Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ellen Hockley, Founder of Evergreen Activewear, located in Maplewood, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm the founder of Evergreen Activewear. We are a mission-driven, sustainable maternity and postpartum activewear brand made by moms for moms. We create high-quality activewear that's made for movement. Our customers are women who are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are 1-2 years postpartum and who love to move through running, cycling, weightlifting, etc.
Tell us about yourself
I started Evergreen while I was pregnant with my son during the COVID-19 lockdown. As I became more and more pregnant and the lockdown was longer and longer, I realized that there was a gap in the market for high-quality, sustainable made activewear. So many people are so focused on what they're putting in their bodies during pregnancy that they forget to think about what they're wearing. We wanted to give greatly affordable and functional options.
The major inspiration was the desire for a padded maternity cycling short that I could wear on my Peloton; this was our very first prototype, and now we have a patent pending on the product. I want women to feel supported during every phase of their pregnancy and postpartum journey. If we can even be a small part of it, that brings me immense joy and motivation!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating something from nothing while giving women the opportunity to feel strong and proud of their growing and changing bodies.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The uncertainty coupled with the isolation. Running your own business is hard, and not having a community of folks to be part of that (like most people have in a traditional job) can take a lot out of you. Over the years, I've worked to connect with people in similar stages of their business to try and work together and support one another.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- I think people are so afraid of failure that they don't take the leap, take the damn leap!
- Don't worry about what other people think. If you have the drive and desire to make it happen, you will. That doesn't mean it won't be hard, scary, or uncomfortable, but as long as you're not hurting anyone, it's your opportunity to take.
- Not everyone wants to be an entrepreneur, be sure of who you're bringing in to join you and make sure you have a good attorney. P.S. Found out about this opportunity via Cat Domingo/Gesche Haas
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.evergreenactivewear.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evergreenactivewear
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evergreenactivewear/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenhockley/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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