Double Down: Competition Cheerleading Inspires My Eyewear Design

When I moved to Virginia in 6th grade (2001), I was introduced to competitive all-star cheerleading in a way that superseded 'Bring It On' (at the time this was one of my favorite movies lol).

I loved everything about doing all-star cheer. Performing, tumbling, throwing stunts in the air, and dancing. Of course our rhinestone outfits, curly hair, giant bows, theatrical makeup and glitter was the cherry on top to feeling like a diva.

Not only did you look the part, but you had to perform and have the attitude like you were the best of any team.

The impact and influence of being a cheerleader is still felt today through my business, TYCHE + ISET - how I view designing fun, colorful, big personality accessories, figuring out how to make it all happen, and believing my product is the best...because I work hard at it!

Joining cheer in 6th grade was the first real responsibility that I had to pay for on my own without help. It was expensive. Even though I was a kid, I did everything to pay my fees year after year: dog walking every day and LOTS of babysitting. It reminds me that if you truly want something, you will do whatever it takes.

My next eyewear design name is inspired by my experience in cheer: "Double Down" - which means that the flyer (girl in the air) must twist/spin twice after her stunt before being caught by the bases (girls who throw her).

Putting on a show, betting on yourself to hit, while also having the strength to accomplish this advanced trick is one portion of the magic of the whole performance.

If you don't make it the first time, you keep practicing until you master it.

P.S. all-star competitive cheerleaders ARE athletes, it should be in the Olympics! It's as fun as watching gymnastics :D

[all clips are from my high school cheerleading team from the 2005 AAA Virginia state championships. We were the champions!]