Myrrian Pfister-Diebold President Of Velvet Industries MMA Apparel Interview

Due to some errors on my part, I have re posted this interview. Myrriah Pfister-Diebold is the President and Founder of Velvet-Industries MMA Apparel. Myrriah is a beautiful and intelligent woman. Velvet is a clothing line for me and women that is only going to become more and more popular. They currently sponsor up and coming fighter Sarah Goodlaxson, who you see every week with her weekly post on this blog. So i ask you to more about this amazing woman and then head to www.velvet-industries.com, www.showyourvelvet.com, or www.shopvelvet.com


Q: First, Myrriah, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this.
A: It is my pleasure and I want to thank you for being so kind to allow me
this opportunity.

Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself. Family, where you
are from, that kind of thing?
A: Well, I am an avid fan of MMA and have been for about 15 years. I am a wife,
mom of 4 incredible kids, soccer mom, business owner and makeup artist by
trade. I grew up in California and don't plan on ever leaving! LOL

Q: I know you are a big fan of MMA. What initially sparked your interest in
the sport?
A: I enjoyed watching boxing however I saw my first actual MMA fight in 1992
and was hooked. I actually watched quite a few " videos " from some
underground fights and it was a major rush! My husband thought I was insane
but we both really enjoy seeing raw talent evolve into refined talent.

Q: Have you ever trained at all or thought about it?
A: Oh no way. I played Soccer for 16 years and now am a typical So. Cal Soccer
mom......but I don't drive a mini van :) I think its AWESOME to see women
coming into MMA and knocking it out. There is such a misconception about
women and cage fighting. It takes heart, skill, brains and major physical
endurance. The stigma that girls in MMA are not as qualified as men is
ridiculous. The training is just as intense. My hat goes off to the women
who are breaking the mold in the sport.

Q: What led you to start Velvet Industries, and where can people find out
more about it?
A: My husband and I have attended many fights over the years in Vegas and Cali.
and as I looked around, I saw the need for a female fan based clothing line.
Here I am almost 40 fulfilling my dream. We as women don't want to attend
the fights wearing a frumpy tee shirt with a fighters face ( some do ) but
the majority of us want to represent the sport with style. 2010 is shaping
up to be a great year with new designs and new styles we are launching. We
can be found at
www.velvet-industries.com
www.showyourvelvet.com
www.shopvelvet.com


Q: I know you sponsor someone I am very fond of in Sarah Goodlaxson, any
other fighters you are sponsoring that you would like to name?
A: As of right now, I am focusing on Sarah. I believe Sarah will be the next "
big thing " in the MMA world of women. She is intelligent and extremely
focused on her goals. Sarah's determination was what really impressed me when
I was speaking with her and hearing the excitement in her voice really spoke
volumes to me. I want to support and sponsor those who are dedicated and I
see that in Sarah.

Q: What do you look for in a fighter that you may want to sponsor?
A: Well, I have been asked about 30 times in the past month to sponsor mostly
guys! Crazy but true. I am flattered and honored that we have been
approached but to tell you the truth, I am picky about who I will do
business with. Someone looking for a quick dollar is not who I am interested
in working with.

Q: For people that do not know, what is the relationship between a fighter
and a sponsor. What do each get out of the deal?
A: It's a win win for both the fighter and sponsor.
It really becomes a relationship and not just a business transaction.
Fighters need our help with apparel, monetary funds and recognition. As
sponsors, we are looking at credibility and advertising with our apparel and
products.

Q: What are your future plans for the clothing and apparel line. Obviously
the goal is to make it as big as possible, but any long term goals?
A: Great question............to see everyone, everywhere showing their Velvet!
Of course, we want to make it big and make money in the process. We are
still in the infancy stages of branding however we are gaining recognition
quite quickly. That's partially because I also have our Velvet Ring Girls
who are wonderful.

Q: Are you looking for more potential fighters to sponsor, and if one
wanted to contact you to see if there is an interest, how would they do
that?
A: We will always keep the door open to sponsor individuals but as I mentioned
before, Sarah is really where I am investing my time and money. I see big
things on the horizon for her.

Q: Do you have any fighters you are a fan of or enjoy watching?
A: That's a loaded question!!! I adore Anderson Silva, Bj Penn, Clay Guida,
GSP, etc etc. Classy fighters with amazing skills. I am a big fan of Hermes
Franca and am sad to hear of his retirement. I have been blessed to meet
some of the godfathers of MMA and I truly believe each of them has something
special to bring to the table...........or cage :)

Q: Play matchmaker. Men or women, if you could make any two fights you
A: Personally would want to see, what would they be?
Rampage and Rashad going toe to toe! ( both are smart a*** ) and that would
be great entertainment.I also would like to see GSP vs. Silva for sure. When
GSP moves up in weight class, I think that one will be off the hook.

Q: You obviously have a lot of contact with fighters. What do you think is
the biggest misconception about women who fight?
A: That they CANT fight! I hate hearing that it's a " Chic brawl " or a "
cat fight. " Give me a break. The women bring it just as hard and I think its
actually a shame for these women to not be given the same recognition as the
male fighters. I think that may be changing soon though. Gina and Erinn have
taken the sport to a new level and higher standard.

Q: Pound for pound for the men, who would you call the top five fighters in
the sport?
A: Silva, GSP, Penn ,Mir and Henderson.

Q: Same question for the women.
A: Carrano, Toughill, Cyborg, Long and of course Goodlaxson :)

Q: What is the best part and the hardest part about your job?
A: I love my job! I would say that raising 4 kids from teenagers to elementary
school is harder than running a company! LOL

Q: Outside of the things mentioned, any other hobbies or activities you
enjoy?
A: I love going to MMA venues and hanging out on the Soccer field. It sounds
boring but in all honesty, I am way into my kids. I love being a makeup
artist and freelance when I have " free " time.

Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Myrriah Pfister-Diebold.
A: Wake up, get kids off to schools, and then bam........its on! Emails, phone
calls, networking, filling orders, yada yada yada.

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I am still stuck in the 80's.......lol

Q: Favorite actor, movie, TV show, and musician?
A: Hmmm............favorite movie is The Wedding Singer! Favorite group would
be Bon Jovi. Like I said, still stuck in the 80's.

Q: Describe Myrriah Pfister-Diebold in five words.
A: Vivacious, Determined, Loyal , Sincere and Happy!

Q: Any plans for the short term that you have going on or coming up?
A: All my goals are actually long term. I plan on getting my foot into major
retail chains. Not only does our line cater to MMA, we also have a great
following with the surfers, skaters and everyday guys and girls.

Q: Anything you want to sue this time to plug or promote?
A: First and foremost is our Savior Jesus Christ. Without him, nothing is
possible. My husband, kids and business partners are the lifeline behind
Velvet-Industries.

Q: Myrriah I want to again thank you for taking the time to do this. Any
last words before you go?
A: I just want to publicly thank you Jason once again for giving me the
opportunity to do this Q&A. Keep up the great work and promoting those who
you feel are qualified! God Bless, M.