Mandy Fry: Taps into Western Fashion Craze at Z Supply – Orange County Business Journal

Mandy Fry has grown Z Supply from a one-product apparel company to one that now offers loungewear, activewear and eyewear. 

This year, the president of the Costa Mesa-based apparel company expanded the brand’s merchandise with collaborations, including one that taps into the western fashion craze. 

“It’s been just a year of growth, which is fun but also challenging,” Fry told the Business Journal. 

Last year, Fry was recognized at the Business Journal’s 29th annual Women in Business Awards. Since winning, she has overseen the launch of four collaborative collections, has grown Z Supply’s team to 100 employees and expanded the company’s online merchandise. 

Z Supply’s latest collaboration is with Diamond Cross Ranch in Wyoming. The collection features graphic tees and sweatshirts that play homage to the decades-old ranch, which is nestled at the base of the Grand Tetons. 

The company partnered with the ranch’s graphic artist to put a modern twist on western classics and is planning another collaboration for next year, Fry said. 

On-Demand Stylist 

In June, the company launched its free “Text-a-Stylist” shopping service. 

Customers can connect with Z Supply’s in-house stylist Lena Jensen for fashion advice just by texting a number. 

Fry came up with the idea after she kept receiving texts from customers’ husbands asking what to buy their wives for birthdays and holidays. She then asked her team if it was possible to set up a number where people can text and ask for styling tips and gift recommendations. The Text-a-Stylist feature was born soon after. 

“It’s been a really great way of becoming more personal with our customers,” Fry said. “We’re having a lot of fun with getting to know our customers better.” 

Fry said she hopes to eventually expand the service and hire more stylists in the future. 

Next Gen Creatives 

Z Supply Foundation is continuing to inspire the next generation of creatives. 

The corporate foundation, founded by Fry in 2021, has now raised $600,000 and provided over 35 scholarships for students pursuing degrees in creative fields. 

“I always say to my team and encourage them to really embrace the idea that we want to do more than just clothing,” Fry said. 

The company raises funds for scholarships every year during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday. It donates 100% of sales made over the three days to the foundation with the goal of raising $300,000 this year. 

This week, Fry said the company is hosting a media day with some of the scholarship recipients to create content that will be showcased on the company’s website during this year’s Black Friday weekend. 

Scholarship recipients also have the opportunity to intern with the company through a paid summer internship program, Fry said. This year, Z Supply had four interns. 

“The goal is that we connect the dots and those who receive scholarships become part of our internship program,” Fry said. 

The foundation donates to other initiatives outside of its education fund, including local nonprofits such as Miracles for Kids, Orange County Rescue Mission and Surfrider Foundation. 

For the month of November, 90 members of the Z Supply team have signed up to volunteer at OC Rescue Mission, a Tustin-based nonprofit which provides housing and services for people experiencing homelessness.