SPORTSCHIC: Interview with Designer/ Founder Karin Shoup
Karin Shoup of SportsChic established the brand in 2015 at Huntington Beach. Her inspiration for creating this brand was the lack of designer bags that has the capacity of a functional sports bag. With the determination of having a sports bag that is sporty yet still chic to use everyday, Karin went home and started designing her dream bag and viola, SportsChic was born. She supports a number of local efforts through product donations to Cedars-Sinai Journey to Wellness Breast Cancer program, women’s shelters, and Boys and Girls Club.
1. What's new and exciting this year for SportsChic?
We just launched the Summer Fall 2019 Collection of vegan Totes and Backpacks. The new colors are inspired by the gorgeous California beach sunrise and sunsets. The Tote Collection is available in Titanium, Pewter, Sunrise Blue, Bronze, Sunset Pink, Midnight and Black Moon. The three new Maxi, Midi and Mini Backpacks each are available in Titanium, Pewter and Bronze.
2. What inspired you (or the creator) to create SportsChic?
As a women’s sports bag company, we’ve put a lot of time and thought into what women want as well as need from a day-to-day accessory. SportsChic Founder and Designer, Karin Shoup, found the inspiration to form SportsChic when she couldn’t find a durable, versatile bag that worked on-and-off the tennis court. That was 2015. Today, SportsChic offers two distinct collections of versatile, stylish women’s designer sports bags.
3. Can you tell us about the featured materials (fabrics) and the brand mission?
Mission: Simplify everyday with modern style and versatility
SportsChic vegan backpacks and totes carry you everywhere from gym/yoga/tennis to work to date night, and travel like a pro with style and functionality.
Thermal pockets ensure drinks maintain perfect temperature - even champagne, and provide easy access to cell, sunnies, keys, and snacks.
The waterproof exterior and interior lining are easy to clean, and the spacious interior holds your tech, racquets or yoga mat.
SportsChic established in 2015 is a female owned company based in Huntington Beach. Our bags are manufactured in a certified designer quality factory in Guangzhou City where I enjoy working together with the team and sharing our diverse cultures.
SportsChic supports a number of local efforts in Los Angeles through product donations including the Cedars-Sinai Journey to Wellness Breast Cancer program, women’s shelters, and the Boys and Girls Club.
4. What is your favorite SportsChic product and why?
I'm loving the Mini in Bronze right now. It is just big enough to hold a water and the essential credit cards, lipstick, Bert's Bees, powder and of course my cell and/or iPad. You can wear it as a back pack or slip the straps through the handle for a wrist style bag.
5. Here's a just for fun question, since we are the Ktown Night Market. Have you tried Korean food before? If so what is your favorite?
Bibimbap (My mother's name is Bibi!)
6. Where can everyone find you?
Available online at www.ShopSportsChic.com and at over 200 specialty boutiques across the US.
