Long maligned by comedians for our fashion sense, TomboyX founders Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez know lesbians have a style all our own. That’s why they created the comfy, chic and totally unique TomboyX collection, designed to fit the eclectic, rough-around-the-edges lesbian aesthetic.

What do you do and why?

We saw a need for a clothing line that recognizes the white space between menswear and women’s wear. We were tired of frilly, patterned clothing made for 20-year-olds. One day Naomi asked me, “How hard can it be to start a clothing line?” Ha!

What did you do before you started your company?

I am a partner in a media strategies firm and produce political ads for democrats and campaigns nationwide. Naomi is a sports massage therapist and was on staff for the U.S. Women’s Olympic Soccer team when they won gold in Athens.

What’s the single most important piece of advice you received when first starting your company? What would you tell a young entrepreneur in turn?

My dear friend Sue sent me a Goethe quote that I printed and put on the wall. The condensed version is: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

What aspect of business ownership came as the biggest surprise to you?

The challenges associated with raising money.

What do you find most rewarding about owning your own business?

Having had an idea, then implementing plans with Naomi. We are partners in business and in life. We became financees (I like to say Beyonce because she put a ring on it) a few months ago and are still going strong. There is no way we could have come this far without the other being part of it. This is an all consuming endeavor. At least, I get to spend all this time working with someone I love and respect so much.

Where do you see yourself / your company in five years?

To be an internationally recognized brand that women feel represents the proactive, confident and courageous parts of themselves. We want to have a full line of clothing for women of all sizes, of varying backgrounds and varying levels of tomboyishness. We want women to feel seen and recognized by a brand that represents their independent spirit.

What resources would you recommend to someone who is contemplating starting her own business?

Perseverance. Courage. Determination. A solid, well-thought out business plan, mentors in the business you’re seeking to get into and three to six months of financial reserves in the bank. Also, don’t quit your day job. Plug away until you reach success. And a rich aunt wouldn’t be a bad thing either.

What obstacles did you face in establishing your company and how did you overcome them?

We didn’t have any fashion experience so we just jumped in. Today, we know so much more than we did two years ago. I’m a big believer in informational meetings. I ask a lot of questions. So every time we got to the next chapter in the book “Fashion for Dummies,” we’d find someone with pertinent experience and set up a meeting. We’ve had some incredibly generous people offer guidance and advice every step of the way. We brought on advisors in a more formal capacity who we could rely on for ideas, encouragement and suggestions. I think we’ve tried to remain open to all recommendations, but at the same time have kept true to our personal vision.

Is there anything we didn’t ask you about that you’d like to share with our readers?

I think that sometimes it’s challenging for people who aren’t trying to run a small business to realize that reaching a vision takes time and baby steps. We often hear from people about expanded sizes, more styles and cheaper prices. Of course, we want to get there, but we had to start somewhere. Despite what it might look like, we really are three women working on this for no salary, out of a garage. It takes most small businesses three to five years to hit profitability, so the most that our community can do is support small businesses and understand that we are listening and we care, but give us time to get there. We don’t have the funding of a big brand. We’re working hard to stake a claim in a fashion industry that has ignored us for too damn long. So help us show them that we are a force to be reckoned with and wear TomboyX with pride.

Follow these fabulous fashionistas on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Enterprising Women: Fran and Naomi, TomboyX first appeared on Lesbian.com.

BY CANDY PARKER

Spring is in the air and so begins the season of love. What better time to unveil our love-themed lesbian playlist?

These five tunes are must-haves for a weekend road trip out of town with that special someone.

Be sure to tell us your favorite love songs in the “Leave a Reply” section below. And don’t forget to check out our passion and break-up playlists, too!

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” — Ingrid Michaelson

“Radical” — Catie Curtis

“Falling is Like This” — Ani DiFranco

“Power of Two” — Indigo Girls

“The Weakness in Me” — Joan Armatrading

The post Lesbian love playlist: 5 songs to set your heart aflutter first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Singer/songwriter Catie Curtis‘ latest release, “Flying Dream.”

The post Catie Curtis: ‘Flying Dream’ first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Brand ambassador Traci Dinwiddie (Photo via TomboyX.com)

BY Lesbian.com

Lesbians take note: TomboyX is changing the face of fashion.

With a no-compromises, all-authentic attitude, Tomboy X seeks to fill the void between clothes that are traditionally feminine and masculine.

