Meet Melody Mendoza-Auslander Creator of the Joey Pouch Leggings
The Only Leggings with a Built-In Retractable Fanny Pack
by Elizabeth McCabe | Original Article appeared on page 27 of Snell Isle Living – June 2022
Necessity is the mother of invention. Snell Isle resident Melody Mendoza-Auslander can attest to that fact. The mastermind behind the Joey Pouch Leggings, Melody created this innovative product after she experienced a problem most women can attest to – not having a place to carry needed items in her yoga pants.
“I went to yoga, and I had to do so many errands, but I didn’t want to carry a huge purse,” says Melody. She went to Publix and tried to carry her wallet, keys, phone, and credit card but realized there had to be a better way.
“All women can relate to the inspiration I had when I created the Joey Pouch Leggings,” explains Melody. While clothing may look stylish and fit, they often lack functionality. “I decided to invent something to give women options.” Melody saw the need for the Joey Pouch Leggings. She sat downtown on Beach Drive and counted how many people wore yoga pants and fanny packs. Grabbing her notebook, she invented the Joey Pouch Leggings.
“I was inspired by the women in Florida who wanted functionality in their clothing,” says Melody. This retired principal launched the Joey Pouch Leggings in May 2021.
The Joey Pouch Leggings have a pull-out pouch that can be used to store essential items. Don’t need the pouch? Simply leave it tucked in. Currently, Melody has one style of yoga leggings available in four solid colors – black, blue, gray, and pink. With its breathable, biodegradable, eco-friendly fabric, the Joey Pouch leggings have been warmly welcomed by women.
“Clothing is the #1 pollutant in the world,” explains Melody. “When fabric doesn’t decompose, you get piles and piles of clothing garbage. I wanted to be a contributor and a problem solver. I worked really hard to find the fabric that fit my philosophy and beliefs of protecting the environment.” In the unlikely event that the Joey Pouch leggings end up in a landfill, they would decompose in several years.
What’s next for Melody? She plans on launching a collection of shorts with the Joey Pouch Leggings, which will also be reversible. A sports bra is also in the works. Their retail partners include JackieZ & Style Co., Sip Shop Hooray, BLB Spraytan, and Teeth Whitening Spa.
For more information on the Joey Pouch Leggings, check out the website, https://labetri.com. You’ll be glad that you did!