You Can't Sit WIth Us! Bringing Diversity to the Country Club
Dec 11, 2024
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Jackie Skye Muller and Marlon Muller, the dynamic duo behind Recreational Habits, are on a mission to reshape preppy fashion and make country club sports inclusive. They discuss their journey from personal experiences to launching a brand that breaks down exclusivity. Topics include the evolution of prep culture, the barriers faced by urban communities in sports, and the importance of representation. With humor and anecdotes, they highlight how sport can empower and build community, all while navigating the ever-changing fashion landscape.
Jackie Skye and Marlon Muller aim to redefine preppy culture by promoting inclusivity in country club sports like golf and tennis.
Their entrepreneurial journey started during the pandemic, illustrating the blend of spontaneity and thoughtful planning in launching a brand.
The founders believe that sharing personal narratives is crucial for building authentic connections with customers and fostering community.
Deep dives
Reinventing Preppy Culture
The conversation highlights the evolution of prep culture, which emanated from elite prep schools and Ivy League institutions in the early 20th century. This style initially catered to a wealthy demographic, often linked to predominantly white communities. However, with the rise of social media, especially TikTok, a renewed interest in preppy aesthetics is evident, prompting discussions about inclusivity in this space. The co-founders of Recreational Habits aim to redefine this style to engage a more diverse audience and challenge traditional norms.
Accessibility in Sports
The guests express the importance of making country club sports, like golf and tennis, accessible to a broader range of individuals, particularly those from urban communities. They discuss personal experiences, illustrating how exposure to these sports from a young age can shape future opportunities in both social and professional environments. Experiences shared reveal that many people of color have historically learned these sports through roles like caddies rather than formal participation. By creating accessible opportunities and shared experiences, the founders hope to bridge the gap and foster inclusivity in these traditionally exclusive activities.
Entrepreneurial Journey Amidst Challenges
The founders recount their entrepreneurial journey, initiating Recreational Habits during the pandemic as a passion project initially focused on content creation. Transitioning from a fear of entrepreneurship to launching an apparel line was influenced by a mixture of spontaneity and thoughtful planning, showcasing the unpredictable nature of starting a business. They acknowledge the financial risks involved, openly discussing the significant investments made in launching their first collection. This initiative reflects the importance of taking calculated risks while remaining adaptable in an ever-evolving market.
Connecting Through Authenticity
The conversation emphasizes the significance of authenticity and vulnerability in modern branding and marketing, especially in a digital age where consumers crave genuine connections. Founders express the need to share their own journeys and stories behind their products to resonate with their audience deeply. They recognize that their brand’s success relies not only on product quality but also on fostering a community that feels represented and valued. By blending personal narratives with brand messaging, they aim to build meaningful relationships with customers and establish a lasting impact.
Future Aspirations and Growth
Looking ahead, the founders envision expanding Recreational Habits to continue fostering inclusivity in sports while introducing more technical apparel elements. They discuss their mission to host clinics for underprivileged youth, providing exposure to activities like polo and horseback riding. Additionally, they express a desire to explore international markets and deepen their commitment to sustainability in their production practices. This forward-thinking approach reflects their dedication to not only growing the brand but also making a positive societal contribution.
In this episode of Networth and Chill, I’m in conversation with Jackie Skye and Marlon Muller, the cofounders of Recreational Habits, a preppy clothing brand, who also just happen to be married! We chat all about their journey to bring Recreational Habits to life, the history of preppy style and who they are working to make “country club sports” more inclusive! They’ve been featured in VOGUE, Town & Country, Harper’s BAZAAR and so many more! From tennis, golf and even polo, Jackie and Marlon are breaking down the walls of exclusivity and bringing the country club to everyone!