Our Story

The number one question CEO Carrie Charlick and President Marcia Cubitt get asked while introducing Essential Bodywear to a new customer is, “How did you get started in this business?”

The idea generated in January of 2003 while at a national convention. Unfortunately, the show was much less successful than anticipated. Fortunately, this slow convention provided the platform for almost a week of people watching. While people watching, they noticed something interesting: how many women at the convention were dressed in stylish clothes, fantastic makeup, sassy haircuts….and lackluster undergarments.

And they began to ask women why.

The answer was unanimous…bodywear shopping...and especially bra shopping was a major bummer for women. Most felt little to no joy when purchasing a product every one of them needed! Marcia and Carrie decided right there and then to help with one of life’s biggest downers and make shopping for bras, panties, and shapewear fun and easy.

This led to the home party plan business of Essential Bodywear in the state of Michigan in July 2003. Carrie and Marcia knew having fun with friends while blending complimentary fittings for luxurious and seamless undergarments would be a perfect combination for success and making a difference. Women responded immediately and with such enthusiasm that they both knew instantly complimentary bra fittings in a home party setting was a perfect fit.

EBW continues to offer complimentary fittings in home party settings throughout our uplifting network of nearly 500 independent EBW Representatives across the country. By offering a product every woman needs with the attention every woman deserves, we are proud to say our growth continues. Flexible hours and the ability to be in business for yourself but not by yourself continues to spur dramatic growth with well over $4 Million dollars in sales anticipated this year alone.