Outdoor and adventure apparel retailer, Title Nine, announced the winners of their fifth-annual Pitchfest Outdoor Edition. The retailer encourages women to risk, own, and lead and their outdoor and active wear website features apparel and accessories, 70% of which come from woman-owned companies. The Outdoor Edition is one of three Pitchfest programs the apparel retailer runs. Female entrepreneurs pitch their brands, show their products, and tell their stories to the panel of judges. Winner's products are sold on Title Nine's website and in their brick-and-mortar locations. They also join Movers & Makers, Title Nine's network of influential and collaborative women.
Nine finalists spent two days in Emeryville, California, for the ultimate empowerment event. According to a press release, the days were filled with mentoring clinics, orienteering, games, workouts, and networking opportunities with winners from previous years and women-led businesses like Velorosa, Wild Rye, and Oiselle.
The judges measured finalists on their branding, marketing, and sales pitches. By the end, three women were chosen as this year's winners: Margaux Elliot of Lume Six; Carina Hamel of Bivo; and Susan Clayton of WhitePaws RunMitts.
The 2022 Pitchfest Outdoor Edition prize winners get a mentorship with Title Nine founder Missy Park and other influential female business leaders. Their products will also be listed for sale on titlenine.com and will be showcased in select stores.
ObservaMe's Karen Fultx-Robinson will be mentored through the Title Nine community throughout 2023. In addition, Pitchfest Outdoor Edition began in 2018 to give female business owners insight into the very competitive lifestyle, athletic, and outdoor spaces.
Winner Carina Hamel said in the press release, "Pitchfest was an incredibly inspiring two days. I couldn't believe how amazing it felt to be in an environment created entirely by women. It's rare to be surrounded by 100% women leaders. Pitchfest fosters a positive and uplifting community made of like-minded, passionate women. Only good things can come out of that type of environment!"
