Haley McClain Hill on the set of “Shark Tank.” Photo credit: Christopher Willard/ABC
Former U.S. Air Force lieutenant Haley McClain Hill is the founder of Torch Warrior Wear, a military apparel brand. The veteran left the Air Force in 2021 after serving for nine years.
While in active service, she wanted to create better-fitting undergarments for women that also met U.S. military standards, according to the Olean Times Herald. She would go on to create one-piece bodysuits to replace the “baggy” and “uncomfortable” T-shirts that personnel wear as part of a battle dress, the outlet added.
She received approval from the Pentagon to start her Torch Warrior Wear line and create the undergarments. She started manufacturing in Los Angeles and completed orders from her home. Also, she hosted pop-up sales events, attended military conferences, and had several meetings at various military installations showcasing Torch Wear.
Recently, she said she was exploring ways to advertise her bodysuit undergarments to women who work as police officers, firefighters, and EMTs.
Hill said her grandmother, Sheila Kehoe, an Air Force veteran herself, was inspirational to her when she was growing up. According to her, it was her grandmother who influenced her to pursue an ROTC scholarship at Penn State. While a commissioned Air Force officer in Atlanta, she made the Atlanta Falcons cheerleading squad.
In February, Hill appeared on Shark Tank, seeking $150,000 in capital for a 10% stake in her company. While most of the Sharks raised some concerns about how she could meet orders as a small business, Lori Greiner was all in.
