about us
our origin story
I started Tortis after having the same conversation with friends over and over again: What should I wear for my race? It was surprisingly difficult to find cute, boutique brands that were truly designed for the female body.
In 2014, I completed my first full Ironman in Coeur d'Alene—a feat that once felt impossible, even up to the night before the race. The experience was transformative, as anyone who’s achieved a once-unthinkable goal can relate to. But despite that, I couldn’t help but notice how much of the race environment seemed designed with men in mind.
That realization sparked a desire in me to bring more equality to the sport. Over time, that spark became Tortis Sportswear—a curated hub of swim, cycling, and running apparel made for the female body and the female experience.
I chose the name Tortis because it comes from the Latin word for braided. I've always loved braids—not just as a staple for so many women when we race, but as a beautiful metaphor for bringing things together.
People often think the name is a nod to The Tortoise and the Hare, and while that wasn’t the original inspiration, I do love what the tortoise represents: slow and steady growth, consistency, and perseverance over fast gains and burnout.
Building Tortis has connected me to incredible founders and designers who share that same passion for elevating women in sport. I’m so proud to carry their products and share their stories.
~Kelsey