The BALSA Foundation Highlight - Krescant Sims, Founder of Krescant Marie

The BALSA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The BALSA Group, drives meaningful impact on the Saint Louis ecosystem most notably through semi-annual awards to Saint Louis entrepreneurs. We were fortunate to speak with Krescant Sims, founder and owner of Krescant Marie and a Spring 2023 BALSA Foundation grant winner, to learn more about Krescant Marie and the impact of the BALSA Foundation in our local community.

Krescant founded Krescant Marie as an athlesiure company early during the pandemic in 2020. You can learn more about Krescant Marie and products at https://www.krescantmarie.com/, and on Instagram and Facebook @krescantmarie.

Can you tell us about how you came up with the vision for Krescant Marie and how you got it started?
The vision for the business had started several years ago actually, back in 2015. I had been laid off from my job twice in 8 months and I always thought I wanted to be an entrepreneur because then I would have my own thing going. At the time, I went back to school and got an MBA and then a job, but then the pandemic happened and I got to thinking “could I explore the idea of starting my own business?” I was a curvy girl and always had a problem finding clothes to wear when being active that were durable and fashionable. I started to think there were many other women having this problem – so in March 2020 I had the time to do the research, and I watched YouTube videos and even talked with manufacturers overseas at night to see what I could create. In June 2020, Krescant Marie was born first out of a need for myself, but also 67% of the population is over a size 14, so there is a significant market need and I wanted to cater to this group.

Wow - you were talking to the manufacturers at night about the measurements and designing?
The measuring came later on and that was a lesson I learned – the differences in sizing and how sizing is based on both size grading and the material it’s being made out of. A Large size here is not the same Large size as in another country. In the beginning of 2021, I looked for someone who could help with the measurements and help designing a technical packet so that we’d have the correct sizing and grading. Another lesson in this was learning to ask the right question. Now I have a better idea of what to say, but there weren’t a lot of St. Louis entrepreneurs in the clothes designing space, so it was a lot of trial by fire.

Can you tell us about the mission of Krescant Marie?
Krescant Marie is an athleisure business dedicated to motivating women of all shapes and sizes through fitness and fashion. I want women to see themselves in the fitness world, and not only the one type of look that is often seen in marketing materials. That’s not what the real world looks like. I want people that look like me to be comfortable with being active because that’s not whats shown in the media – Krescant Marie is trying to change the narrative.

How did you learn about the BALSA Foundation?
Instagram – I was following another business that happened to be following the BALSA Foundation. I was at the point where I needed more funding for product development and samples. I actually applied in 2022, but didn’t end up getting it. So I made it my goal and I watched tons of videos on grant writing and how to get your point across in grant business writing. And in early January I set a reminder for the Grant deadline and I took a whole weekend to write and submit my application. When I turned my application in, I knew it was strong – it had been my only focus. From my preparation over the year, I had a good understanding of what they were looking for. I had applied to other grants over the year too and the more you do you end up finding your voice. And in 2023 I ended up getting it!

How has the BALSA Foundation helped you with your goals?
I think the biggest thing out side of the funding was the networking. I spent a lot of time alone running this business – I had no events to go to or places to share the problems I was experiencing. Knowing with the Foundation that I had a group that I could check in with every quarter was just such a great community. The help and support is there – and I feel so grateful and have benefited a lot.