When Bridget Trimble Simonson and her husband Ryan Simonson started TRIM & TAILOR in 2016, Bridget realized a lifelong goal of designing and owning her own fashion line. TRIM & TAILOR’s classic, contemporary apparel has since gained a following through its Gallatin Valley store, as well as its wholesale and online sales. Having outgrown their current location, the Simonsons are moving to a new storefront in Bozeman that will allow them to increase wholesale operations and maintain a storefront for local shoppers. TRIM & TAILOR will open at 875 Bridger Drive – just north of the Cannery District, across the street from Story Mill Park – in mid-May.

At a young age, Bridget had dreams of owning and designing her own clothing line. She studied fashion design at the Art Institute of Colorado and has worked in the industry since 2009. Her professional experience includes work in retail buying, styling, pattern making, fabric and trim sourcing, overseas purchasing and apparel product development for companies such as Von Maur Department Store and Allen Co. She also helped Bozeman-based Simms Fishing relaunch its women’s collection.

The Simonsons started TRIM & TAILOR after moving to the Gallatin Valley in 2016, with Bridget running the design side of the business and Ryan managing the financial side. Less than a year after they opened a retail storefront in Belgrade, TRIM & TAILOR’s operations outgrew the space. The Simonsons decided to move to a new location in Bozeman, where they could maintain a retail storefront and more efficiently meet wholesale demand. The new location will feature TRIM & TAILOR’s contemporary apparel and jewelry, with every clothing item priced below $100.

“We are so excited to open our doors in Bozeman and become part of this vibrant and creative retail community,” said Bridget. “We’re also grateful the Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation was there to help when we decided we needed to move and expand.”
 
Like many startups, TRIM & TAILOR was challenged to obtain traditional bank financing despite its strong initial growth. Bridget and Ryan turned to the Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation, a financing company that specializes in helping businesses at a key moment when they aren’t able to qualify for a bank loan. Montana & Idaho CDC provided nearly 100 loans to small businesses in 2017, almost 40% of them startups.

“It’s amazing to see all that Bridget and Ryan have accomplished in less than two years,” said Montana & Idaho CDC President Dave Glaser.  “It’s a testament to the high-quality designs, but also the way they’ve built their business to be successful across retail, online and wholesale channels. We’re thrilled to provide the financing they need to take their business even further.”

Montana & Idaho CDC loans range from $1,000 to $2,000,000 and can be used for purposes such as purchase of real estate, equipment, inventory, business purchase, remodeling or working capital. Loan clients also receive one-on-one technical assistance in financial management, marketing, sales and other areas of business management.

For more information about Trim & Tailor, visit https://www.trimandtailor.com.