Episode Summary
For decades Black and brown women have worn “nude” tights that made their legs look grey and ashy. Tahlia Gray got tired of it. Eight years, one startup loan, six years of side-hustling, and a pivotal investor introduction from Wray Forward later — Sheer Chemistry is the UK’s leading inclusive hosiery brand (and heading to North America). Hear the raw story of self-funding, 98 % survey validation, trademark battles, and why mainstream retailers finally said “yes” after 2020.
Chapters
[00:00] Intro & Powerbook 2025 Spotlight
[00:45] The problem: “Nude” tights that make brown legs look ashy
[01:42] Bootstrapping for 8 years while working full/part-time
[02:36] How Wray Forward pitch night turned a loss into major investment
[03:34] 98 % of 100+ women surveyed said they’d buy — instant validation
[04:29] Real customer stories: First dress in 15 years, ballet exam confidence
[05:51] 10 years ago retailers said “no demand” — post-2020 they begged
[07:45] Start small, prove UK demand, then scale globally
[08:43] One event, one question → introduction to UK’s biggest hosiery distributor
[11:34] Why colours can’t be trademarked (but shade names & slogans can)
[12:56] Next 5 years: Raise investment → mainstream UK retail → 17× growth in North America
Key Discussion Points
- 8 years self-funded + side jobs before significant outside capital
- 98 % survey respondents ready to buy inclusive tights
- Post-2020 shift: retailers went from “no demand” to desperate partnerships
- North America = 17× bigger opportunity than UK
- One networking event question unlocked the perfect manufacturer
Key Takeaways
- Your personal frustration is often the clearest market validation
- Networking > protecting your idea — no one will steal it (execution is everything)
- Post-2020 the appetite for inclusive beauty has permanently changed
- Trademark names, slogans and stories — not colours
Notable Quotes
- “I wanted tights that matched my skin tone… but they made my legs look grey and ashy.” – Tahlia Gray
- “98 % of women said they would buy — that was my green light.” – Tahlia Gray
- “One question at a fashion event led to the UK’s largest hosiery distributor introducing me to three manufacturers.” – Tahlia Gray
Actionable Insights for Businesses & Investors
- Retail buyers: Stock inclusive “nude” ranges now — the demand is proven and growing
- Founders: Ask one bold question at every event — connections beat NDAs
- Investors: Back proven consumer pain solutions (8 years bootstrapped + 98 % intent-to-purchase = low risk)
- Network intentionally: Eventbrite + “fashion + business” keywords changed everything for Tahlia
Resources
- Shop & discover shades → https://sheerchemistry.com
- Instagram & all socials → @sheerchemistry
- Wray Forward & Powerbook 2025 → https://www.wrayandnephew.com/wray-forwards
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