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THE STORY OF TRUNKETTES

For years I have been wearing my husband’s swim trunks to the pool and to the beach.  I just always felt more comfortable and freer in them than in a traditional female bathing suit.  You can do all sorts of things more easily while wearing them -- run, jump, dive, rough house with your kids, etc. -- all without worrying about a “wardrobe malfunction.”  Also, you don’t have to run out and get a bikini wax every time you go to the beach or pool.  Nor do you need to avoid sitting in the sand for fear of getting sand butt. YIKES!

Sooooo, anyway........I kept waiting year after year for gal trunks to come out, thinking it was bound to happen some day.  The concept was just too great for someone to overlook it.  But, after many years of not seeing these products, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I had known Kristen for several years as a costume designer and someone who is just really creative and artistic.  I also had seen how hard she worked as my production assistant, and when she helped with my kids.  So, I initially brought the idea to her.  She loved it, and came back practically the next day with sketches.  Kristen and I then went shopping for materials together and were totally in synch.  It was so much fun!

A little later, we brought on Jamie.  She and I had met years ago through our kids, when they were just a few months old.  Jamie is also Kristen's sister and the person who actually introduced Kristen to me.  As an extraordinarily talented photographer, and with years of internet experience, Jamie fit right in to our plan. 

Well, there you have it.  That’s how the three of us became a team and how Trunkettes were born.  We hope you enjoy them as much as we have enjoyed working together to bring them to you.

 

BIOGRAPHIES

HILARY GENGA – CEO

Hilary

Hilary grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, then got involved in theatre in New York City.  After finally settling in Los Angeles, she formed a non-profit theatre company dedicated to producing original works.  Her productions have garnered numerous critic’s choice picks, about a dozen Drama-Logue awards and a number of Ovation Award nominations.  They have also featured talented actors, directors and choreographers who have gone on to become household names in film and television.  For many years Hilary was an Ovation voter herself and served on the board of TheatreLA, which administers the Ovation Awards and promotes and assists LA’s large and diverse theatre community.  She is proud to have produced benefits for Rainforest Relief, the Make a Wish Foundation, Young Storytellers and PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support).  Even as she has established and operates Trunkettes, Hilary remains active in theatre.  She is currently working to bring her production of Tight Quarters, an audience favorite musical comedy, from LA to the stage in New York and throughout the United States.  She is very excited about Trunkettes and hopes you are too.

 
KRISTEN EVENSON – CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER

Kristen

A Los Angeles-based designer, Kristen showed an interest in fashion at a very young age.  She began making and selling jewelry, handbags, clothing and Halloween costumes while still in grade school.  She attended The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and received a degree in Fashion Design and the advanced degree in Film & Television Costume Design.  She designed many commercials and short films while still in college, and her first feature film, The Last Sentinel, at the age of twenty-three.  Her motivation and talents have allowed her to participate in a broad spectrum of projects early in her career.  Kristen is a member of The Motion Picture Costumers Local 705, and has worked as a Costumer on shows such as Deal or No Deal and CSI NY.  Her interests go far beyond her work.  Finding inspiration in learning about other cultures and helping to make life easier for those less privileged, Kristen has amassed a lengthy resume of service to others.  While still a teenager, Kristen’s volunteer work earned her Arizona’s Spirit of Women Award and the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, among other awards and scholarships that helped pay for her education.  Kristen believes that a woman’s confidence gives her the chance to let her true beauty shine.  Trunkettes is her first swimwear collection and she is so anxious to share it with you!

 

JAMIE JOHNSON – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Jamie

The birth of her first child rekindled Jamie’s interest in photography.  What started out as a hobby then blossomed into a healthy career.  Jamie looks forward to using what she has learned about promoting and running a business to bring women a product that they want and can feel good about while sharing time with family and friends.  She hopes you will feel the same way about Trunkettes, and is proud to be part of the team that is making this long-overdue concept a reality for women everywhere.

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