Mission Statement

Heaux Apparel was founded in February 2021 with a few clear goals in mind.

First, I wanted to create a retail space where students could find everything they needed to feel strong, confident, and fully equipped in their chosen apparatus. While it began with a focus on pole dancing, Heaux Apparel quickly expanded to support all aerial disciplines.

Second, this brand was built to celebrate EVERY BODY and the unique beauty each person brings to movement.

Third, I wanted to bridge the gap between the viral products we kept seeing on social media and the frustrating reality of international shipping costs. So I started importing the good stuff—making it accessible and affordable for our community.

And finally, I wanted Heaux Apparel to support women-owned small businesses and cottage industries within our industry—amplifying the work of creatives, hustlers, and innovators who are building their own empires.

This brand is about bringing people together, uplifting artistry, and spotlighting the magic that lives in our vibrant little corner of the world. Watching it all unfold continues to bring me so much joy.

About The Owner

Hola! I’m Susan — the founder, creative force, and all-hands-on-deck behind Heaux Apparel.

This journey began after spending over 20 years in the strength and conditioning world, where I co-founded a global brand with my ex-husband. My first love was powerlifting—but in my early 40s, I discovered pole dancing while working to reconnect with my body on a deeper level.

After my divorce, I knew one thing for sure: I wasn’t built to work for someone else. I saw a gap in the aerial fitness world and an opportunity to create something bold, inclusive, and needed—and Heaux Apparel was born.

But that’s just part of the story. I also own an aerial studio in Columbia, SC called Studieaux Heaux, a space that fuels my passion for movement, community, and personal expression. And through my work as a bodyworker using the Be Activated technique, I help people tap into their bodies, reclaim their identity, and live more fully.

Heaux Apparel is more than just a brand—it’s a reflection of everything I believe in: empowerment, creativity, and the freedom to take up space exactly as you are.