Does this scene sound familiar? You’re sitting at the pool with the kids, and of course, one needs to go to the bathroom. So you jump up, grab a Star Wars or Frozen towel, quickly wrap it around your bum, and head briskly to the (yuck!) pool bathroom to supervise. There’s nothing glam about that, right? Well, today’s Smarty mom has got it all {literally} covered (well, the glam part – you’re own your own with that pool bathroom).
Meet Virginia Christianson. I met Virginia a couple of years ago at Pure Barre. She’s a fellow teacher, student, Pure Barre-obsessed mom who just so happens to have started her own clothing line with her equally amazing sister, Harriet. You’ll read more below about how VAHA was born, but let’s just say these two ladies are on to something. VAHA just started this year (the name might sound familiar to you because they were a part of our 2015 Smarty Mother’s Day Giveaway), and they’re already hustling to keep up with production. I am so, SO proud of the hard work, creativity, and big dreams these two ladies have.
She’s funny, smart, genuine, self-deprecating (one of my fave qualities in a person!), witty, and oh-so-stylish. She makes me laugh EVERY time I see her. Enjoy getting to know her and start thinking now about what color combo your cape is going to be because I KNOW you’re going to fall in love with ’em.
Smarty Mom: Virginia Christianson
Smarty Mom Stats:
Married to: Trey, 17 years
Children: Harriet (13yrs) William (11years)
Years in Charlotte: Moved from Boston 11 years ago
Hometown: Charlotte/Cotswold
Neighborhood: Eastover
Alma Mater: College of Charleston
You and your sister, Harriet created the VAHA line. What inspired you to create it? Need was the inspiration. I was throwing my towel around me while on Spring Break, as pulling my coverup over my head was too much of a hassle, to run to get a refill or grab lunch when I was wet. I thought there has got to be a better solution. And now I have it in our VAHA cape; it is chic and easy to wear. It is always behind me at the pool, or beach, for a quick grab!
What keeps your creativity flowing? My sister and I are very visual. We see things we like and we share. We introduce ideas of color and style from the things that inspire us in art, clothing, flowers, fabric, textiles. I have always loved working with textiles and colors. My sister has a passion for art and between the two of us, we can’t stop the creativity from flowing.
Tell us about the process of creating your own clothing company. As I said VAHA first came out of need so when the thought came to me I immediately called my sister. We have tossed around ideas for years. This idea is the first one from which I heard an immediate and excited: yes! So, I knew we were going to do it. It has taken many capes and many changes, and now we are very pleased with our product.
Did you come across any big roadblocks in the process? How did you get over them? I think the biggest roadblock has been keeping up with production. We are a small company and want to keep everything made here in the USA. Not a bad problem to have, but it is going to be an interesting, and hopefully exciting transition.
How do you want women who wear a VAHA cape to feel? Chic, effortless, confident. The last one is a tough one for some of us in a bathing suit. But the VAHA really is an amazing how it covers just the right places yet shows enough skin to be a little sexy. The linen is key to the actual comfort of the cape; it is cool and breezy. It is a success all around for all women offering a glam look, with the breathable affects of linen.
What’s next for VAHA? What do you and Harriet envision for this company? We are presently trying to map out our long term vision, which has been difficult only because we get sidetracked by the busyness of everyday decisions. We are starting to sell in stores. And we are hoping to spread the word via social media, and promote our online sales to everyone. We think we have a product that is truly revolutionary in its own way. Getting the word out is our job at this point.
You’re also a fellow Pure Barre teacher (you’re one busy lady!!). What do you love about Pure Barre? Prior to Pure Barre, I wasn’t really a big exerciser. I liked walking, but not so much taking a scheduled class. So when I took PB for the first time I was intimidated. When the class was over I was so pleased I survived! But, then I realized it felt like the class went by so quickly. It remains a challenge even today, and the class still passes quickly. That is what I love about PB (and my sister too!).
What do you love most about teaching? When I have a class with good energy and clients that push themselves it is super fun.
What’s your fave Pure Barre move? Without a doubt it is the thigh exercise lying on your back. It is such a good one for anyone to get their shake on and keep any arch out of the back.
What would you say to someone who’s too scared to try Pure Barre? My friends would take me to aerobic classes to get their giggle on (I was always wrong direction on those step things) so if I can do PB ANYONE can. You have to take your first class with a big smile and some good laughs, but every class it just gets better and better.
Now for some fun questions….
Last book read? The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins. I am all about a good beach read!
Family’s favorite homecooked meal? I do love to cook, but I am not sure we will get a consensus on favorite. Trey and I are big fans of the grill. We just switched from our gas to charcoal with a starter. Hard to beat that!
Favorite clothing designer? Ooooh! now this is a tough! There are so many lines that I admire from a distance (will have to sell a few more VAHAs). I think Coral on East Blvd is one of my favorite places because they carry labels that I have not heard of, and they always has a little edge to the clothes.
Fave jewelry designer? This is not as hard for me. I am obsessed with DePetra jewelry. It is a line created by two sisters as well, and the colors, stone combinations and craftsmanship blows my mind.
Go-to outfit for a girls’ night out? You know it depends on the week. I am an easy, dress girl by day (now that is if I get out of my Pure Barre gear) but at night I tend to go to jeans.
Favorite color combination? I have loved pink and orange forever!
Best song to work out to? I can’t pick! But nothing makes it better than some good tunes. Pure Barre has got some good playlists for sure.
If you had a tattoo, what would it be? Maybe I do? 🙂
Starbucks order? Venti, nonfat latte (I add tons of cinnamon)
Family’s favorite restaurant in town? Zios. Everyone likes it and we can hop on our bikes and go.
Best day trip from Charlotte? We are season pass holders at the White Water Center. I love it out there!
Best part of being a Charlotte native? Having my parents down the street.
Best vacation spot to sport a VAHA cape? Mine has been Mexico. I can’t tell you how nice it is to have something right at your shoulders when you need to jump up and grab something quickly. I feel good in it too!
Finish this sentence: I want my kids to remember that I…love them beyond words but also feel it is so important to take care of all kids in this world. Everyone matters!
