Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elaine Li, Founder of Livelite Athletica, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I design and provide luxurious and premium activewear that’s actually affordable. My customers are a mix between women and men, and they are looking for quality so that their workout clothes last long throughout the years.
Tell us about yourself
I have a background in sports and cheerleading, so I was in love with fitness. I grew up modeling as well, so I acquired an obsession with fashion. I decided to merge my two passions for fitness and fashion together and tried to solve the pain points I found in the athleisure and sportswear industries. I needed durability with high-contact sports, things that didn’t rip when I performed the splits. That’s when I knew I had to create Livelite.
I made it affordable for people like me, who was a broke student and used to save up to try on all sorts of sportswear but continuously got disappointed by the material. Now, my supporters motivate me to do my best. I stay consistent, even on the days, I don’t feel as motivated. Thinking of why I started always brings me back to being motivated.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I feel that for me getting feedback or reviews from customers telling me that I inspired them to get quality activewear and get into a healthy lifestyle - really makes me feel accomplished more than any number or amount of sales. People who come up to me and say I inspire or motivate them to become a better version of themselves or that through purchasing my clothes, they have something to look forward to the next time they go to the gym. When I feel that I’m having a positive impact and making a change in people's lives, that feeling is hard to top for me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Dealing with hate, people who try to discourage you and say things like “why would you run a clothing business? It’s stupid, there’s so much competition. You’ll never make it” just because they think differently than you. You just have to ignore it and know that there is enough success to go around. It’s abundant. I had to learn early on that not all people are good in the world. There are some crazy people out there, but stay true to yourself and keep pushing. Being an entrepreneur is never going to be easy; you’ll get hate when you start getting attention - but that’s all part of the beauty of it!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just get STARTED! That is the hardest part for most entrepreneurs. Afterward, things will keep flowing.
- Stay consistent. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. People WILL doubt you or feel threatened by your potential. Ignore them!
- Do things the hard way. There are no “shortcuts.” Make sure you follow laws and don’t steal other people’s content because you’re too lazy to make your own. Just be creative! You got this.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://liveliteathletica.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveliteAthletica/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveliteathletica/
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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