The bio 😎
I Grew Up In The Midwest
Downers Grove, Illinois to be exact. I played every sport possible but swimming became my passion. By the time I was 16, I was swimming at the highest national level. After qualifying for the 1988 Olympic Trials in the 100m breaststroke, I was ranked 5th in the country in the 15-16 age group. I went to Yale University where I swam, played, made amazing friendships and graduated in 1994 with a BA in Sociology.
The Triathlon Years
Armed with my handy Ivy League sociology degree and no idea what to do with it, I pursued my athletic passions and started dabbling in the sport of triathlon. In 1995, a lucky seat assignment introduced me to Tim DeBoom, a budding pro triathlete who would become the most important person in my life (& a future 2-time Ironman World Champion), on a flight to the ITU World Championships. I turned pro in 1999, traveled all over the world, earned money in every race, and ultimately turned my triathlon experience into the next big career of my life.
The Accidental Entrepreneur
I won the 2004 Ironman Wisconsin wearing a prototype of the first-ever running skirt. I had been dreaming about a line of women’s clothing that would look AND feel good while I was racing and training. Something CUTE! Something that covered my butt & gave me confidence. When I crossed the finish line first that fateful day, my identity changed from Nicole DeBoom “athlete” to Nicole DeBoom “The Skirt!” Three days later I incorporated Skirt Sports Inc.
$40 Million Over 15 years
I introduced the running skirt to the mainstream. In 2005, my lack of business savvy was offset by my unwavering belief that Skirt Sports would succeed as we did $325k in sales. By year three, we surpassed $1M. Over 15 years, we did over $40M in pretty much every sales channel possible. We sold to stores around the world, at expos & events, parking lots & family rooms, trade shows & trunk shows. And of course online to women who were looking for the freedom & confidence that Skirt Sports provided.
Passing the Skirt Baton
In 2020, I sold Skirt Sports to Sarah Ratzlaff, owner of Be Inspired Brands, a portfolio of businesses that cater to active women. Sarah and I started the She Runs It Podcast and launched the beYOUtiful conference as precursors to a bigger vision to help women kick ass in business & life.
Aesop, Podcasting, Speaking & What Matters Today
Today I focus on my family, my health (I underwent a spinal fusion at age 49), getting vitamin D every day & connecting with people. Relationships matter to me. Connecting fills my cup. I do this through my interview business Aesop, my various podcasts & public speaking. I’m OPEN. To people and things. My story evolves, so if you want to do something that isn’t listed here, let me know. It just may be the next chapter of both of our lives.
My Amazing Family ❤️