They’re “creating and curating women’s clothing and accessories inspired by menswear style,” says co-founder and CEO Fran Dunaway. The brand is another addition to the increasing number of companies catering to women whose needs aren’t being readily met in the mainstream market.

Pictured: TomboyX Collection Maggie Blazer – Chocolate, TomboyX Swag – PE T-Shirt, Lucky Dog Leather Accessories, Foster Weld Recession Belt, BedStu Grand Canyon Bag, BedStu Lita Oxfords – Tan, Darn Tough Crew Light Stripe Sock – Denim, Coal Going To Jackson Hat – Blue Oxford, Coal Landon Hat – Multi Color  (Photo via TomboyX.com)

Excitingly, there are lots of amazing clothiers popping up with masculine-of-center women (and trans*men) in mind. The difference is that many of these companies are, essentially, designing menswear cut for different bodies. TomboyX, however, is making womenswear inspired by menswear. Dunaway says they’re looking to reach that middle ground: the fashionable embodiment of the tomboy spirit.

And what exactly is the TomboyX spirit? Just ask brand ambassadors actress Traci Dinwiddie (Elena Undone) and musician Catie Curtis.

Curtis says, “I sometimes feel like an impostor in the women’s department, with its frills, flowers and bows, while men’s clothes don’t fit me either. I’m so grateful to discover (and spread the gospel of) TomboyX, where the clothing is made for women like me!”

Their site offers a boutique experience, where women looking for clothes and accessories that really suit their style can finally do some one-stop shopping. From belts and boots to shoulder bags, blazers to briefs, they have an assortment from casual to dressy.

Learn more and get shopping at www.TomboyX.com

The post TomboyX: Clothing for women like us first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Catie Curtis gives a pre-show interview with Front Porch House Concerts in Boulder, Colorado.

The post Catie Curtis interview first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Summer is still scorching much of the country, but Sweet is already looking ahead to September when the lesbian travel company will be bringing its unique brand of debauchery and do-goodery to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

“Hundreds of Sweeties will be taking over the Playacar Palace resort from September 21st – 28th,” explained Sweet Founder and CEO Shannon Wentworth. “We’ll be featuring an amazing group of comedic and musical performers, theme parties and, of course, our trendsetting  and very rewarding community service projects.”

For those looking for a relaxing late summer getaway, Sweet’s Playacar resort vacation may be the perfect combination of leisure and indulgence. Located on the spectacular Riviera Maya on the beach in the town of Playa del Carmen, the five-star Playacar Palace hotel is just steps away from Mexico’s legendary 5th Avenue shops. The resort features ocean-view rooms that overlook the crystalline waters of the Caribbean, a swim-up bar, Jacuzzi tubs in every room, 24-hour room service and a host of other amenities which are guaranteed to leave even the most finicky guest feeling pampered.

Beyond the daily Sweet-sponsored excursions, guests can tour the gateway to Mayan civilization, visiting the ruins at Tulum, Coba and the legendary Chichen Itza, or spend an afternoon frolicking with dolphins, windsurfing or getting sand in all sorts of unmentionable places while diving around on the beach volleyball court.

Sweet’s entertainment line-up for Playacar includes Jackie Monahan, a bi-coastal comedian and actress featured on Showtime’s “Pride Comedy Jam;” Rakefet Abergel, an accomplished actress and outspoken stand-up comedian; Cathy DeBuono, out and proud lesbian actress, LA Talk Radio host, therapist and empath; seasoned actress and comedian Erin Foley; singer/songwriters Hannah Thomas and Sarah Smith; television and film star Traci Dinwiddie, perhaps best known for her role as Peyton Lombard in “Elena Undone;” and comedians Jennie McNulty and Shann Carr, veteran Sweet performers and perennial traveler favorites.

“Sweet trips are such an incredible experience,” shared McNulty. “I know for some of the women it’s a chance for them to truly be themselves, perhaps for the only time all year. But that’s only part of what makes the atmosphere so special. We visit beautiful places, stay in gorgeous locations and experience all the debauchery that goes along with these types of trips, but with Sweet, there’s another level of consciousness that permeates the atmosphere, too. There’s the feeling that you’re part of something special – giving back, helping people.”

In addition to the endless sand, sun, shopping and sight-seeing available on the gorgeous Riviera Maya, Sweet will offer a variety of community service projects in which their guests are invited to participate. Projects may involve anything from spending an afternoon at an animal shelter bathing, walking and cuddling with the residents to organizing a library for local youth to raising funds for the local community via participation in a Texas Hold ‘Em tournament hosted by DeBuono.

