Interview with Nicole DeBoom of Skirt Sports

In 2004, dripping with sweat and brimming with tears, Nicole DeBoom crossed the finish line of the Ironman Wisconsin race sporting a one-of-a-kind, flirtatious red skirt, the first prototype in a developing line of women's wear. Holding a photo of that first place women's pro division finish two days later, DeBoom realized that her passion for sport was about to take a new turn.

The professional triathlete launched her first SkirtSports line, a series of short, shiny skirts called TRIKS, last spring. Enthusiasm from retailers, consumers and friends propelled the start-up company into full-time production last summer.

A commitment to improving women's health and body image through fitness - and improved fitness threads - drives the focus of SkirtSports. Employees, including DeBoom, "walk the walk," - or, rather, run the run - showcasing their skirts in races across on the country, from the Pacific Shoreline Marathon to local 5k races.

DeBoom has reduced her professional training schedule to grow her new project, putting off 2008 Olympic aspirations until she's sure SkirtSports can stand on its own two feet. Taking a break from training for Ironman races, she's scheduled an appearance at the Boston Marathon in April.

What's your trick for balancing training and your business?
I think it's really important to set down your goals in bold and be realistic. Don't overlap a family reunion with a big race. Cycle things. I set goals every year and then I reevaluate all year in everything I do, not just athletics. . .Try and fit in as much as you can with your family and friends. Whenever my husband and I have an opportunity to run, ride, swim together, we take that opportunity.

What has been the biggest challenge to getting the company started?
The hardest part has been balancing my own life with it, getting my workouts in. And then, staying true to my husband, my marriage, and not going crazy. The actual business has not been hard. It's been fun and that's key to me.

Do you feel you're achieving your goal to give back to the community?
Our philanthropic vision is slowly but surely developing. . We've gotten involved with Tri for the Cure - an all-women's tri for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. We even made special skirts for the [Tri for the Cure] race, and gave $2200 of the proceeds to that foundation. We have goals down the road to develop our own foundation and put on events and raise awareness about fitness and heath. In the meantime, we'll continue to support groups when they need us.