Hidden Gems: Meet Clarisa Thompson of Slightly Bougie Sock Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarisa Thompson.

Hi Clarisa , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I wasn’t a fashion girl growing up. I couldn’t dress to save my life — I didn’t know how to put outfits together, and I definitely didn’t have the money to keep up with all the latest looks. But I wanted to show up. I wanted to feel cute, confident, and pulled together. And for me, socks became that one thing that did it.

When I put on a good pair of socks, it was like — you can’t tell me nothing. No matter what was going on, I felt ready. They were my little secret weapon, my small source of confidence. Over time, I became an avid sock collector — which sounds so random — but it was always this quiet part of me that made me feel empowered.

Before I even left my role as a global HR manager, God had already planted the seed for Slightly Bougie Sock Company in my heart. I actually started the company while I was still working full-time, which still blows my mind because being an entrepreneur was never part of my plan. Then, out of nowhere, I won a Black Entrepreneurs Grant — before I even had a real blueprint or knew what I was doing. It felt like confirmation that I was being guided toward something bigger.

When I eventually found myself unemployed, like so many other Black women during this tough economic time, I had to decide whether to keep going or give up. That’s when I really leaned on my skills, my mindset, and my faith. I started digging deeper into how socks are made and discovered that most of the world’s socks come from China. So I made the decision to go there myself — to Hangzhou, China — and meet with manufacturers face-to-face.

I wanted to touch and feel the product, see who was making it, and make sure the same integrity and pride I envisioned for my brand were woven into every stitch. That foundation — of authenticity, quality, and confidence — is what Slightly Bougie is built on.

To me, something as simple as a pair of socks can make or break how you feel walking into a room. When your feet are covered and supported, that’s one less thing you have to worry about. You can focus on being your best, most confident self — and that’s what Slightly Bougie is all about.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — not even close. I’ve faced a lot of challenges along the way, but if I had to narrow it down, there are three that stand out the most.

The first has been figuring it all out on my own. I didn’t come from a fashion or product background, so I had to learn everything from scratch — manufacturing, shipping, design, pricing, packaging, all of it. There were plenty of mistakes, delays, and do-overs, and every single one cost time, money, and patience.

The second struggle has been the impact of tariffs. My manufacturers are in China, so the constant changes in tariffs have directly affected pricing, shipping, and how I plan production. It’s forced me to get creative and strategic about how to move forward without sacrificing quality — because that’s something I’ll never compromise on.

And the third has been the emotional side of it all. Entrepreneurship will test you in ways you can’t imagine. There are days when I’m crying, celebrating, wanting to give up, and feeling completely inspired all within five minutes. That’s the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship that nobody really prepares you for. My pastor once said, “Faith is scary by design. Otherwise, you’re just relying on your expertise.” And that’s been my truth — every single day requires faith.

The good part, though, is the relationships I’ve built over the years. Coming from HR, I’ve always been about building authentic relationships with people. So being able to lean on my network — to pick up the phone and ask for advice, feedback, or just perspective — has been a real blessing. It’s those conversations and connections that keep me grounded and remind me that I’m not doing this alone.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Slightly Bougie Sock Company is about so much more than just Pilates or yoga socks — it’s about creating something that’s fashionably functional and deeply personal. Our grip socks were designed to give people confidence, comfort, and stability no matter where they are in life.

Yes, we have customers who wear them for Pilates, barre, or yoga — but that’s just one part of the story. I have close family members who’ve worn Slightly Bougie socks while going through chemo because they wanted something soft, supportive, and stylish to hold onto a little comfort. I have friends who are new moms who wore them in the hospital, and others who wear them simply around the house because they love how they feel. That’s the beauty of grip socks — they meet people where they are.

But my vision doesn’t stop there. I see Slightly Bougie growing into a full lifestyle brand that serves everybody. We’re expanding into additional sizes for children and men, and developing new sock types beyond grip — like compression socks for people managing health challenges such as diabetes, swelling, or gout, as well as socks designed for nurses and anyone who’s on their feet all day.

At the end of the day, it’s about creating quality products that merge style, comfort, and purpose — socks that don’t just look good, but also do good. Every pair is designed with the same attention to detail and the same heart — to help people feel confident, supported, and seen.

That’s what Slightly Bougie is all about — it’s not just a sock, it’s a feeling.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success has meant different things to me during different seasons of my life. Early in my career, it looked like titles, salary, promotions, and external achievements. I was a burnt-out overachiever — I loved helping people define and achieve their goals. That still makes me genuinely happy and is a part of my story I always want to hold true.

On the outside, I looked accomplished, but inside, I was missing that sense of internal peace and balance. I was constantly pouring into others — fighting the good fight and making good trouble to ensure the workplace was a safe and equitable space where everyone could thrive. But that came at the cost of refilling myself.

Success in this season means living in a space where I can share my passion, walk in my purpose, and protect my peace. It looks like balance — building something meaningful without losing myself in the process. It’s hearing someone say, “I wore your socks during treatment,” or seeing someone wearing my socks while doing something they’re proud of. That right there — that’s success.

Contact Info:

• Website: SlightlyBougieSocks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slightlybougiesocks

Image Credits
Mecca Clarke Photography