Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Skaar.
Shane, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started Streignth Sportswear when I was a freshman in college studying business at UW-La Crosse in 2019. Growing up, I came from a place of extreme insecurity because of a chest condition I had. I would never take my shirt off, not even at my house because I hated the way I looked (my sternum caved in irregularly). It was something I was born with, puberty was making it worse, and it was a part of me I thought I could never change. I was a victim to my circumstances, and I didn’t realize until I was about 15 when I started having trouble breathing in track practice that there was a procedure that may be able to fix the condition. Doctors said pain would be worse than open-heart surgery and success was not guaranteed, which really scared me. Yet the only thing that scared me more was not trying at all, so we went through with the operation and fortunately it was a massive success. One year after recovery, I started my passion for fitness/weight lifting. I’ll always look back at that experience as the biggest turning point in my life – I’m thankful for everything it taught me, and it helped lead to the inspiration of Streignth a few years later (in 2019) and we’ve been growing ever since. We have the mission to create the greatest platform of positivity possible and show others you don’t have to be a victim to your circumstances – take control of your life and make the most of everything you do, and everyone around you will benefit.
It’s been a wild journey since, and it’s only just beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We are extremely fortunate for everything that’s happened up to this point, but I’d be lying if I said it was a smooth road. I think that makes the come-up story for those who make it even more impressive and great when they are faced with adversities to overcome. There’s been struggles of course – a lot of learning and maturing I’ve had to do since starting the brand 3.5 years ago, a lot of maturing especially in the past 6 months. I am thankful for everything we’ve gone through up to this point as it’s lead us to this exact moment, having the opportunity to share our story on here 🙂 .
As you know, we’re big fans of Streignth Sportswear. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Streignth is based on self-improvement and with the mission to inspire as many people as possible to become the greatest version of themselves: physically, mentally, and spiritually. People have a LOT more control of their circumstances than they may initially think, and that’s why we as a brand are here – to show your adversities do not define you, but how you respond to them does. It doesn’t matter what cards you are dealt – anyone can win (at life) and find success in anything you want! Our brand will continue growing because of the people a part of it and those we continue adding to our movement – we are selective with who can represent us, but I truly believe we are creating a very special community. Everyone is so supportive and wants to see others grow – it’s amazing what can happen when you get like-minded people together that all want to make a difference. Our brand sells fitness/lifestyle apparel including: tee shirts, shorts, hoodies, joggers, leggings, sports bras, hats, and more!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always that really nice kid who was always trying to lift others up. It may have been somewhat of a coping mechanism for being insecure and not very confident, but I’ve always wanted to be someone who was seen as a beacon of positivity. I’ve just always wanted to make others feel good, and I think that’s really helped me make a difference and continue being hungry to (first start) and grow Streignth Sportswear. Interest-wise, I’ve always been in athletics (played basketball, soccer, and ran in track in high school) and I started lifting weights after my life-altering surgery at age 15 (in 2015). Before my surgery, I was really insecure like I said, but that’s what really changed everything. Growing up with pectus excavatum may have prevented me from blossoming and becoming who I am today, but I’m extremely thankful because it helped bring out other qualities that I still carry with me today as I still and always will strive to put a smile on everyone’s face I encounter.
Pricing:
- Hoodies: $45
- Joggers: $40
- Leggings: $40 (and on sale right now)
- Shorts: $30
- Pump Covers (Tees): $30
Contact Info:
- Website: streignth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shane_skaar/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCww1jW2PLaWhzw6tK3cd79g
Image Credits
Kevin Kustief and Streignth Sportswear
