Curious Creatures stormed the trails last year, bringing their own vision of mountain biking apparel. Quirky yet sophisticated, popping but somehow subdued. Here’s a few quick words with founder Natasha Woodworth.

Describe yourself:

Just a Curious Creature! Designer, athlete, founder, and new mom.

What are you excited about?

I am really excited about a Curious Creatures artist tee we are doing with our favorite rider Lila Scott.  She was the creature riding in our brand video and has been in our lookbook and is doing some cool artwork for us for a limited edition tee! I am also proud of our new men’s line launched this month, and seeing how that does in the marketplace as the women’s line has been so well received.

What was the best advice ever given to you? 

Probably my Dad looking at me over a few beers and saying “if you don’t do this (starting Curious Creatures) now then you are crazy.” His confidence in me and belief that I could do it really pushed me to make the leap and leave my great job to try it all on my own.

What was the best investment you made?

Investing in getting Curious Creatures product out to people we are inspired by! It cost a lot to give product away to people we think are doing cool things in the mtb and outdoor world but having our gear on the right people and having them love it and tell their friends and community about it is priceless!

What has helped you hone your craft?

I have an incredibly supportive partner in life who currently is watching our screaming 6 month old as I write this! Having him help with lots of family and home work has freed me up to focus on Curious Creatures in a way I never could without that.  I love how this generation has very present and supportive fathers.

How did you break into your industry/sport?

I was always an artistic kid and I have a design degree but nothing changed my life like getting my first assistant design job at Patagonia.  I learned how to be a designer there and also how to care about the planet and make things in a thoughtful and meaningful way. I also met so many smart and talented people there, who continue to mentor, give me advice or even help work with Curious Creatures today. 

What can’t you live without?  Seasons! I love seasons. The feeling of snow melting into spring and mtb season approaching or the nip in the air when ski season is coming- it’s the most exciting thing and makes you so grateful and appreciative of the season of nature you are in.

What is the best ( most indispensable or current favorite) piece of outdoor gear you ever bought? I will do a shameless plug here but our Sun Dog Pants really do it all for me. They are comfy enough I can wear them all day on a long road trip and then when I arrive can wear them straight onto the trail for a ride or hike or whatever the day might throw at me. I can pack them on a trip and they are my go to for any outdoor activity even though they were built for mountain biking.