MY | life

A Perfect Fit!Carrie Charlick and Marcia Cubitt love the business

of enhancing women’s silhouettes

by Elaine Perlin Crossley

Have you ever caught a glimpse of your reflection as you passed a store window and thought to yourself, “The girls sure could use a lift!”

At a convention nine years ago, Carrie Charlick and Marcia Cubitt observed that many women, even high-style fashion plates, could use ‘a lift’. Others, they noticed, displayed visible panty lines or ‘boob bubbles’, those unwanted little bulges that sneak out from the top of an ill-fitting bra. And so they conceived a business that would offer women high-quality figure-flattering foundations.

In 2003, the two stay-at-home Michigan moms launched their own company, Essential Bodywear, with Carrie as CEO and Marcia as President. From initial investments of $250 each, they are now savvy entrepreneurs with a $5 million business

that is expected to grow exponentially. They have appeared on the ‘The Today Show’, other TV and radio spots, and in many national women’s magazines, including ‘Family Circle’, ‘Glamour’ and others. According to Crain’s Detroit Business, their corporation is ranked among the ‘Top 50 Companies to Watch’.

This unique direct sales ‘party plan’ enterprise, with almost 500 representatives nationwide, helps to improve the figures of scores of women with its custom-fitted, attractive line of bras, panties, shape wear and more. Carrie enthuses, “People cry out of happiness when they’re properly fitted. They’re shocked by how much longer and leaner they look. We often see instant transformations, like the motivation to lose weight. Our products change the lives of women.” The company donates bras and fittings to women’s shelters and supports Susan G. Komen 3 day walk.

FAMILY AND FRIENDSHIP FIRSTCarrie was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, raised in Port Huron, and attended Ferris State University. She and her husband Peter now reside in West Bloomfield, and the couple has three children, Alex, 18, Matthew, 16, and Katie, 11.

Marcia, a resident of Commerce Township, was born in Flint, and raised in Brighton. She is amicably divorced, and has two daughters, Audrey, 16, and Jackie, 14. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, and was once the intimate apparel manager at Parisian, Laurel Park Place.

The two met in 1989 when they worked together at Jacobson’s in Ann Arbor. Macia held an office position, while Carrie was in sales. Carrie reflects, “We hit it off, started chatting, and began eating lunch together.” The new friends discovered they shared many similarities.

Today, their bond serves as a business model. Marcia explains, “Our friendship comes first. It is the reason we are successful, and everything else is a fit. Because we are friends, we make the right decision every time.”

Carrie adds, “We started the company to get our families involved. They help with orders, inventory, warehouse issues and more. They have actively made the business grow and prosper. Even their products are named after female family members.

PARTY DOWN!Home parties are a main source of networking and revenue. Hostesses receive a variety of incentives, and attendees love helping one another make ‘intimate’ decisions. Marcia notes, “For some women, bra shopping is like a root canal! So, home parties not only provide the personal service of being fitted, but also the power of honesty that only girlfriends share.”Through their company, Carrie and Marcia also assist

families. Marcia explains, “We provide a viable option for vanishing incomes.” And reps can enjoy the autonomy of tapping into such unique markets as fitness and wellness centers, spas, salons, and even horse shows. Carrie quips, “What female horseback rider, with all that jiggle, wouldn’t benefit from a good, supportive bra?”

DIVINE SECRETS OF THE SISTERHOODHere are a few tips from the ladies. About bras:1) Good bras should be worn all the time, not just for

special occasions.

2) Bra sizes change as bodies change, i.e., pregnancy or weight fluctuations.

3) Maintain a rotating bra wardrobe, so that each one lasts longer.

Five panty ‘commandments’:1) Don’t buy white. Neutral is best under your wardrobe.

2) Avoid ‘whale tale’! (High-waist panties under low-rise jeans)

3) Find the right size.

4) Eschew bumpy edges that can cut into the skin.

5) Embrace breathable, long-wearing micro fiber.

‘SIZING’ EACH OTHER UPClearly, there is mutual admiration. Carrie shares, “Marcia is a comforting and calming friend who always points me in the right direction. She can carry on a conversation with anyone, and just flows with it. She ‘gets’ people, connects with them, and is one of the kindest women I’ve ever met.”Marcia concludes, “Carrie is fun, smart, and cares so much about people. She has a happy outlook, and is always there for you. She’s an eternal optimist, and her rose-colored classes are always in place. There’s never a time we don’t have fun!”

If we can help, let us know. Essential Bodywear, 877.787.6631www.essentialbodywear.com

Pictured far left:husband Alex, Matthew, Peter, Katie and Carrie Charlick.

Pictured left: Marcia Cubitt with her two girls Jackieand Audrey Negro.