Beyond the Pitch: Ep. 2 - Lessons From the Founders’ Table

This episode felt like a reunion in the best way. For Beyond the Pitch: A Series with Title Nine, I invited back three incredible founders who’ve each had solo episodes on Tarin It Up: Cassie Abel of Wild Rye, Georgia Grace “Gigi” Edwards of Gnara, and Tina + Madi of SENIQ.

Each of these women has experienced Title Nine’s Pitchfest in different ways, and together they’re reshaping the outdoor industry with women-first design, bold values, and a genuine commitment to collaboration over competition. Sitting down with them all at once was like pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to grow and sustain women-led outdoor brands.

The Gaps They’re Filling

From glacier guiding in Alaska to building trail-to-street apparel in Ohio, each founder saw a specific problem and decided to solve it.

  • Gnara created the GoFly zipper tech so women no longer have to choose between comfort and convenience outdoors.

  • SENIQ is designing highly technical gear that also fits seamlessly into everyday wardrobes.

  • Wild Rye continues to push for fit, function, and confidence in women’s outdoor apparel while leading with a strong mission.

Holding Onto Values While Scaling

We talked about what happens when growth picks up — investors, new retail partners, and the temptation to compromise. Each brand is proof that it’s possible to grow and stay grounded: Wild Rye became a certified B Corp, Gnara expanded through licensing partnerships, and SENIQ is proving that “less but better” can be a growth strategy in itself.

Collaboration Over Competition

One of my favorite threads from this conversation was the idea that business is a team sport. These founders are showing that collaboration doesn’t weaken a brand — it strengthens the whole industry. More women in the outdoors means a bigger pie for everyone, not less to go around.

Why You’ll Want to Hit Play

✅ The gaps women-led brands are filling in outdoor gear
✅ How Title Nine’s Pitchfest supports founders beyond the stage
✅ Lessons in scaling without losing your values
✅ Bold visions for a future where women-first design is the norm

Connect with the Guests

Wild Rye → wild-rye.com | IG @wild_rye_
Gnara / GoFly → gnara.com | IG @gnara_apparel
SENIQ → seniqbrand.com | IG @seniq

Stay Connected

• Subscribe: tarinitup.myflodesk.com/tarinitup
• Instagram: @tarin.it.up.podcast
• ☕ Support the show: Buy Me a Beverage

Tarin O'Donnell

I’m Tarin O’Donnell, the voice behind Tarin It Up — a podcast, brand, and community celebrating women who carve their own paths in the outdoors, business, and everyday life. When I’m not behind the mic, you’ll find me creating events, testing gear, or chasing adventures around Truckee and beyond. My goal? To share real stories, spark connection, and encourage others to live a little more boldly.

https://www.tarinitup.com
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When Life Smacks You in the Face: Shelby Stanger on Choosing Authenticity