Dishing Out Fruity Lingerie

A perky Southern California blond, Stephanie Steinman is a dish. Then again, so is her lingerie and sleepwear line, Cherry Pie.

“I created Cherry Pie because I couldn’t find practical cotton underwear that was also sexy and fun. It was either special occasion or boring white,” says Steinman, 26, who grew up in Beverly Hills.

Her 100% cotton pajamas, nightgowns, thong underwear and tanks, $16 to $80, are covered with delicious pineapples, watermelons, strawberries, hearts, ice cream cones, and cherries, of course.

Steinman started her business three years ago during her senior year at Pepperdine University. A public relations major without any fashion know-how, she gathered tips from fabric mills and suppliers.

Fred Segal, which has helped launch the careers of many young Los Angeles designers, was the first store to bite, and now Steinman’s line is also sold in Nordstrom and Anthropologie. She plans to launch a baby line soon.

“It’s so easy to get caught up in the frenzy of being an entrepreneur,” Steinman says. “There is a big trend of young people going into business today because there are so many opportunities. Success can come before you are 40!”