Nicole DeBoom/Skirt Sports CEO, Boulder.

• Author: Kyle, Ringo
• Position: TRENDSETTERS - Brief article

Nicole DeBoom's epiphany came on a run through downtown Lyons in 2003.

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As the former Yale University swimmer and current professional triathlete ran past store fronts she saw her reflection, and it made her feel "like I look like a boy." She was outfitted in all-black workout gear and began brainstorming ways she could still feel pretty even while working out.

The idea she came up with was a running skirt. She started Skirt Sports based on an idea she originally scribbled on a napkin following that run. "Pretty" is what she wrote down.

The company enjoyed modest growth over its first five years before a 50 percent increase in sales in year six. She projects another 50 percent increase this year.

"It is really taking off," DeBoom said. "We're outfitting women head to toe."

But the Skirt Sports story isn't simply a good business idea manifested. DeBoom said her mission is to make women happy and inspire them to exercise.

"I don't want to be known just for our product,"...