respect and be upfront and honest in all my dealings. It never hurts to give a little.

Contact Info:

• Address: BILBO SPORTSWEAR
  610 E ROOSEVELT STREET SUITE 149
  PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004
• Website: www.bilbosportswear.com
• Phone: 623-910-2022
• Email: info@bilbobaggs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bilbosportswear/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bilbosportswear/

Image Credit:
Mack Visual Photo, Alvin Johnson Photography, Michael Brooks Photography, Images by Seb, Mack Visual Photo, Prime 24 Photography

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