As an outgoing and unapologetically queer startup founder, Abby Sugar is a leading voice in the LGBTQ+ community.

While there have been major advancements for equality over the last two decades, when it comes to fashion there’s still more work to be done. Sugar saw the need for underwear made for women without relying on traditional feminine fashion styles, a need that led her to launch Play Out Apparel.

Play Out offers gender-equal clothing to help the LGBTQ+ community shop their authentic selves, and to find and buy sexuality and gender-expression affirming apparel with affordable price points, unique artistic designs, and an inclusive shopping experience.

Sugar found Ureeka through a partner who referred her to Ureeka Connect, a pitch program with a special offer in June 2020 distributing grants to LGBTQ-owned businesses during Pride month.

Like many founders, Abby Sugar had a creative vision and intrinsic understanding of her market opportunity, but upgrading the e-commerce site was a top priority so she went to work.

After being selected as a finalist, Play Out Apparel received a $5k grant, which they used to hire a web developer to upgrade their quickly growing e-commerce platform.

Since winning Ureeka Connect, Play Out Apparel is better prepared to weather the challenges of COVID-19 and grow the brand sustainably.

Sugar has also seen her business grow through conversations and business development opportunities (such as participating in other founders’ podcasts or Youtube channels) that are an invaluable part of the Ureeka Community.