Nearly two years ago, best friends Abby Vernon and Lizzie Chiappetta sat on the sidelines of a youth sporting event and wondered why there weren’t more spirit wear options designed specifically for women.
As mothers of five children combined, they had received countless spirit wear emails over the years, offering dozens of options for men and numerous unisex styles but relatively few choices designed specifically for women.
According to Vernon, research shows that 15 million to 20 million families in the United States have children in kindergarten through 12th grade who participate in extracurricular activities. Of those families, an estimated 13 million to 18 million include a mother or female guardian.
Vernon and Chiappetta saw an opportunity to create a line of stylish clothing and accessories made by women, for women, to elevate the wardrobes of those they consider the No. 1 fans.
Both are full-time working mothers with professional backgrounds they believe will help them build a successful clothing company. Vernon has experience in fashion merchandising, while Chiappetta is an attorney.
Recognizing they needed additional help, they enlisted Vernon’s sister, Carly Chanatry, to assist with design, branding and sourcing.
After months of research and preparation, the friends officially introduced their company, Field House, during a pop-up shopping event Sept. 2 in Vernon’s backyard on Standish Boulevard.
Nearly 100 Mt. Lebanon women attended the event, which featured Lebo-branded T-shirts, sweatshirts, dresses, totes and bags available for purchase. Guests also enjoyed wine and fresh flowers and were greeted by Vernon’s daughter, Ellie, an eighth grader at Mellon Middle School, who welcomed each visitor with a smile and a hug.
Ellie has been a source of inspiration for Vernon and Chiappetta throughout their business venture. They see firsthand the value she brings to her community and neighbors every day. Ellie also has Down syndrome, a connection that has helped shape the company’s mission.
While Field House aims to fill a gap in women’s spirit wear, its business plan extends well beyond clothing. The founders intend to give back to the community in two important ways.
First, they plan to return a portion of sales proceeds to the teams and clubs that partner with Field House.
“Our goal is to form partnerships with local teams and clubs. We want to work together with the organizations, not against them,” Vernon said.
Second, they plan to create employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to assist with operations, organizing, packing and merchandise delivery.
Vernon addressed the crowd during the launch event, sharing the personal significance of the company’s mission.
“Creating meaningful employment for neurodivergent individuals means so much to me… giving back to the teams and clubs who use us, helping women look and feel great on the sidelines, and doing all of this next to my best friend, sister, and daughter… That’s what Field House is all about,” she said.
Although Vernon and Chiappetta are launching their business with Lebo-branded mechandise, they hope to expand into neighboring communities and eventually reach a broader regional market.
“We are thrilled and flattered by the outpouring of support and excitement about Field House,” Chiappetta said. “We hope to start some collaborations with local clubs and associations very soon. We are in the process of finalizing a few. We eventually hope to be able to move towards partnering with neighboring communities. Stay tuned for what we have next!”
In the meantime, residents can follow Field House on Instagram at @fieldhouse.shop for updates and new merchandise.
