LumiWear.co: Building Confidence, One Pair of Leggings at a Time

By: Elowen Gray

Let’s be honest—not all businesses start with a carefully crafted five-year plan. For entrepreneur Liz Ashley, LumiWear.co wasn’t part of a grand strategy—it kind of fell into her lap. “I wasn’t actively looking to start a shapewear and athleisure brand, but the opportunity came up, and I thought, why not?” Liz shares. Armed with lessons from past ventures—some successful, others not as much—she decided to dive in. What started as a spontaneous leap soon developed into a full-blown challenge.

From Curves to Confidence

Liz designs with real women in mind—starting with herself. “I’m in my 40s, I have curves, and I know what I want to wear: shapewear that smooths without feeling like a medieval corset and leggings that I can wear to the gym or to grab coffee,” she says. Every piece in her collection aims to combine comfort, style, and practicality, empowering women to feel confident while maintaining ease. “I want women to feel like their clothes are working with them, not against them.”

Hurdles and Hustle

Of course, launching a brand comes with its growing pains. “The beginning was a whirlwind of hurdles,” Liz admits. “Finding the right manufacturer was a headache, creating functional yet stylish designs was a learning curve, and let’s not even get started on marketing.” With small profit margins in retail, every dollar counts, which forced Liz to get creative while building the brand on a budget.

“Retail is tough,” she explains. “Some days it feels like you’re just figuring it out as you go, but if you stay consistent and open to change, you start to find your footing.”

 

Small Wins, Big Motivation

Despite the challenges, there’s no shortage of rewarding moments. “That first sale felt like winning the lottery—I was dancing in my kitchen,” Liz laughs. But what truly keeps her motivated is the feedback from customers. “When someone takes the time to say, ‘I feel so confident wearing this,’ it reminds me why I started in the first place. That feeling makes all the hurdles worth it.”

Evolving Without Losing the Vision

While LumiWear.co continues to grow, Liz is focused on staying true to her mission while adapting to trends. “You have to evolve without losing your ‘why.’ Trends come and go, but your vision is what keeps everything grounded,” she says.

Her goal is to expand the collection, introducing fresh designs that seamlessly combine style and functionality. Future plans include broadening the brand’s athletic apparel offerings and creating elevated athleisure pieces for women on the go. “One day, I’d love to walk into a gym or coffee shop and see people everywhere wearing LumiWear.co. That’s the dream,” Liz says.

What’s Next for LumiWear.co

Exciting things are ahead for the brand. New designs are in the works, with plans to roll them out by late summer. “I’m always brainstorming ways to make pieces that not only look great but make life easier for the women wearing them,” Liz explains.

For Liz, LumiWear.co is more than just a brand—it’s an opportunity to empower women, one bodysuit or pair of leggings at a time. “Sometimes opportunities come unexpectedly, and it’s up to you to make something of them. That’s what I’m doing here—learning, growing, and staying committed.”

Follow LumiWear.co on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to see what’s next and stay updated on future releases that bring confidence, comfort, and elevated style to everyday life.

 

 

Published by Liz S

twigBIG CEO Joins NSBA Leadership Council to Support Small Business Tech Innovation

Oubai Al Hendi, CEO of twigBIG, has joined the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council. With expertise in AI and e-commerce, Al Hendi brings a valuable perspective to advancing small businesses in the digital age. A serial entrepreneur, he has over 18 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and governments. Through NSBA, Al Hendi aims to address issues affecting small businesses, including tax reform, healthcare costs, and access to capital. NSBA President Todd McCracken praised Al Hendi’s addition, recognizing his leadership and contributions to small-business advocacy. Al Hendi’s involvement ensures small businesses have a voice in Congress.

Please click here to learn more about Oubai and twigBIG, Inc.

Overview of NSBA and Its Importance

Founded in 1937, the NSBA is America’s leading small-business advocate, promoting entrepreneurs’ interests at the federal level. As the nation’s oldest small-business organization, it remains nonpartisan, pushing for policies crucial to business owners, such as tax reform and better access to capital. The NSBA Leadership Council is a robust network of business leaders who influence policy and drive change. This platform allows voices from Main Street to resonate in Congress, ensuring that minor business concerns remain central in national policy discussions, effectively shaping the future of America’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Oubai Al Hendi’s Background and Expertise

Dubai Al Hendi has 18 years of expertise in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and social commerce. As founder and CEO of twigBIG, he’s transformed how small businesses approach online retail, creating solutions that help them compete with larger companies. His journey from tech innovator to small business advocate highlights his deep understanding of entrepreneurs’ challenges. Through collaborations with Fortune 500 companies and leadership roles in various organizations, Al Hendi has showcased his ability to integrate advanced technology with practical business applications, helping businesses navigate the evolving digital landscape and thrive in a competitive market.

Al Hendi’s Vision for Small Business Advocacy

“Small businesses need a voice in Washington that understands both traditional challenges and technological opportunities,” Al Hendi emphasizes. His advocacy focuses on critical issues like tax reform, healthcare costs, and issues that technology companies require across the United States.

His approach combines practical business experience with technological innovation. He advocates for policies that help small businesses thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace. 

The Role of twigBIG in Supporting Small Businesses

twigBIG is a GenAI platform offering AI and AR solutions for eCommerce brands to replicate in-store shopping experiences. Under Al Hendi’s leadership, it has become a key ally for small businesses, addressing common challenges in online retail with innovative features.

  • AI-generated content that slashes video production costs
  • Interactive shoppable videos that streamline purchasing
  • Personalized AI shopping assistants that boost customer engagement
  • AR fitting rooms that reduce return rates and increase sales

As twigBIG evolves into a SaaS platform, it breaks down barriers, making advanced retail technology accessible to small businesses and supporting Al Hendi’s mission to level the e-commerce playing field.

The Future of Small Business Tech Innovation

The small business landscape is transforming rapidly. Digital innovation is essential for survival and growth. As e-commerce expands, technology integration is a key factor distinguishing thriving businesses from those that struggle. Looking ahead, twigBIG plans to extend its reach across various e-commerce sectors, making enterprise-level solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes. “The future belongs to businesses that adapt and embrace new technologies,” says Al Hendi. “But that future must be accessible to all, not just large corporations with deep pockets.” Technology is no longer optional—it’s the path to success in the modern market.

Conclusion

Al Hendi’s appointment to the NSBA Leadership Council marks a significant victory for tech-forward small business advocacy. His blend of business experience and technological expertise equips him to champion modern entrepreneurs’ causes. This appointment signals stronger representation for tech-driven solutions in Washington. As the digital marketplace evolves, having advocates who understand both traditional challenges and technological opportunities is essential. Small businesses need innovative solutions and strong advocacy to thrive. Through platforms like twigBIG and the NSBA, entrepreneurs gain the tools and support to compete in an increasingly digital world. Visit twigbig.com to explore how technology can transform your business.

 

 

 

Published by Kaye A.