Haley's Founding Journey Leading The Torch Warrior Wear Empire For Women In The Military

Empowering Women in the Military: The Journey Behind Torch Warrior Wear

From NFL cheerleader to fashion entrepreneur, the story of Torch Warrior Wear founder Haley Marie McCain Hill is a fusion of talent, passion, and the vision to empower women in the military. Her innovative brand is revolutionizing the way military women dress, creating stylish, functional, and comfortable clothing that is tailored to their unique needs. Here's the journey that brought Torch Warrior Wear to life and the exciting future it holds.

The Spark of Inspiration

Torch Warrior Wear was born from a personal experience. Haley served in the U.S. Air Force and realized that the military uniforms designed for women were often not comfortable or flattering. As a woman in the military, she faced the same challenges that many women do: ill-fitting uniforms that didn’t consider her body type or sense of style.

While in college at Penn State University, she was balancing ROTC and cheerleading, learning the ins and outs of the military lifestyle. However, it wasn’t until she was out of the service and reflecting on her own uniform challenges that the idea for Torch Warrior Wear came to life.

"Women in the military deserve clothing that makes them feel good and is functional. We need more options than the standard, ill-fitting T-shirts and bulky uniforms," she shared.

Turning the Idea Into Reality

Starting a business, especially in the fashion industry, can be a daunting task. The road to creating Torch Warrior Wear involved a series of strategic moves, from connecting with manufacturers to extensive market research.

"Once I had the idea, I knew I needed help. I hired a business coach and connected with a local brand in San Francisco that specialized in custom leather jackets. That was my first big step. They introduced me to their contacts in Los Angeles, and the journey really began."

Finding a reliable manufacturer was just the start. The next step involved perfecting the product. Through careful research, the founder interviewed military women and got their input on what they truly needed. This helped her develop the first product—a bodysuit that was both functional and flattering.

"I wanted to create something that was comfortable but also stylish—something that military women could wear with pride."

The Power of Influencer Marketing

Torch Warrior Wear’s success didn’t happen overnight, but it did gain traction quickly, thanks to the power of social media. The brand turned to influencer marketing, collaborating with real military women who could showcase the product's value.

Rather than relying on traditional advertisements, Haley tapped into the authenticity of military women who shared their own stories. These women, often veterans or active-duty service members, posted photos and videos of themselves wearing the brand, creating organic word-of-mouth marketing.

"We're a close-knit community. Once one person shares something they love, it spreads like wildfire," said the founder. "It wasn't just about selling a product—it was about sharing the story of strong, powerful women."

The Shark Tank Moment

The brand’s breakthrough moment came when Torch Warrior Wear was featured on the popular TV show Shark Tank. With millions of viewers tuning in, the opportunity to pitch to the sharks solidified the brand’s place in the market. The founder received an investment deal, which helped propel Torch Warrior Wear into the next phase of growth.

"I was nervous but excited. Being on Shark Tank was a huge moment for us, and it was amazing to see the brand gain so much visibility. It was a game-changer," she reflected.

The Vision for the Future

Torch Warrior Wear is not just about making stylish military clothing; it’s about creating a community for women in the military. The founder's ultimate goal is to make the brand synonymous with strong women in the armed forces, becoming the go-to brand for military women worldwide.

“I want Torch to be a name recognized globally, as the brand that empowers military women to feel confident and strong. This is my baby, and I want it to be something that lasts,” she shared.

As Torch Warrior Wear continues to grow, the founder has big plans to expand the product line, including maternity and nursing products, boots, bags, and more. These items, often overlooked by larger brands, will provide military women with functional, stylish options that suit their everyday needs.

The next step? An international expansion. Torch Warrior Wear is already sold in multiple countries, including Australia, Canada, and Germany. The founder plans to continue growing the brand while pursuing a master’s degree in fashion, all while staying true to the brand’s mission of empowering women in the military.

Conclusion

Torch Warrior Wear is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a movement. Through hard work, dedication, and a deep passion for serving the military community, the founder has created a brand that meets a critical need while empowering women. As the brand continues to grow, it is clear that Torch Warrior Wear will become a staple in military women’s wardrobes for years to come.

“I’m not stopping here,” she says. “The vision is big, and the journey has just begun.”

And as abruptly as I had met Haley, she was gone in less than a month, moving to Europe for her next chapter and growth of her brand.

Blog by Jackie Algas-Sasaki