The founder of Bronte. I've spent the last five years teaching mat and reformer pilates, mostly around Bali and on super yachts. Somewhere in all those classes, I got fed up hunting for good grip socks, ones that stayed put through footwork, felt good on, and didn't look like an afterthought, that I decided to just make them myself. I grew this idea from thousands of hours actually on the mat and reformer watching what really holds up. I hope you love wearing them as much as I do.
I lived and taught Pilates in Bali for about 3.5 years, which was such a magical experience. I feel incredibly lucky. I the first instructor at Studio Fondue, helping them open and launch, and later went on to manage Reform in Bingin. I met the most amazing people. I had such a lovely group of regular clients, and I learned so much during my time out there.
Teaching in bali
Whilst I was teaching in Bali, I was becoming quite frustrated that I couldn't find any grip socks that I actually liked. After a while of moaning about it to my friends, they turned around to me and said "Are you going to launch that as a business?". It got to the point where each time we caught up, I was questioned about it, so eventually I began to Google where on earth I could get them manufactured. I am ridiculously grateful for friends that pushed me out of my comfort zone and really encouraged me to become the entrepreneur that I think I always wanted to be. This photo was taken at my first-ever shoot for Bronte, where all of the girls came to be models. Definitely a memory that I won't forget!
Launching Bronte
A lot of people ask why the brand called Bronte
For that, you can thank my amazing friend Steph. When we were chatting about potential names for the brand, she said, "Name it a human name that you like, but something that you probably won't name your child." I've always loved the name Bronte, and it became more special at this time in my life as I was living in Bali and very connected to Australia. I thought of Bronte Beach, but I also liked that it was a classic British name, thinking of the Bronte sisters. I just wanted something that could grow further than naming it India's grip socks!
Why Bronte?
Now I've brought Bronte back to the UK, and I'm absolutely loving growing the brand here. We have an amazing group of over 60 ambassadors who are mostly all Pilates instructors. We're all in a big group chat together talking about ideas, sharing what we're all up to. I'm finding the growing Pilates industry in the UK so inspiring, and I'm glad to be a part of it!
moving back to the uk
The story behind the socks
TABBY
Behind the sock:
Our mums and grandmas were all besties and we are two. One of those friends that is always there. I was one of Tabby's bridesmaids this summer and it was magic!
CESCA
Behind the sock:
Cesca and I brought Bronte to the UK together before she headed to an amazing job in Dubai. She is the reason the business has any back end systems! We see each other whenever we can, which tends to involve getting on a plane.
STEPH
Behind the sock:
Steph is the reason I was brave enough to start Bronte. She has a way of making the women around her believe that they are capable of achieving anything. One of the many reasons we absolutely love her!
GEMMA
Behind the sock:
Gemma is a lifelong bestie. In my life from the start as our moms were just as close. When we were younger, we wanted everyone to believe that we were twins so we used to wear matching dresses and have our hair tied in the same bows.
JESS
Behind the sock:
Dr Jess Bateman is often seen as the brains of the group. From being kids together to now, she's always been great at honest (but loving and supportive!!) advice.
Bronte in the studio
