Today we’d like to introduce you to Angi Geer.
Angi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
This journey began when I started training aerial silks in 2015. The space where I practiced was no longer available. Through a mutual friend, I was introduced to Laurie Allen, owner of Rainbow circus Miami, an event entertainment company. She invited me to attend “troupe training” at her gym with all of her performers. I don’t have any previous background of performing, dance or gymnastics (other than cheerleading as a teen) but that didn’t matter. Rainbow circus was/is open to anyone who wants to be a part of. Needless to say, I made some of the best friends and trained with the best! Laurie’s daughter, Ellie, taught me how to walk on stilts and that’s when my performance career started.
My first gig, Laurie and I went to the huge costume portion of the warehouse, every event has certain themes and for this particular theme, it was difficult to fit into several of the costumes. I don’t have a “typical” dancer/athlete body, and that’s ok but we found a beautiful costume that fit and ended up working perfectly. I did however left the studio feeling disheartened because I think every person in their lifetime doesn’t like what they see in the mirror or wishes to change certain aspects of themselves. So that day, I decided I wouldn’t beat myself up but instead find a solution. I reached out to a friend who makes dance costumes and asked her to help me make a pattern for a bodysuit so I can start making my own.
We made a pattern from a bodysuit that fit me, she showed me a few tips and tricks. I purchased the machines and tools necessary, then I was on my way! I have no prior sewing experience, this was all new to me, but I used to hang wallpaper and believe it or not, the skill translates. I made a few bodysuits and learned quickly that not all stretch fabrics are the same, it was a lot of trial and error. Before I knew it, I was making costumes for Rainbow Circus Miami performers and offering an edge by producing costumes in-house to Taylor to clients’ requests/needs for event themes. Through the exposure, other performers around the country/world noticed and started to reach out asking me to make them bodysuits/leotards also.
It was then, Geer Gear was born! It didn’t stop there, I have had amazing opportunities to costume Rainbow circus performers in high profile music videos such as Dj Khaled, Meek Mill, J Balvin, Juvinile and Spice which connected me with Miami stylists to work independently on other music videos such as Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, French Montana, Gucci Mane, Meg the stallion, and several others. The latest was costuming Rainbow Circus in a short film “Don’t let it in” the movie which was chosen for this year’s Miami film festival. It’s been an honor and privilege to work on such amazing projects and I’m looking forward to many more to come!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Countless. I sacrificed a lot to be where I am today. Literal blood, sweat, tears, friendships (few were not supportive, but the right ones stayed) sleepless nights, 18-20 hr days seven days a week and the list goes on but I wouldn’t change a thing! I live by the quote, “Don’t stop before the miracle happens!”
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I take pride in providing affordable bodysuits/Leotards for EVERYBODY and customization to fit specific proportions for dance of every genre, circus performers, cosplay characters, theatre productions, equestrian trick riders and even Clubwear. My specialty is working with spandex/Lycra so I also make leggings, shorts and swimsuits. If it’s made of spandex, for whatever it’s used for, I make it. What makes me proud is I make patterns of every size, nobody is left out and being a performer myself, I know the specific needs/demands a good quality costume requires. For example, underarms are mostly the first to split, all of mine are double stitched for extra support. I take all of my customer’s needs into consideration and individualize the most perfect fit as possible by using their measurements and what the costume will be used for, all the way down to them choosing the colors/patterns of their fabric. It’s all custom made to their specifications.
What were you like growing up?
I’m the youngest of three girls. I’ve always been outspoken, social and stood out in a crowd. The one who always had my own sense of style, dressed “outside of the box” and never feared how people saw me. I enjoy working with my hands. I was taught as a teenager, “If you work with your hands, you’ll never starve.” There’s a certain sense of accomplishment to create with your own hands. I’ve always dabbled in many different art mediums, creating is just part of who I am.
Contact Info:
- Email: geergear305@gmail.com
- Instagram: @geer_gear
- Facebook: Geer Gear
Image Credit:
Beach silks photo: Vivian Vuong
Creature photo: “Don’t let it in” the movie
Silver wing stilts photo: Florida today
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