Today we’d like to introduce you to EL “Sports Bra Guy” Sanders.
Hi EL “Sports Bra Guy”, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
EL “Sports Bra Guy” Sanders, originally from the Southside of Chicago, IL. Founder, President, and Creative Director of IZZYELLA LLC dba Active Inner Actions, as well as; Creator of the Patented (#7731564) Specialized Memory Foam Technology, 4-Way Adjustable No-Bounce Sports Performance & Wellness Bra.
I was raised by two amazingly extraordinary women – my Mother, Isabelle Sanders, a Healthcare Administrator, and my Grandmother, Ella Dixon, a Talented Hat Designer. Their strength, resilience, regalness, creativity, and compassion shaped the very foundation of who I am today.
My life’s journey began in fashion, I modeled from age 3 to 22 and continued on through athletics, playing football from high school to college and eventually attending an NFL mini-camp. I earned my Sociology degree from California State University, Northridge (Class of 1994), and I’m a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., in which my name is etched on the organization’s Commemorative Stone at Howard University – a lifetime honor that I deeply cherish.
I’ve always been passionate about sports, fashion, community service, and overall wellness. Those passions inspired me to create a product that empowers women through comfort, confidence, and performance. <b>I created this innovation not just as a product, but as a promise – a promise to every woman who has ever felt limited, self-conscious, or unsupported while trying to care for her body. Movement should feel free, not painful. Wellness should feel accessible, not frustrating. Overall, It’s about giving women the tools they need to move through the world powerfully. When women feel supported, they show up differently within their workouts, in their health goals, and in their lives. </b>At my core, I live to serve; whether through innovation, mentorship, or community engagement.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It (honestly) hasn’t been a smooth road, at all; however, nor have I expected it to be. Securing funding and <b>legitimate access to</b> resources as a Black Activewear/Sportwear Designer<b>/Innovator</b> have been major challenges. Breaking barriers within an industry of limited representation demands consistency, persistence and creativity. Nonetheless, every obstacle has <b>continuously </b>strengthened my resolve; I’m simply born and built for this.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As Founder, President, and Creative Director of IZZYELLA LLC dba Active Inner Actions; I specialize in innovative activewear/sportswear design. I am known for creating the patented (#7731564) a Specialized Memory Foam Technology, 4-Way Adjustable No-Bounce Sports Performance & Wellness Bra. The overall mission is to provide products that will service the global female community at the levels of 1) Consumer & Athletics <b>(i.e. Teachers, Professionals, Basketball, Soccer, Etc.)</b> 2) Active Duty Military & Civil Servants <b>(i.e. Army, Navy, Police, Firewomen, etc.)</b> 3) Medical & Wellness <b>(i.e. Breast Cancer Surgery, Pregnancy, Pre & Post Op Augmentation, etc.)</b>. I’m most proud of revolutionizing women’s comfort, confidence, and performance through technologically driven design. What sets me apart is my fusion of science, empathy, and purpose; therefore, creating activewear/sportswear that supports both the body and the mind.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yes, (3) requirements of seeking and obtaining a mentor and networking in general are due diligence, persistence & consistency. What has worked best for me is LinkedIn.com, Event Networking and Business Professional Referral.
Pricing:
- $89.99 No Bounce Sports Performance & Wellness Bra
