For nearly four decades, Title Nine has been on a mission to find and support women entrepreneurs. September 26, we’re back with another round of the T9 Pitchfest Outdoor Edition: Our annual call to women who aren’t just breaking into the outdoor industry, they’re breaking the mold. Eleven badass innovators representing nine brands will pitch their products to our panel of expert gear testers, founders, and adventure pros. The lineup? Workwear built for women’s bodies. Bold surf hats that stay put. Gear made for and by big bodied women. Winners get fiercely mentored and join our growing crew of outdoor entrepreneurs.
So let’s hear it for this year’s fearless founders. 🥁 Meet the 2025 T9 Pitchfest Outdoor Finalists:
Kate Harvey
@shopbirdieblue
Kate’s first bag? MacGyvered from a busted pair of ski pants. Now, BirdieBlue is a full-blown force, turning shredded outdoor gear into bold bags with big personality. From garage project to full-on production crew, Kate’s proving that women-led can be sustainable, profitable, and a damn good time.
Mel Frandsen
@tobiqtravel
Mom of four, mastermind of compartments, and queen of controlled chaos. Mel Frandsen created TOBIQ to bring order to the packing madness. With three patents and zero tolerance for black-hole bags, her smartly designed duffels keep gear sorted, socks accounted for, and families adventure-ready, whether it’s a powder day or a rowdy family picnic.
Abby Averett & Sam Brown
@saturdaystrides
One’s a mountain-town marathoner, the other’s a SoCal surfer. Together, Abby and Sam are the heartbeat behind Saturday Strides, a running brand for women who train hard, live loud, and care as much about community as they do about cadence. Their socks bring the sass and the science. Blister-fighting, bounce-back strong, and cute enough to cause a scene at the starting line.
Emily Li
@peachsurfco
Born from NorCal breaks and too many sunburns, Peach Surf Co is Emily’s answer to flimsy, dorky surf hats that just couldn’t hang. She set out to design lids that stand up to salty chaos. Now her stay-put, style-forward hats are protecting bold women in the water—and making waves far beyond the lineup.
Charlene Assam
@luxxefit.co
D to J cups, rejoice!! Charlene Assam didn’t just start Luxxefit, she rebelled against the bounce. These sports bras are made for full-busted women who are sick of jiggling, shifting, and squeezing into gear that doesn’t fit. No more size-shaming, no more excuses. Just support that moves when we do.
Emily LaPlume
@saturdayswimwear
At Saturday Swimwear, Emily LaPlume does it all. She’s a founder, designer, and planet-protector rolled into one. From her home base in Bend, Oregon, LaPlume’s swimwear is big on function, low on fluff, and made with planet-friendly fabrics. Think timeless prints, compressive fits, and zero fast fashion. Just hardworking suits for women who move.
Anna Myers
@heydirtybirdy
Mid-reno and covered in drywall dust, Anna Myers had a revelation: women’s workwear doesn’t work. So she rolled up her sleeves and built Dirty Birdy, a badass brand making rugged pants and leggings that actually fit curves, handle the mess, and keep up with women getting the work done.
Arwen Turner & Kara Hardman
@thicketadventure
Thicket is making badass gear for plus-size adventures. Outdoor enthusiasts and founders Arwen Turner and Kara Hardman design apparel with real fit, real function, for real women’s bodies. But Thicket’s more than just what they make. It’s a movement for bigger-bodied women to feel powerful, comfortable, and joyful in the wild. And their fast growing fan base? We couldn’t agree more.
Emma Rosse
@allover.apparel
Founder Emma Rosse was over ill-fitting overalls, so she designed her own. Based in Salida, Colorado, Allover makes technical, flattering gear that moves with you, from the saddle to the summit to post-adventure beers. Breathable, durable, and unapologetically functional, these are the overalls you’ll never want to take off (and honestly, don’t need to).
We can’t wait to host these badass entrepreneurs in our own backyard. Follow our Instagram stories to keep up with the pitches, games, and shoulder-claps. Stay tuned for the winners!
