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Photo provided
Murray natives Morgan Blankenship Harbin, Mary Kay Howard Bowden and Kim Howard Willson, pictured in this Oakwood Studio picture, started a lingerie company that features Passport Panties, a package that includes panties, cleansing towelettes and deodorant for women on the go. |
Intimate apparel idea has Murray natives soaring
By KRISTIN TAYLOR
Staff Writer
The first business venture for Mary Kay Howard Bowden, Kim Howard Willson and Morgan Blankenship Harbin was a lemonade stand on Olive Street.
Now after 23 years of friendship, the three Murray natives are marketing their intimate apparel company internationally.
The 27-year-old twins and their best friend, Morgan, 26, started MMK Brands in 2005 with their first product that addressed a predicament of living in fast-paced New York.
Called Passport Panties, the undergarments are packaged in a pouch that resembles a passport for women on the go. Also in the travel-sized package are cleansing towelettes and deodorant.
Living in New York after college, the three women found themselves on the go.
“Being busy in the city and traveling, women don't always have time to run home and freshen up,” Morgan said. “We developed this product so women can have it with them.”
The travel theme is prevalent throughout the marketing for Passport Panties, which is carried in 350 boutiques internationally and online at passportpanties.com. In Murray, Vintage Rose carries the packaged panties.
Rather than the standard small, medium and large, the panties are labeled window, middle and aisle, respectively.
Among MMK's famous customers are Murray native Molly Sims, who stars on NBC's “Las Vegas,” and supermodel Nikki Taylor. Other celebrities learned of the product through the official Emmy Swag Bag and Fashion Week Live Bags.
MMK Brands is in the process of marketing another line of panties and camisoles, called the Bandeau collection. The women are working toward having a full lingerie line.
For complete story, see today's Ledger & Times
Story created Mar 21, 2007 - 11:20:09 EDT.
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