Stitching Confidence: The Popilush Story with Eve DeMartine

What if building a multimillion-dollar brand wasn't just about innovation, but about listening, legacy, and empowering confidence in women?

In this episode, Eve DeMartine, founder and CEO of Popilush Shapewear, shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Malaysia to leading one of the fastest-growing shapewear brands in the world. With over $100 million in growth sales, Eve has redefined what shapewear can be by blending comfort, inclusivity, and style, all while staying true to her mission of helping women feel confident in every moment of life.

Eve reflects on her entrepreneurial path, how viral growth transformed her company overnight, and the invaluable relationships that shaped her resilience and success.

 

[00:02:26] Meet Eve DeMartine

• Kevin introduces Eve to the Million Dollar Relationships Podcast

• How her assistant Amanda connected her to the show

• Eve introduces Popilush and its mission to empower women

[00:05:34] From Motherhood Struggles to Inspiration

• Postpartum body changes after twins sparked the idea for Popilush

• Creating shapewear that is comfortable, stylish, and inclusive

• Turning personal struggles into a brand that supports women everywhere

[00:06:46] The Viral Breakthrough

• From slow early sales to an influencer video that went viral

• $200,000 in sales on Amazon within one week

• Challenges of scaling quickly and the importance of strong factory partnerships

[00:09:40] Listening and Adapting

• Using customer complaints to improve designs (solving the "walking sound" issue)

• Conducting face-to-face customer interviews in LA and New York

• Constantly innovating based on real feedback

[00:10:57] Key Lessons from Growth

• Be prepared before going viral

• React quickly when opportunities come

• Value strong partnerships and relentless work ethic

[00:13:17] Legacy and Family Values

• Influence of Eve's great-grandfather and family business in Malaysia

• Lessons of craftsmanship, trust, and responsibility

• Why entrepreneurship is about legacy and community impact

[00:15:09] Motivation to Create Popilush

• Frustration with traditional shapewear being bulky and uncomfortable

• The aha moment that inspired built-in shapewear

• Mission: enhance women's confidence without changing who they are

[00:17:47] Growth and Expansion

• Hitting $100 million in growth sales by 2024

• Popilush products featured at Nordstrom

• Opening the first Las Vegas outlet store

[00:19:22] Final Reflections

• Eve's journey from Macy's cosmetic counter to global entrepreneur

• Advice: trust your instincts, take baby steps, and keep moving

• Why entrepreneurship is about impact, not just profit

 

KEY QUOTES