Community Highlights: Meet Kim Pierpoint of Prickly Pear Sports

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Pierpoint.

Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I did my first sprint triathlon at age 54 with very little training and no idea of what I was getting myself into. I loved it and vowed to start training to see if I could be competitive next time around. I discovered that yes, with training I’d improve my conditioning and race results. I also discovered that the more I ran, the worse my bladder leaks became.

I searched for a product that would absorb leaks, be comfortable and discreet, stay in place over a 5K distance, and be environmentally friendly. I found nothing. Undeterred, I vowed to come up with my own solution, and Pricky Pear Sports was born.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I discovered that many women are reluctant to talk about their leaky bladders. Sure, we joke about leaking when we sneeze or lift weights, but the conversation stops there. In fact, it takes an average of 6 years before we gather up the courage to mention it to our doctors. Normalizing the conversation takes time, more time than I anticipated.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Prickly Pear Sports is a women’s athletic apparel company that makes shorts and leggings for women with minor to moderate bladder leaks. We’re known for making quality apparel that is functional and flattering, allowing women to remain or become active with confidence.

Our apparel is worn by women across the age and fitness spectrum including pregnant and post-partum moms. We know how it feels to be sidelined by embarrassing bladder leaks. Our apparel is designed by active women for active women – or for women who want to reclaim a level of activity that they’ve been missing.

While we’re in the apparel business, we also promote health and fitness by partnering with pelvic floor physical therapists to help women with leaky bladders connect with professionals who can diagnose and treat the underlying cause. We’re proud of our emphasis on health, fitness, courage, and perseverance. Our tagline is “… go the distance with Prickly Pear Sports – we’ve got you covered!”

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The health benefits of exercise are well documented. Longevity researchers suggest that the best way to live a longer and healthier life is to move more. Bladder leaks can be embarrassing enough to keep women from engaging fully in the activities they love to do. We offer a way to get off the couch and back to the gym, yoga or CrossFit studio, track or trail, and look great while they’re at it.

Pricing:

• Leggings $75
• Shorts $65

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pricklypearsports.com/
• Instagram: @pricklypearsports
• Facebook: @pricklypearsports