| | ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT: LAUREL TINCHER '06
For Laurel Tincher '06, it's all about the details. As CEO and Founder of Dwimmer.com, Laurel’s attention to detail is evident throughout her company’s product line, which features beautifully handcrafted ties with a new twist. She’s created a truly novel way of wearing this staple fashion item for men: with no tying required, the tie’s neck has a patent-pending slot for the fabric to fit through and adjust to your liking.
Since founding the company three years ago, “it’s been learning all the way through,” says Laurel. She credits her time around the Circle for preparing her in many ways. In particular, “those research skills we learned here were amazing: how to be thorough, documenting what you found, and really thinking about it.” These skills have helped her when encountering challenges such as learning how to apply for a patent, sourcing textiles, and the constant demands of running a business.
Laurel always knew she wanted to start a lifestyle company, and as she looks back on her journey, she encourages others to “pay attention to all the things you’re interested in. I was always interested in fashion, but it never occurred to me I would work in this industry.”
For Laurel, those interests include a background in film, event production, and fashion, with an MFA from Academy of Art University and undergraduate degree in Cinematic Arts from University of Southern California.
Encouraged by her parents to study her passions, Laurel also took a one-year course in biomimicry, focusing on sustainable design. Laurel says her biomimicry studies “really influenced me a lot. It is not my main career, but it influences my work daily.” Dwimmer uses sustainable fabrics and packaging for all its products, and everything is made in the US.
Combining all these interests has also enabled Laurel to focus on improving the shopping experience through creating interactive opportunities for consumers. Dwimmer’s website features her stunning photography, and a unique QR code on the back of each tie takes anyone who scans it to a customized page with short film clips, style guides, and information about upcoming events. Details like this are Dwimmer’s way of going beyond transactional relationships to something far more, inviting participation and creating social connection for its customers.
Dwimmer is a family affair, inspired by four generations of entrepreneurs in the Tincher family, and more officially as a partnership between Laurel and her father, Rich Tincher. “It’s been a neat collaboration between us,” says Rich, whose craftsmanship began through a career in building custom homes and is now realized in a new medium.
They plan to expand Dwimmer’s product line with shirts and women’s ties, as well as collaborations with other artists and textile designers.
Of this we can be sure, no matter what is next for the company, every element of the experience will reflect Laurel’s signature: detailed, personalized, and beautiful.
WELCOME, CLASS OF 2016!
The Castilleja Alumnae Association is growing! Our annual Alumnae Induction Lunch celebrated 67 new members from the Class of 2016 at a festive gathering in June. In addition, three Castilleja employees were recognized as Honorary Alumnae (HAs), a special distinction for working ten or more years at Castilleja: Sarah Barnum, Rebecca Sherouse, and Laura Docter '81. Welcome and congratulations to all our new members of the Castilleja Alumnae Association!
CASTILLEJA IS HIRING! 
As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, Castilleja is hiring for several full time positions as well as seasonal coaching roles. Click here to see a list of current openings. | | |
HONORING BELOVED TEACHERS 
After retiring teachers Peggy McKeeHA and Doris MouradHA gave their last lectures, the entire Castilleja community surprised them by lining their path down to the Circle. Students, parents, and employees clapped and cheered as Mrs. McKee and Mrs. Mourad walked from their classrooms to a special reception at the Dining Room patio. In a moving tribute, Nanci KauffmanHA honored these incredible teachers for their inspirational commitment to teaching, to Castilleja, and most importantly...to their students. Congratulations, Mrs. McKee and Mrs. Mourad, on your retirement!
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN UPDATE
June 30th marked a milestone for Castilleja School, as it is the day we submitted to the City of Palo Alto our application for a new Conditional Use Permit (CUP). So that Castilleja can continue to deliver a vibrant and continually evolving 21st century program, we have asked the City for permission to grow enrollment in our Upper School over time. In addition, we have applied for permits to build an underground garage, and for entitlements to rebuild our classroom buildings. You can learn more about Castilleja's plans to grow by watching this video. Additionally, our Community Impact Report gives detailed information about the positive impact Castilleja has made in Palo Alto and beyond. It is an exciting time for Castilleja, but there is a lot to accomplish before our community's vision can be realized. Feeling inspired? Please consider writing to the Palo Alto City Council in support of Castilleja's plans. See castilleja.org/voiceyoursupport for more information, including guidelines for letter writing. We will continue to provide updates to keep you informed throughout the process. Thank you for your support in these important next steps for Castilleja! CONFIDENCE IS...VIEW360 
This year's 9th annual View360 was a wonderful evening for the Castilleja community, bringing together alumnae, alumnae and current parents, and employees for a special event with the theme of "Confidence." Together, the community raised a record $1,052,600 for tuition assistance! Attendees enjoyed hearing from speakers including Emmy-winning journalist Carlos Watson, Alphabet and Google CFO Ruth Porat, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Wharton Professor Adam Grant, Golden Globe-nominated actress and humanitarian Ashley Judd, World Cup Champion and Olympian Brandi Chastain (introduced by Lindsay Taylor '08), Mentalist Kevin Viner, and a special video message from Academy Award-winning actress Hillary Swank. To experience the evening through highlights, view a photo gallery and watch a special video from the event, in which Castilleja students share their thoughts on what Confidence Is...". We hope to see you at View360 next year! STAY CONNECTED Click the links to see more and stay in touch with Castilleja:    
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