About
Leah Powell
SparkleSkirts Founder and “Queen Mum of Sparkle”
Leah Powell, SparkleSkirts Founder and Queen Mum of Sparkle
I started SparkleSkirts innocently enough in 2008 when I whipped up some sparkly skirts for my running group to wear at the inaugural Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World.
In that race—and every race since—people have asked “Where did you get those skirts?” That’s when my passion for both creativity and fitness shifted into high gear!
Professionally, I have worked as a graphic designer and illustrator, muralist and trompe l’oeil artist, and as a maternity fashion designer. After recognizing the need in the market for comfortable, efficient and FUN athletic wear, my husband and I invested our life savings into SparkleSkirts.
I just knew that if I had such an issue with my cricket thighs and lack of places to carry my running gear, others might have the same complaints!
After decades of teaching fitness classes, I took on my first full marathon at the age of 55 (prompted by a 64-year-old friend), so I know what it’s like to work hard for a goal.
I believe that everyone out there exercising—whether they move like a penguin, a cheetah, or something in between—should be celebrated and honored for their achievements.
Please read my blog post for more on my philosophy of walking for health.
How better can I serve my fellow fitness enthusiasts than to create apparel that fits, flatters and furthers their fitness aspirations? It’s one of my greatest goals in life!
Tom Powell
Queen Mum Leah (in blue) with the full-time staff of Suncoast Trends in St. Petersburg Florida who pour their love into YOUR SparkleSkirt! Thank you!
First Dude of Sparkle
Behind every SparkleSkirt is the love and encouragement of Leah’s hubby, Tom. He is also an avid runner and walker, and he helps man the expo booths, packs and ships SparkleSkirts, and manages some of the $ side of the biz.
In addition, Tom runs ShowMeTheMedals; a subsidy of SparkleSkirts devoted to creating humorous and motivational race medal racks.
SparkleSkirts sewing staff
Every SparkleSkirt product you buy keeps Americans employed because we sew all our products in the United States.
Of course, the most important person at SparkleSkirts is YOU! Please check out our SparkleSisters page to check out the other fun, sparkly ladies that we have the pleasure of serving with our products.
