When Jeannie Pope of Knot His 850 bought her first boat and christened it “KNOT HIS,” she didn’t just gain a marine vessel — she discovered her entrepreneurial calling.
A single mother and experienced cosmetologist from Central Florida, Jeannie turned a clever boat name into a thriving women’s UV apparel brand that’s making waves in the nautical fashion industry.
Finding Her Sea Legs
“I wanted other women to embrace, encourage, and be empowered by their accomplishments,” says Jeannie, reflecting on the inspiration behind Knot His 850.
After mastering boat maintenance and mechanics herself, she noticed a gap in the market: stylish UV-protective clothing designed specifically for women on the water. The brand combines nautical wordplay with functional fashion, offering 50+ UV protection in cuts made for female bodies. Yet for Jeannie, it’s about more than clothing; it’s challenging expectations and celebrating independence.
Navigating Business Waters with Knot His 850
Jeannie’s creative vision was clear, but the business side of entrepreneurship presented new challenges.
“While I may be creative in design and ideas, I’m horrible when it comes to banking, office tasks, computers, writing,” she admits.
That’s where the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of West Florida (UWF) entered the picture. Through SBDC’s guidance, particularly with consultant Marina Boeira-Tarulli, Jeannie secured crucial financing in only two weeks.
“This business grew faster than I could financially keep up with,” Jeannie shares. “Thanks to SBDC, I’m able to put myself in a position to offer better service and grow to the next level.”
Balancing the Helm
As a single mother of two daughters, Jeannie understands the delicate balance of entrepreneurship and family life. Her background as a cosmetologist taught her the value of flexible scheduling, while her new venture demonstrates the power of persistence.
“Being an entrepreneur is a blessing and challenge. On one hand you are your own boss. On the other, you are your own boss,” she explains. “It’s important for me to show my girls independence, hard work, and that they are capable of anything they put their minds to.”
Knot His 850 Makes Waves in Women’s Empowerment
Jeannie’s mission extends beyond UV protection. Drawing from her years of experience empowering women in her salon, she’s created a brand that celebrates female achievement and independence. Each piece in the Knot His 850 collection carries this message of empowerment, wrapped in stylish, sun-safe design.
The Destin-based company is doing something right, because with prompt capital infusion achieved and hefty sales increases over the last year, Jeannie and Knot His 850 have even newer opportunities on the horizon.
“Marina made everything so easy,” Jeannie adds about her business journey with SBDC.
For more information about how the Florida SBDC at UWF can help launch or grow your business, explore sbdc.uwf.edu. Offices and no-cost consultants are available across the panhandle and along the Emerald Coast, including virtual appointments and campus locations in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, and in Panama City Beach inside TechFarms.
To find out more about Knot His 850’s collection of UV-protective apparel, visit knothis850.com and connect with them on social media.
