Charlotte: A New Wave of Women in Golf and Fashion
In a delightful twist of fate, the city of Charlotte is becoming a hub for both golfing and innovative fashion. As the number of women golfers continues to rise, so does the demand for stylish and functional golf apparel. According to the National Golf Foundation, the percentage of female golfers hit a record high of 26% in the past year, compared to just 20% back in 2011. This trend reflects not only a growing love for the game among women but also the strides being made in supporting their participation.
Enter Blair Hedley: The Visionary Behind Beldrie
Meet Blair Hedley, a spirited entrepreneur who launched her women’s golf apparel company, Beldrie, during the pandemic. Like many of us, she had some unexpected time on her hands while working from home and binge-watching Netflix. Her fiancé, an avid golfer, was enjoying sunny days on the golf course while she was stuck inside. Feeling a bit envious, Hedley decided it was time to try golf for herself. Little did she know that this new hobby would spark a business idea.
Creating a New Standard in Women’s Golf Fashion
Blair quickly realized that the options for women golfers were painfully limited. With choices often boiled down to simply shrinking men’s designs or floral patterns more suited for older audiences, she thought, “This can be better!” This went on to fuel her creative juices as she envisioned a line of apparel that was modern, fun, and functional.
In the summer of 2023, Beldrie burst onto the scene with four unique items crafted for the golf course – a sleek mock neck top, a cropped casual polo, a quarter-zip pullover, and a trendy skort. Priced between $80 to $110, these clothes are not just fashionable; they also offer practicality with pockets for golf essentials like balls and tees. And the best part? They can be flaunted on or off the course.
More Than Just an Online Store
Beldrie operates exclusively online, a clever move that allows Hedley to maintain better control over sales and customer engagement. “It really helps us build a community,” she explains, “plus, we can gather valuable insights on what our customers love.” The strategy seems to be paying off, with sales reportedly doubling each month since their launch, prompting Hedley to start placing restock orders for her popular items.
Empowering Women Golfers Everywhere
The timing for Beldrie couldn’t be better. The golfing industry has seen a net increase of 1.4 million female golfers since 2019, which surpasses the 900,000 increase in male golfers. Young women and girls are showing a particularly strong interest in the sport, indicating a shift that Hedley is thrilled to be a part of.
Looking Ahead
With a solid business foundation and bright ideas for future items set to release in spring 2024, the future is looking rosy for Beldrie. She hopes to attract even more golfers and fashion enthusiasts alike, especially as major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas approach. After all, in Charlotte, the golf season proves to be year-round!
A Name of Her Own
Interestingly, the name “Beldrie” came about after testing several other names that didn’t work out due to trademark issues. Hedley mentions she wanted something catchy and memorable while also navigating the complexities of trademark laws. “It’s funny how that process turned into a little adventure itself,” she chuckles. What began as an idea rooted in personal passion and industry observation has blossomed into a growing business aiming to redefine women’s golf wear.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Women
As Beldrie continues to grow in Charlotte, it’s not just about the clothes. It’s about creating a space for women in golf to feel comfortable, confident, and stylish. Blair Hedley’s journey reflects a broader shift in the golfing community, showcasing how even in the midst of challenges, new opportunities can arise. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just starting out, it seems there’s never been a better time to hit the course with style!
