Tylmen is creating a universal sizing method to help people shop the web with confidence knowing their exact size and fit when buying fashion and apparel. The team includes Lloyd Yates (GB ’22). Bill Qin (LA ’25), Veronica Hsu (BU ’25), Jamie Nicholson (BU ’25), James Dutton (GM ‘22), Chris Mertens (BS ’16), Sharon Tang (GB ’22), Leah Li (GB ’22), Doug Villhard (Advisor), and Mary Ruppert Stroescu (Advisor). Founder, Lloyd Yates, answered our questions for this blog.

Website: tylmen.com

Tell us your startup story – What is the problem you’re solving?

3 out 5 online shoppers buy a fashion item with the intent to return them. This results in a $200 billion loss for retailers while keeping the fashion industry as the 3rd most polluted industry in the world. Inaccurate fit is the number one driver for these returns.

What is your solution to that problem?

At Tylmen Tech, we’re creating a mobile marketplace for fashion that connects brands to customers based on universal sizing. We’ve developed patent-pending sizing technology that gives a shopper a percentage score of how well an individual clothing item will fit, based on body type, preferences, and clothing specifications. Our app will ensure you get the right fit when buying fashion online, while exposing you to new brands you will love.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?

Commitment and passion go hand in hand. Being part-time on your venture won’t reap the results you want or deserve.

What do you love about entrepreneurship?

I love the collaboration. If your vision is big, you need people who also believe in that vision to help achieve it. Working with passionate people is the best part.

What advice would you give to someone considering creating a startup or entering an entrepreneurship competition?

Jump in and give it a shot. You never know what you will accomplish or get out of the experience.

What activities, student groups, professors, or classes had the biggest impact on you during your time at WashU?

All of my professors truly had a positive impact on me at WashU. Being in the entrepreneurship program, I work closely with Doug Villhard, Michael Wall, Rian Edwards, and students of EVCA who are all so encouraging and supportive.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

WashU has been such a great community that wants its members to succeed. Deciding to pursue my MBA here has been one of the best decisions I have made.

The winner of the Spring 2022 SVC will be announced at The Washington University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards Presented by the Skandalaris Center on April 14. All are welcome to attend the awards ceremony to see which teams will win non-dilutive funding for their venture.