Interview With Charisse Pasche, Co-Founder and COO at Dapper Boi

Welcome to this edition of Founder Spotlight, where we introduce Charisse Pasche, a prominent entrepreneur known for co-founding Dapper Boi, an innovative clothing line focused on all-gender and body-inclusive apparel. In 2015, Charisse Pasche and her wife, Vicky Pasche, co-founded the brand to address the lack of stylish, inclusive clothing options for diverse body types and gender expressions sparked by Vicky’s struggle to find an outfit for their wedding. Let’s join Charisse to learn more about Dapper Boi.

What inspired you to start Dapper Boi, and how did you identify the market gap for all-gender , body-inclusive apparel? 

Dapper Boi started in 2015 because Vicky, my wife, couldn’t find clothing that fit her style and body shape. We realized there was a significant gap in the market for all-gender, body-inclusive apparel that made everyone feel confident and comfortable. We wanted to create a brand that broke the mold of traditional fashion, offering stylish, well-fitting clothes for all body types and gender expressions.

30,000+ Customers with a 51% Returning Customer Rate is amazing. What specific skills or experiences of yours do you feel helped fuel your success in the eCommerce industry?

Vicky and I both have backgrounds in marketing and customer relations and it has been pivotal in fueling our success. Understanding customer needs and creating a brand that resonates with our community has been key. Our experience in digital marketing has allowed us to effectively reach and engage our target audience, while a focus on exceptional customer service has helped build strong, lasting relationships with our customers.

How has the eCommerce landscape evolved since you launched Dapper Boi, and what strategies have you implemented to stay competitive in this dynamic environment?

The eCommerce landscape has become more competitive and customer-centric. We’ve adapted by focusing on direct-to-consumer strategies, leveraging data analytics to understand customer behavior, and continuously improving our online shopping experience. We’ve also embraced social media and influencer marketing to build a strong online presence and community around our brand.

Recently, you eliminated pre-orders to streamline the purchasing process. How has this decision impacted customer satisfaction and your overall business operations?

Eliminating pre-orders has significantly improved customer satisfaction by reducing wait times and simplifying the purchasing process. It has also streamlined our operations, allowing us to manage inventory more effectively and ensure timely delivery of products. This change has helped enhance the overall shopping experience for our customers.

How has the rise of social media and digital marketing impacted your business, and what platforms have been most successful for you?

Social media and digital marketing have been game-changers for Dapper Boi. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have allowed us to connect with our audience in authentic ways, showcase our products, and build a loyal community. Influencer partnerships and user-generated content have been particularly successful in driving engagement and sales.

Can you share your experience on Shark Tank and how it has influenced Dapper Boi’s journey and growth since then?

Our Shark Tank experience was incredible. It gave us national exposure and validated our brand. Although we didn’t get a deal, the feedback and visibility we received were invaluable. It helped us refine our business strategy and accelerated our growth by attracting new customers and investors. It also has given us additional television opportunities like our most recent CBS Mornings segment. 

Could you tell us how significant the investment from Alternative Wealth Partners was and how being a part of their network is?

The investment from Alternative Wealth Partners was a major milestone for Dapper Boi and came at the perfect time, just when we needed serious capital to scale our brand. With a 51% repeat customer rate, our loyal base wanted more, but we lacked the funds to invest in additional inventory. After nearly two years of searching for a lead investor, our conversation with Kelly was incredibly easy. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community and a customer who connected with our brand and mission through social media, she understood us perfectly. It was the ideal alignment.

Since then, her investment has significantly boosted our growth and visibility. Kelly has also been an invaluable mentor, providing us with amazing connections and insightful business advice. It provided us with the capital to expand our product line and scale our operations. Being part of their network has opened doors to valuable resources, mentorship, and connections that have been instrumental in our continued growth.

Since its founding in 2015, Dapper Boi has experienced impressive revenue growth and outstanding valuation figures. What have been some of the key milestones in your growth journey?

Some key milestones include our successful crowdfunding campaigns, launching new product lines, and securing investment from Alternative Wealth Partners. Additionally, our appearance on Shark Tank, CBS Mornings, and Show Her The Money, and hitting significant sales targets have been pivotal moments. These milestones have helped solidify our brand’s position in the market and fuel our continued expansion.

What strategies do you have for Dapper Boi, particularly in disrupting the market in the coming years?

Our strategy involves expanding our product range, enhancing our online shopping experience, and increasing our presence in physical retail locations. We’re also focused on sustainability initiatives and continuing to build a strong, inclusive community. By staying true to our mission of offering stylish, body-inclusive apparel, we aim to disrupt the fashion industry and set new standards for inclusivity and representation.

Given that LGBTQ+ founded companies receive less than 1% of VC funding, how has Dapper Boi navigated this landscape to secure investment, and what advice do you have for other LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs seeking funding?

Navigating the VC landscape has been challenging, but we’ve focused on building a strong brand, demonstrating market demand, and creating a compelling business case. Our founder story, which was a central focus in the documentary “Show Her The Money,” has been a powerful tool in connecting with investors and showcasing our journey. Networking, persistence, and leveraging our community have been crucial. My advice to other LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs is to stay authentic, build a solid business plan, and seek out investors who align with your values and mission. Don’t be afraid to share your unique story – it’s your greatest asset.