Community Highlights: Meet Amari Coffee of Girleisure

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amari Coffee.

Hi Amari, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Girleisure was born during one of my gym comebacks when I needed that extra push to get back in the game. You know the drill—new workout, new outfit, right? But as an eczema girl, I quickly learned that not all activewear was created with comfort in mind. Those fabrics that felt like they were scratching me from the inside out, drying me out and making my skin itch like crazy? I could barely make it through my workout without feeling like I was being attacked by my own clothes. It was frustrating and, honestly, a huge barrier to even starting my workout in the first place.
So, there I was, half-dying on the stair climber, trying to power through the discomfort, and I thought to myself… What if I could create activewear that felt right? What if I could make something that was inclusive, unique, and comfortable? Something that didn’t just make you feel good when you worked out, but gave you that extra boost of confidence before you even broke a sweat?
Girleisure is for those who crave more than just function—they want to look good, feel great, and be motivated to move. Our designs are inspired by the desire to offer activewear that works for people of different shapes and sizes, no matter your body type, or skin sensitivity. It’s about feeling your best while doing what you love. Whether you’re sweating it out or meeting the girls for brunch.
Too many brands out there still make activewear for one kind of person: a specific body type, a certain ethnicity, and a narrow idea of beauty. And that’s where we saw the issue. It’s 2026, and the world has moved beyond the cookie-cutter mold of what fitness should look like. Companies are still leaving out the people who deserve to feel seen, empowered, and included in the wellness conversation—whether it’s the girl with eczema, the curvy athlete, or the mom who just wants an outfit that fits their busy lifestyle. It’s time for a change.
At Girleisure, we’re breaking those boundaries. We’re here to show that fitness—and fashion—should be for every woman and every skin. No more itchy fabrics, no more sizing struggles, no more feeling left out. We want to create pieces that make you feel confident and capable, because we know that when you feel good in your clothes, you’re more likely to crush your goals. We’re not just designing clothes; we’re designing empowerment. Girleisure is a brand built on love, respect, and equality for all—and we stand proud in that.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like anything worth building, launching Girleisure came with its share of challenges. I’ve navigated everything from vendors not putting in the care needed to bring my vision to life, to investing in production runs that fell through due to miscommunication, to facing higher minimum order requirements when expanding into extended sizes as a small business. Each of these moments tested me, but they also strengthened my commitment. At the core of it all is the community I’m building—a space for women who look like me: curvy, Black, brown, and often underrepresented. That purpose has made every obstacle along the way worth it.

We’ve been impressed with Girleisure, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder of Girleisure, an activewear and loungewear brand rooted in inclusivity, confidence, and style. I specialize in creating pieces that not only feel good on the body, using soft, skin-friendly fabrics, but also making women feel *cute* and put together. Girleisure is for the girl who wants that extra boost of confidence when she steps into a workout, runs errands, or simply lounges.

What sets us apart is the intention behind both the fit and the feeling. Our pieces are designed to flatter a range of body types while also making a statement. Whether it’s through bold silhouettes, thoughtful details like tummy-control waistbands, or cohesive sets that instantly elevate a look, Girleisure is about helping women feel confident without sacrificing comfort. While I’m not tall myself, I’m actually 5 feet, I listen closely to my customers’ frustrations, from not being able to find pants long enough to waistbands that roll down during workouts. I design from those real concerns, creating pieces that women not only want, but genuinely need.

What I’m most proud of is building a brand that truly centers women who are often overlooked in activewear, especially women who are curvy, tall, Black, brown, and diverse in shape and style. Girleisure goes beyond just clothing. It’s about creating a space where women feel seen, supported, and confident in their everyday lives.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My entire village deserves credit. I truly wouldn’t be here without them. From late-night calls to the moments they held space for me to cry, vent, and work through feelings of doubt, they’ve supported me in ways that go far beyond business.

Girleisure is just as much theirs as it is mine. My sister has been right there with me, helping me choose color swatches and bring ideas to life. My business friends have shared resources, advice, and guidance that have helped me grow and move smarter. My customers have trusted me and believed in the brand from the beginning, which means everything. My friends and family have continued to show up, whether that’s supporting photoshoots or simply reminding me to keep going. My partner also deserves so much credit for always making sure I’m set, especially during shoots. Whether it’s bringing a fabric steamer, snacks, or anything I might need, they make sure everything is taken care of before I even have to ask.

Most importantly, I want to thank my mom, may she rest in peace. She always instilled in me that the sky is the limit and that I can do anything I put my mind to. That belief is a huge part of why Girleisure exists today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://girleisure.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girleisure/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@girleisure

Image Credits
Photographer: Darrin Baldrdige
Models: Ashanti Coffee, Christina Manuel, Amaya Lanae, Ezinne Ndigwe, Raven Jonhson