Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Valleau.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Katie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
This crazy journey of mine started shortly after I graduated from college at San Jose State University in 2013. There, I was a Division 1 gymnast spending the majority of my day wearing sports bras and spandex. My mom taught me to sew at a young age and now having ample time on my hands, just graduated, I decided to start creating some sports bras from myself and my friends. I wanted something more stylish and more comfortable than what was currently available in the market. It was at that time I called up my family and decided this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I was going to start my own activewear company. I launched a Kickstarter campaign in August of that same year and successfully funded it one month later. Fast forward six years and here I am today, designing, sewing and wearing all the hats that entrepreneurs wear to run their company. Some of my biggest accomplishments include being seen on DWTS champion Cheryl Burke during the show. Being featured in Clean Eating, Oxygen, Shape and numerous other magazines. Seeing my product all over the world and having shipped to all 50 states.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some of my biggest challenges have been with copycat businesses. It’s been quite difficult to look past other companies big or small using my products, taking my ideas and trying to sell them for their own. I never would have thought this would be an issue but it seems to be a reoccurring problem.
While this problem was something I initially thought I would fight legally, I’ve decided my energy is better spent out designing the imposters.
Valleau Apparel – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Valleau Apparel is a women’s activewear company specializing in unique sports bras that are comfortable, stylish and supportive. Our products are all designed and made in the USA. We are known for having some of the most comfortable sports bras in the market and pride ourselves on the creativity of our designs. As a unique bonus, all of our sports bras can be worn in the water and many of our customers use them for surfing, wake-boarding and paddle boarding!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success by happiness. Am I happy doing what I do every day? If the answer is yes, then I personally feel I have achieved success. Of course, success in my business looks a bit different. While I still value happiness above all else, I also feel very successful that I have created a self-sustaining brand and have reached customers all over the world.
I remember attending a class at a local yoga studio downtown one day and seeing one of the students there wearing one of my sports bras. That day, I felt like I had made it.
Pricing:
- Sports bras range from $39-$45
Contact Info:
- Website: www.valleauapparel.com
- Email: valleauapparel@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/valleauapparel
- Facebook: facebook.com/valleauapparel
- Twitter: twitter.com/valleauapparel
- Other: pinterest.com/valleauapparel
Image Credit:
Photo of 3 yoga girls: Janalyn Rose (Photographer)
@janalyn.rose
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