“Playacar will be my third Sweet trip,” DeBuono offered, “And I’m looking forward to spending more than a few hours around the poker table getting to know some really wonderful women – and raising money for whatever good causes we can.”

DeBuono’s previous “shuffle up and deal” efforts raised thousands of dollars used to support women’s, children’s and animal support organizations in the communities fortunate enough to host the Sweet group.

Actress and animal rights enthusiast Natalie Garcia organizes Sweet’s four-legged focused projects. “For the September trip we’re planning to work with Coco’s cat rescue, take a daytrip to Cozumel where we’ll rent dune buggies, explore the island and visit the local animal shelter,” Garcia detailed. “I am so grateful to be able to travel with such inspiring women while saving animals and raising awareness about animal rights.”

Many agree that there is something special about the essence of the Sweet travelers, collectively known as Sweeties.

Recent first-time Sweetie Erin Lee described her vacation with Sweet in Puerto Vallarta as life-changing. “I experienced instant connections with an exceptional group of women,” said Lee who ventured out as a solo. “I felt it was a time where we could be our most true selves and left with new life-long friendships. And I loved the excursions and the entertainment. It was definitely more than a vacation.”

Another Sweet newbie and solo traveler, Heather Price, described her recent experience, “As a shy, somewhat introverted person, new people in a new environment can be a little intimidating, but that only lasted about an hour into my time with Sweet. There just aren’t words for the friendliness and kindness I was shown. I danced until my feet ached and laughed until tears were streaming down my face. “Solo” is a misnomer; you’re actualy traveling with friends you just hadn’t met yet.”

For more information on Sweet and fantastic last-minute Playacar resort deals, including low down payments and interest/fee-free payment plans, click here or call 877-793-3830. Be sure to ask about the $1,500/room resort credit!

She magazine is the longest running magazine for LGBT women in Florida.

The post Sweet travel sizzles in September first appeared on Lesbian.com.

After a successful Kickstarter campaign and gaining a strong consumer presence, TomboyX has launched their online curated store, but also recently partnered with Boston singer-songwriter Catie Curtis.

“We are incredibly excited to have Catie Curtis as the first brand ambassador for TomboyX,” said Fran Dunaway, CEO of Tomboy Exchange. “She’s a creative, talented woman who has never been afraid to stand up for what she believes in.”

Read more at TheSeattleLesbian.com

The Seattle Lesbian online magazine reaches more than 188,000 readers per week globally.

The post TomboyX tags Catie Curtis as brand ambassador first appeared on Lesbian.com.

“Any fool can write a love-gone-wrong song; it takes a real genius to write a love-gone-right one. No urban songwriter does that better than Curtis.”—Scott Alarik, Boston Globe

Catie Curtis was at the forefront when the singer/songwriter movement boomed in the mid-90s. Now an accomplished artist with a 15-year career, Curtis has recorded 11 critically acclaimed solo albums and has had songs featured in numerous television shows, including “Dawson’s Creek,” “Felicity,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Alias.” Her music can also be heard in the films “500 Miles to Graceland” and “A Slipping Down Life.”

The Saco, Maine, native and now 20-year Boston area resident has toured extensively, playing a number of diverse venues ranging from Chicago’s legendary Old Town School of Folk Music to the White House.

Her latest release, “Stretch Limousine on Fire,” harnesses the energy of her concerts and was recorded live in Los Angeles’ Stampede Origin Studio. The vibe is spirited, unique and best embodied by the album’s title track. “Stretch Limousine on Fire” is an infectious tune whose central theme takes on the idea that “when bad things happen, you sometimes take comfort in realizing they happen to everybody.” It’s this mastery in translating universal life experiences that earned Curtis the 2006 International Songwriting Competition and appeals to her legions of dedicated fans.

Curtis has her hands full this summer organizing a fall 2012 concert series, officiating non-traditional wedding ceremonies, and tending to the full-time job of raising two daughters with her partner, Liz Marshall, but we caught up with her as she summers on the shores of Lake Michigan.

In looking at your tour schedule online we can draw one of two conclusions—either you’ve chosen to stay close to home all summer to be with the kids or you need to fire the person who updates your website. Which is it?

I love to take the summer off! I am playing a couple of festivals and I’m officiating a wedding, but other than that I summer on the shores of Lake Michigan with my wife, kids, two pugs and their two little pug life jackets. Okay, maybe not the life jackets.

