Submitted by Ashley Cox on | 0 Comments
No excuses. Put your heart in it. Whatever you do, don't hold your breath. How many times have you said that during your workout routine? Or how about your small business adventure? Dana Lardner for Words to Sweat by, has definitely put her heart into designing inspirational, and extremely cute accessories, for both the fitness junky at heart, and the low impact beginner. In 2010 Lardner launched her designs from San Jose, Ca, in effort to "help people, no matter their size, excercise their funny bone along with the rest of them." Since then, the Words to Sweat brand by also includes Dana's blog where she offers more motivation, recipes, and giveaways to help you get your fitness on. She shares what inspired her smallbiz and some exciting things that are launching right around the corner in this week's #SmallBizSpotlight.
What inspired you to get started?
Inspiration for creating Words to Sweat by struck when I forgot to bring my own sweat towel to the gym for my workout. I was trying to be as stealth as possible because I didn’t have a towel draped over the treadmill but, was highly conscious of those who did. I tend to people watch as it is, but that day, I noticed a pattern among gym members. Lots of people were expressing themselves and their goals on their hats, shirts, and bags, but every single towel was plain and boring.
While some people like to make bold statements about what they hope to achieve, there are others who like to be a little more subtle. Both types of people need a towel so I thought, ‘why not add some levity and inspiration to an otherwise non-descript accessory’? I created Words to Sweat by for people who want a little motivation and humor in their workouts, but don’t want to shout it from the rooftops.
What was your background? Was it in what you are doing now?
I was part of the glorious melee of the high tech world before starting Words to Sweat by.
I was part of the glorious melee of the high tech world before starting Words to Sweat by.
What challenge have you had to face that led to a big growth for your company?
Instead of the challenge being in the past tense, I think I’m currently in the middle of it. I am launching a variety of new jewelry designs as well as a completely new product line this Fall, both of which will increase the number of moving pieces necessary to run a strong, customer-focused business. If the new products are well received, 2014 should bring big growth which is exciting and daunting all at once.
Instead of the challenge being in the past tense, I think I’m currently in the middle of it. I am launching a variety of new jewelry designs as well as a completely new product line this Fall, both of which will increase the number of moving pieces necessary to run a strong, customer-focused business. If the new products are well received, 2014 should bring big growth which is exciting and daunting all at once.
What do you have going on in your business now that you are excited about?
I am really excited about the new product line I am launching this September. With each Words to Sweat by touch point, I try to be as environmentally conscious as possible while also keeping things affordable. So, it was great to find an organic cotton jersey knit to use for the product that won’t break a customer’s budget. Add to that designs that not only depict two things my customers love to do, but that are also exclusive and original to Words to Sweat by and it should a winning combination.
I am really excited about the new product line I am launching this September. With each Words to Sweat by touch point, I try to be as environmentally conscious as possible while also keeping things affordable. So, it was great to find an organic cotton jersey knit to use for the product that won’t break a customer’s budget. Add to that designs that not only depict two things my customers love to do, but that are also exclusive and original to Words to Sweat by and it should a winning combination.
I have really enjoyed all of the different aspects of this project from design development, to packaging, to creating the marketing materials. I can’t wait to see how the product is received!
Where would you love to see your business in five years?Five years from now, I would love to be accessorizing even more workouts worldwide! I intend to build my product lines to encompass as many types of movement and exercise as possible so that anyone who wants a reminder to stay on course with their health and fitness goals can purchase a fun, stylish, and functional accessory that is meaningful to them.
Category:
