(This post was originally drafted 14 years ago, in 2012.)
Not a lot of people really talk about this, but deep down I think we all know it: When we see something unusual in the sky, we turn to the next person and ask, “Hey, do you see that?” as a way of verifying that we’re not imagining things.
We have social games (“Never Have I Ever”) that involve seeking others in a group who may (or may not) have experienced what you have. More formally, participants of therapist-led group sessions often report equal or better healing than having one-on-one sessions with a therapist.
Why is this? Because we are vulnerable creatures who want to know that we belong, that we’re not alone in our experiences, and that we will be okay.
I first came to understand this when I stumbled upon the PostSecret website in undergrad. Although I had never sent in a single postcard to Frank, on more than one occasion “my” secrets have been posted over the years. Frank’s work has revolutionized the way people interact with one another, using the internet as a safe haven (instead of a cesspool of trolls) where people can find a community of like-minded peers and connect about whatever they may be hurting from.
What does this have to do with corsets?
When I started making videos on YouTube, I did not expect any of this to happen. Not the subscribers, not the blog and resources, not the work trips, not the “corset ambassador” title… none of it. As grateful as I am, I had no hopes or aspirations for any of it.
In a weird way, I almost don’t want my channel to get any more recognition because whenever anti-corset viewers stumble across my YouTube videos, they can say things that are very hurtful and damaging. I’ve turned down features on Dr. Oz and ABC, and have been selective about the interviews I agreed to. By intentionally flying under the radar of “large YouTube stardom” I feel that I’ve avoided much of the criticism by people who don’t understand (and don’t care to understand). Yet, anyone who is interested in corsetry can still seek me out.
It has never been my intention to put every “body” into a corset. Instead, I wanted to provide a safe haven for people to learn about corsetry; a starting point where people can learn the basics about how corsets intersect with health, lifestyle, and modern fashion. I wanted to be a relatable, young, girl-next-door type who is the “same here” that you might need to hear sometimes.
(Note: when I first drafted this in 2012, I used the phrase “me too!” This was well before the viral 2017 “me too” movement, but as I’m only just publishing this post now in 2026, I’ve intentionally changed the wording to “same here”. Also, as 14 years have passed, I’m no longer young 😉 I’m a mom, business owner, and designer. Hopefully still relatable enough!).
What I didn’t expect was that in my quest to be someone else’s “I see you”, and to maybe give others comfort or peace of mind, I would get so much support in return. This is meant to be a no-pressure environment where uncommitted folks don’t feel that they have to tightlace or waist-train. Where curious folks can feel safe to ask questions without being judged for “looking dumb”. Where demure folks will hopefully not be mortified by stumbling onto my site and seeing something they may not want to see.
Are there dedicated tightlacers, waist-trainers, seasoned researchers, and folks who enjoy racier topics who also read this site or view my videos? Absolutely. (Some of them appreciate my work, others scoff at my efforts.) However, my goal has never been to create an elite, exclusive club. In fact, quite the opposite.
My message is this: we all had to start somewhere. If you’re just beginning research in corsetry, I’ve been where you are, and I’ve walked this path before you. I had to cobble concepts together from different places, and this blog is a documentation of all I have learned. It would be my honor to be your guide. I hope this place is as good as any to start, and it is completely up to you where you would like to end.
All are welcome here, and that means you, too.
Where to start
Not sure where to begin? Here are a few suggestions:
- Watch: My beginner’s playlist on YouTube covers the basics: what all the different parts of a corset are called, how to become a discerning shopper, choosing a corset that’s right for your body, and troubleshooting any issues with the fit.
- Read: My blog directory organizes nearly 15 years of articles by topic: size and fit, breaking in a new corset, dressing with your corset, waist training, the physical effects of corseting, and hundreds of reviews.
- Feeling overwhelmed? My “Help, I’m lost!” page is a shopping guide: map of corset makers who might live near you, brands sorted by budget, and Guided Galleries for “window shopping” by style or interest.
- Want help from me? Send me your measurements and I’ll personally respond with a corset silhouette, length, and size to fit your body and preferences. This is free! (Please allow 2 business days for a response or try my CorsetBot calculator for an answer in seconds!)