Tara Bodt is the proud founder of Supply Lab, a men’s footwear brand that launched in August of 2016.
After graduating from Montclair State University with a B.S. in Marketing, and completing internships at
KCD, Elle Magazine and Chanel, she began her career in retail working at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus
and owning a women’s boutique. Merchandising has been a part of her life since the beginning. After
college, she went on to work for her family owned business, Robert Wayne Associates, and Tara served
as the Vice President of Marketing and Sales, managing the RW brand as well as John Lennon Footwear,
Vince Camuto Men’s, Charles Jourdan, and others. When the company sold, she realized there was an
opportunity to fill a void in the marketplace, tapping into her experiences and vision.
Tara felt the marketplace was missing a brand that was minimalistic, classic yet modern. From there,
Supply Lab started in her living room with her first order from Jackthreads-one shoe in 3 different colors.
She began utilizing the resources and relationships she had and studied the market to ensure Supply Lab
stood out from other brands. After living in Madrid and experiencing the lifestyle and culture, she knew
immediately to make use of European resources to separate Supply Lab within the market. Supply Lab is
primarily created and manufactured in Portugal with materials imported from Italy.
From the first day, Tara knew that she wanted to create a brand that was not only unique but one that
would inspire other women to bring intro fruition something they adore doing each day. From the floor
of her Living Room, she watched SL grow and develop, becoming the Supply Lab that she envisioned.
Within the first six months, energized by passion, perseverance, and the will to succeed; she opened her
own office, securing a backroom, warehouse, factory and PO financing. Soon after, Supply Lab launched
with retailers including Nordstrom, American Eagle, and Zappos, to name a few. The journey of starting
her own business has brought joy within herself to continue in the retail industry and to motivate those
around her who wanted to begin their self directed career. Tara created Redefined World, as an outlet
to showcase her inspirations, go to brands, and discuss the raw and honest truth behind owning a
business along with projects she is working on. By sharing her experiences, she is hoping to help
motivate who want to begin their self-directed career. It all begins with mutual understanding, empathy,
encouragement and assistance from each other.
Tara and/or Supply Lab has been featured in publications such as FN News, FN Platform Blog, Footwear
Plus, Details Magazine, Shoebizness.com, Reddit, Footwear Insight and One Question XYZ Podcast.
Follow Tara at @tbodt19 to see her day-to-day, along with Redefined updates, and to keep informed on
her and her Footwear world follow @Supply Lab.