Fran Dunaway is a media executive-turned-fashion entrepreneur and co-founder of TomboyX, a Seattle-based gender-neutral underwear and loungewear brand launched in 2013. The brand started as a passion project in collaboration with her wife and co-founder Naomi Gonzalez to create the perfect button-up shirt, pivoting to focus on underwear based on the overwhelming demand for their first boxer brief for women.
Fran and TomboyX are driven by a belief that brands can be a force for positive change, and their messaging promotes a human agenda to inspire conversation about gender, confidence, acceptance, and inclusion.
1. Describe yourself in a six-word sentence.
Driven, spontaneous, forgetful, hopeful, and adventurous.
2. What was the last thing you shared on social media?
Pictures of me and Naomi at the Seahawks vs Saints game with my parents, who are big Saints fans.
3. What do you think is the main challenge facing LGBTQ people in your community?
I think it’s not specific to the LGBTQ community, but we are all coming out of this pandemic changed people. It’s good to be reconnecting, reemerging with a new sense of priorities. We need to be kind and patient with each other and continue to engage safely.
4. What is your favorite LGBTQ business where you live?
One of my besties owns a maritime school called Campass Courses and I think that’s pretty cool. I love to just go hang out there and look at all the cool gear.
5. What advice do you have for people looking to get into the clothing and retail industry?
Find a couple of great mentors who have done it before, seek their advice and wisdom as often as you can.