We read that you’ve been busy preparing for the “Voices United for Separation of Church and State” concerts that will take place all over the country in late September and early October. What can you tell us about that effort and how did a New England-area native like you ended up booking a Los Angeles show for the event?

I have been a supporter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State (A.U.) since I met the Executive Director, Barry Lynn, several years ago. I am organizing over 50 Voices United Concerts, most of which are house concerts. (www.voicesunitedconcerts.com) There will be concerts in every state to raise awareness and funds for A.U.

One of the first musicians who agreed to play was Mary Gauthier. She told us she was free on October 1 in Los Angeles, so I said, “Okay, we’ll look for a house concert host and I’ll do it with you.” Now it has morphed in to a show with Mary Gauthier, me, Sarah Silverman and others at the 500-seat El Rey Theater.

You recently attended Boston Pride. Tell us about that.

For many years I’ve performed at Pride marches. This year I was home, so I took my daughters and we watched the parade together. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the event. Boston Pride is so inclusive now, and is quite family friendly. It’s enormous. I got the sense that the foundation of support for gay rights is wide, deep and incredibly stable. It’s so different from the 1980s.

What would you say is your favorite Pride event memory?

Watching my daughters watch the dykes on bikes and knowing that they are like, “So what? Women who look like my mom’s friends riding motorcycles? That’s it?” They are growing up in a culture—family culture if not wider culture—that celebrates a wide range of gender identity/expression.

You’ve had a prolific career producing 11 CDS since 1995. We’re going to put you on the spot and ask you to name your favorite track off each CD. Ready, set, go!

Truth from Lies—“Troubled Mind”
Catie Curtis—“Memphis”
A Crash Course in Roses—“Magnolia Street”
My Shirt Looks Good on You—“Bicycle Named Heaven”
Acoustic Valentine—“Kiss That Counted”
From Years to Hours…the Early Recordings—“Fisherman’s Blues”
Dreaming in Romance Languages—“Hold On”
Long Night Moon—“People Look Around”
Sweet Life—“Lovely”
Hello, Stranger—“Dad’s Yard”
Stretch Limousine on Fire—“Stretch Limousine on Fire”

The New Yorker magazine dubbed you a “folk-rock goddess.” Do you still have to help clean up the kitchen after dinner, take out the trash and other non-goddess-like activities at home?

That’s what the pugs are for.

You tweeted not long ago that your seven-year-old asked you what a phone book was. Have you attempted to broach tougher subjects like drive-in movies and pay phones with your girls yet?

Recently we heard a Beatles song and I asked nervously, “You guys know that’s the Beatles, right?” and Lucy said, “Yeah, they’re from the 1900s.” Ouch! Honestly they’d have no idea what to do with a pay phone. They have enough trouble dialing from a landline.

Is it true that your first guitar was a conditional gift, furnished with the proviso that you learn to play it? Who should we thank for that act of generosity and foresight?

Yes, a woman named Lynne Ramsdell gave it to me. The whole story is on my website—it’s kind of a long one.

Which musical artists have influenced you the most?

Lucinda Williams, Ani Difranco and Bonnie Raitt—all strong women who are not afraid to be themselves.

We read that your “Aspire to Inspire” program which provides guitars to underprivileged youth had run its course, with all funds from the initiative expended. However, we heard that you plan to start another program. Is there anything you can tell us about that at this point?

I would love to facilitate an instrument swap through my website, whereby people with unused instruments would be matched with underprivileged youth who really want to play. I have a lot of ideas and not enough time!

So what lies ahead for you—is there another CD or tour in the works for late 2012 or sometime in 2013?

I am planning to release a holiday CD this fall/winter, recorded around my shows at the White House in 2010 and 2011. I’m currently working hard organizing the Voices United Concerts which are coming up in September. After that I think I’ll be taking a deep breath, writing music for a new CD and getting ready for the holiday music tour.

In the meantime, I am booked for several weddings this fall. I am ordained through the Universal Life Church to officiate weddings, so I marry people—usually women—and play songs for the couple. It’s always a privilege to be part of that special day.

Finally, if someone were to pen your unofficial biography, what would it be titled?

“Long Road from Magnolia Street—The story of a Folk-Rock Goddess from the 1900s.”

The post Catie Curtis: A folk-rock goddess a long way from Magnolia Street first appeared on Lesbian.com.