Why I Started Charmed Soles Grip Socks

This small business started the way I imagine many do: I wanted something I couldn’t find, so I made it myself.

While living in Korea, I tried reformer and barrel pilates for the first time. Since I wasn’t sure if I’d stick with it, I bought the cheapest grip socks I could find. But after moving back to Austin, I found my favorite instructor, fell in love with pilates, and started going regularly. I know not all studios require grip socks, but as a germaphobe with extremely sweaty feet, socks are a must-have, so it was time to upgrade.

The cheap socks had a lot of problems in the grips: they were raised and uncomfortable to wear with shoes, had turned permanently gray after a couple of uses no matter how much I washed them, some were peeling off, and after a few wears they lost a lot of traction. Holding a heavy squat or doing a heavy lunge on the reformer felt scary; my feet didn’t feel secure. That’s why I focused so much on the quality, feel, and look of the grips for Charmed Soles.

I wanted socks that were high-quality, comfortable, and cute — socks that make you feel supported, confident, and even a little excited to wear!

I’m also a minimalist at heart. I hate clutter and tend to own just one or two of each essential: one purse I used exclusively for six years, one water bottle I used exclusively for eight (until my roommate got me obsessed with water bottles this year), one pair of running shoes… you get the idea. The point is, if I’m only going to own one of something, I want it to be perfect. I want to love everything about it 100% and for it to last for a long time.

But I couldn’t find any that I loved! I found myself Googling stuff like kimchi pilates socks, cong you bing (green onion pancake) pilates socks, Harry Potter grip socks, mooncake socks, lion dance socks, asian food pilates socks, bread pilates socks, pork belly pilates socks, afternoon tea pilates socks. Can you tell I love food? 😂 Eating is my greatest joy and food is my biggest motivator, so naturally I wanted my favorite things to be reflected in the designs.

It’s kind of like having a fresh manicure; when I’m doing bear (so hard!), it somehow feels easier because I’m admiring my nails. The same goes for socks: when I love the design, I feel cute, I feel good about myself, and I have a better workout. (Or am I the only one? 🤣)

I am no artist, but luckily my little sister is, and we designed these socks together. ♥️

And that’s how Charmed Soles Grip Socks was born. 🧦✨(It did take about 9 months of work from idea to launch… hahaha).

Behind the Name: Charmed Soles

At first I wanted to name my brand Lucky Soles — a nod to socks and my Asian-inspired designs. But that business name was already registered!

I love the word “charm”. It evokes so many good things: being lucky, fortunate, blessed, surrounded by good energy, living a life touched by a little magic. I always thought Charms would be my favorite subject at Hogwarts! It could also refer to a lucky charm; each sock design could be like adding a lucky charm to your bracelet.

Soles, of course, refers to the bottoms of your feet, where our grips live. I also love that sole and soul are homophones. Soul is the essence of who you are — your spirit, personality, or inner self. Any of my close friends will know that I am obsessed with The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer, so the connection felt perfect.

Charmed Soul (noun)

• Someone who carries a little magic or good fortune with them ✨
• A person who brings or attracts positivity, luck, and happiness 🌿
• A spirit that’s joyful, vibrant, and uniquely special 💫

Such a delightful image, right?

And here’s a fun detail: the direction of our grips is actually the opposite of most grip socks. Why? Because the only time anyone notices the bottoms of your socks during class is when they’re behind you during a lunge or kneeling move. I wanted the hearts to be right-side up and the logo easy to read, so when someone sees them, they instantly know that you’re a charmed soul. 😎

The Logo

Charmed Soles almost launched with just one design: the bungeobbang grip sock. That’s how much I love bungeobbang — just thinking about it makes me happy, and I wanted to bring that same joy to everyone!

Fun fact: that’s why the website cursor is a tiny bungeobbang 🐟✨ A little easter egg for anyone visiting on desktop, because the magic is in the details.

The bungeobbang captures everything Charmed Soles is about: playful fun, sweet nostalgia, a nod to Asian food and culture, and a little extra happiness in every step.