DALLAS, Tx., Feb. 15 - Less than six months after founding the Smart Wear clothing line from her home office in Murphy, Tx., LeaAnn Yost has established a small but lucrative niche in health-wellness and fashion.

             

            Yost, co-founder of Smart Wear and physical rehabilitation nurse for more than 15 years, recalls her ‘ahh-ha’ moment as unexpected and life changing  – but, it’s the source of her inspiration that touches members of the senior community and continues to fuel her appetite for success. 

           

            “During my nursing career, I have witnessed and experienced the difficulties of individuals who, due to nerve damage, neuropathy, stroke and arthritis simply can’t dress themselves, and worse, don’t have the option to wear anything but hospital gowns and sweats, it’s sad.”

            Most of Yost’s customers are seniors, but some, like 41 year-old Mary Foster, are middle-aged rehab patients who use Smart Wear to supplement their rehab program.

            “Mary’s situation is a perfect example of our products versatility; she was recovering from invasive bilateral rotator cuff surgery and was in need of adaptive clothing.  It felt great to help keep her life on track during the rehabilitation process,” Yost said.       

           

            While her patient’s hardships certainly offer ample motivation, Yost draws most of her passion and personal conviction from her grandfather George Brewer, a 94 year-old war veteran who served under General Patton.  Despite his age, Brewer’s ambition is fully intact, as he is currently an active co-founder of the Smart Wear operation.    

           

            “My grandfather has given so much to me, my family and the community.  I really wanted to give something back to him that could make his life easier and more comfortable.  It was hard watching him struggle into and out of clothing.  So, as a team, we decided to devote ourselves to finding a practical solution,” Yost said. 

            When asked about his granddaughter’s success, Brewer smiled with admiration saying, “I couldn’t be more proud, serving under Patton wasn’t easy, but it makes living with arthritis look like child’s play.”  He went on jokingly; saying Smart Wear has given back his ‘snazzy’ sense of style he had during his hay-day.

            Luckily, Brewer no longer has to go sans-swag as Smart Wear offers a wide range of stylish, quality made adaptive clothing for men and women.  Each piece of Smart Wear clothing has Velcro closures that are sewn in behind traditional buttons and zippers, giving users the “look” of conventional clothes without the difficulties of actually fastening them.  The brand’s line includes; dress shirts, dress pants and specialty items for all shapes, sizes and tastes.  Smart Wear Clothing can be purchased at weekly vendor shows or on the companies website. 

           

            Visit the www.smartwearclothing.com for online shopping, upcoming vendor shows, company news, bios and customer testimonials.

           

                  

Co-founder & co-president LeaAnn Yost with her grandfather George Brewer