A Year of Big Wins, Bold Bags, and Even Bigger Adventures
As we close the book on 2025, one thing is crystal clear: this year was full of momentum, magic, and meaningful growth. From pitch stages and pop-up tents to ski laps and après in parking lots, BirdieBlue showed up everywhere, carrying adventure forward while keeping gear out of landfills.
Here’s a look back at what made 2025 such a defining year for BirdieBlue and why we’re so excited for what’s ahead in 2026.
Winning Pitch Competitions & Investing in Growth
2025 was a breakout year for BirdieBlue on the pitch circuit, and we’re still pinching ourselves.
We were honored to win the $25,000 EmpowHer Grant from Boundless Ventures, along with a full year of coaching. This support didn’t just fund growth. It strengthened our strategy, sharpened our storytelling, and reinforced that purpose and profit truly can go hand-in-hand.
We also took home the $40,000 Co-Create Pitch Competition win with Alibaba, validating BirdieBlue’s circular manufacturing model on a global stage.
And as if that weren’t enough, we were named a Finalist at the Title Nine Pitch Fest, standing alongside inspiring women-led businesses building the future of outdoor and activewear. We may not have won but we may be cooking up an exciting collab with the TitleNine team. Stay tuned! More deets to come in 2026.
Each pitch, win, and conversation helped us grow stronger and helped amplify the impact of upcycled bags made from gear that would’ve otherwise ended up in landfills.
Purpose-Driven Partnerships That Power the Brand
Collaboration has always been at the heart of BirdieBlue, and 2025 brought some truly meaningful partnerships.
We teamed up with outdoor and lifestyle leaders like Stio, GearTrade, NOLS, Stratton Mountain, Turtle Fur, OOSC, the US Ski and Snowboard Team, and Gnara, proving that collaboration beats competition every time.
Together, we transformed retired jackets, banners, and gear into one-of-a-kind bags, extending the life of materials and creating new revenue streams rooted in sustainability.
New Bag Launches (and 24-Hour Sellouts 👀)
If there was one theme to our product launches in 2025, it was blink and you might miss it.
We launched brand-new styles like the Puffer Carry Alls and Ski Patrol Collection, handcrafted from reclaimed down jackets and patrol gear and many sold out in under 24 hours.
These drops confirmed what we already suspected: our community loves bold, functional bags with a story and they’re excited to grow right alongside us.
✨ Looking ahead to 2026: We want to hear from the flock. What new bag styles do you want to see next? Bike bags? Crossbody purses? Big gear haulers? Your feedback helps shape everything we build. If you have a few minutes, please check out our 2026 planning survey and you will be entered for a chance to win a $100 BirdieBlue Gift Card!
30+ Events, Markets & Festivals Across the Map
In 2025, BirdieBlue hit the road — a lot.
We showed up at 30+ events, including ski races, music festivals, outdoor expos, and holiday markets across the country. From cold mornings in ski boots to late-night load-outs after holiday markets, every event brought new connections, conversations, and community.
These face-to-face moments are where BirdieBlue truly comes alive, where stories are shared, gear is reimagined, and customers become friends.
Countless Adventures (The Best Part)
Of course, it wouldn’t be BirdieBlue without the adventures.
This year’s bags joined you and us on skis, bikes, boats, mountain trails, and plenty of après parking lot hangs. They carried snacks, layers, gear, kids’ stuff, and everything in between. Exactly what they were designed for.
Because BirdieBlue bags aren’t meant to sit on shelves. They’re meant to be lived in.
Thank You for Being Part of the Flock
To our OG supporters and everyone who joined the BirdieBlue community in 2025, thank you. Every purchase, share, message, and high-five fueled this journey.
And as we look to 2026 (which the stars say is going to be a very good year for all of the Taurus kids out there, yours truly included🐂✨), we’re more excited than ever to keep building alongside you.
Here’s to more bold bags, more big adventures, and more gear saved from landfills together.
Happy BirdiBlue Adventures into 2026💙
Kate
Founder & Chief Upcycler-in-Charge, BirdieBlue