🧵 Kick’s: From Clothes to Shows (S3.2)
- janie724
- Sep 9, 2025
- 3 min read
Episode of September 9th, 2025
In this episode S3.2 of the Kick’s Cheer Podcast, the team goes back to the origins of Kick’s. Long before competitions and event production, Kick’s was born out of a cheerleading clothing line! Coming from a family in the textile industry and holding a degree in fashion commerce, Janie launched her university project in January 2006: to create uniforms and apparel designed specifically for cheer, adapted to performance (cuts, fabrics, details). That project quickly grew into a company that would soon outfit dozens of teams both locally and internationally.
✂️ The first prototypes of clothes… and an inspired “Kick”
The very first prototype of Kick’s was a skirt in navy and lime. It was mainly used to test patterns and adjustments—an early step in transforming an idea into a true cheerleading uniform.
As for the name “Kick’s,” it came almost by chance during the holiday break. While brainstorming names that would make an impact, Janie spontaneously said “Kick’s.” It was short, punchy, easy to remember—and instantly approved by her mother, who simply said: “That’s perfect.”
The venture quickly gained momentum and even attracted well-known faces. A memorable collaboration was born with Maddie Gardner, regarded as the very first Cheerlebrity and creator of the famous Ball-Up 360. Maddie became a model for the brand and even inspired a mini-collection, a milestone that helped Kick’s shine far beyond Quebec.
This opening to the international stage was confirmed with the production of uniforms for the Viqueens (Norway). Kick’s also gained recognition through post-Worlds contests and a strong presence in competition booths, marking its first steps on the global cheerleading scene.
🧵 7 years of design: when every uniform was unique
For seven years, the workshop grew with seamstresses, pattern makers, and cutters. The guiding principle was clear: no uniform was ever identical—once a design was chosen by a team, it was removed from the catalog.
The best-sellers at competitions? The sparkly shorts (from zebra prints to the famous “hydropoil” fabric), and the cozy cheerleading sweatpants, available in several colors.
The vision was always to emphasize performance and team identity rather than uniformity.
🔄 From fashion to events: a bold shift
Growing in apparel required massive investments (machinery, automation). At the same time, Kick’s Events was taking off and the gym was expanding. Faced with this choice, Janie made a strategic decision: to dedicate herself to sports event production.
The result? An ecosystem where the Kick’s brand now shines through competitions, stage experiences, and event merchandise (official bows, t-shirts, pins)… and a community more engaged than ever.
💄 FULL-OUT QUESTION: The look of cheer—from “glam” to performance
In the Question Full Out segment (2 min 30), the hosts tackled a common question: why is there so much “glam” in cheer? The answer highlights how the sport has evolved. In the past, hypersexualization was more present—with short crop tops, heavy makeup, and extravagant hairstyles. Today, the trend is shifting toward performance. Makeup is lighter, hairstyles are simpler, and uniforms are designed primarily to allow athletes to move and perform.
In official circuits like ICU, the focus is now clearly on athleticism and technique, showcasing sporting ability rather than appearance.
🎉 20 years of Kick’s: a story, a community, a future
January 2026 will mark 20 years of Kick’s. From the very first test skirt to competition stages, one thing has always remained: passion.
A message to athletes: follow what makes you vibrate with passion. A degree in fashion can lead to sports event production—the most important thing is perseverance and a drive for excellence.
Comments