Allison Herman discovered her passion by blending two seemingly different worlds — athletics and fashion. A former competitive swimmer turned entrepreneur, she’s now the driving force behind Dragonwing, a brand dedicated to redefining confidence in the next generation of athletes.

Allison, tell us about your passion. 

I'm passionate about empowering young girls through fashion-forward, functional activewear that fosters confidence and supports their athletic endeavors.

My passion for combining fashion and athletics grew slowly over the years, starting from my days as a competitive swimmer struggling to find clothing that fit my athletic body and girly personality. The "aha moment" came when an old colleague presented the opportunity to acquire Dragonwing, allowing me to merge my interests and experiences seamlessly.

What was happening in your life when you began to discover this passion?

During my formative years, swimming was my all-consuming passion, which drove me to rigorous daily training and ultimately competing at UNC-Chapel Hill. Simultaneously, my love for fashion flourished. I spent all my spare time reading Vogue and asking my mom to take me to the mall to shop and look at clothes. Fashion was always something I loved, but didn’t really think I could ever have a career in it.

Tell us about that beginning: how did you start, and what challenges have you overcome?

I originally didn’t think that fashion was something that I would pursue and secretly applied to Parsons. When I got in, it was like a call from the universe that I had to see if I could make a career of it. Since graduating and actually having a career as a children’s wear designer, hesitation still comes in waves.

When we acquired Dragonwing, we knew that I would need to balance my new endeavor while still working full time. It takes a lot of work and dedication to do it all. Many weekends and nights go to pursue my passion for growing the brand and like any company, there are days, weeks and even months where you question it all. The unwavering support from my husband, Steve, and the motivation to create a brand that changes how young athletes perceive their bodies has kept me going.

One significant challenge has been navigating the fierce competition in the children's activewear market. While it’s a niche market, it is hard to break into and as kids grow up and out of the brand, you need to discover and attract the next generation. We are continuously overcoming this by emphasizing our commitment to superior quality, age-appropriate fit, and fostering a strong community through our ambassador program. Adaptability and resilience have been key strategies in managing this challenge.

ALLISON AND GIRLS IN NYC DURING NYFW SPRING 2024

Where have you needed to invest your time, energy and resources?

I’ve invested considerable time and energy into learning the intricacies of building a brand, traveling overseas for production, and managing the day-to-day operations of Dragonwing. I’ve had to sacrifice personal time and leisure activities to ensure the success of the company. There are many nights and weekends spent working instead of meeting with friends and family and other passions have had to take the back burner while I work to build the brand.

Look back at the “you” before you started this passion. Is your life different now? How?

My life is profoundly different now. Before Dragonwing, I was primarily focused on my career in children's fashion design, which I love but doesn’t bring me fulfillment in the way that building your own brand does. Now, I’m an entrepreneur dedicated to empowering young girls, building a community, and creating a brand that makes a real impact on their lives. I get to spend so much time with young girls and their families during formidable years, helping to shape the women they will become. Fostering connections with the dance and cheerleading communities and really feeling a part of something bigger than myself or anything I could have imagined.

What is one “life lesson” you’re learning as you pursue this passion?

A key life lesson I’m learning is the importance of resilience. Facing criticism and competition can be challenging, but it’s essential to stay focused, adaptable, and learn from every experience.

What advice would you give a Passion Seeker who wants more of what they love in work and life?

Follow your passion with determination and an open mind. The journey might be challenging, but the fulfillment and impact you’ll make are worth every effort. Trust in your vision, stay adaptable, and seek support from those who believe in you.

Follow Allison at: www.dragonwing.com and on social @dragonwinggirl