Today we’d like to introduce you to Aja Cohen.
Hi Aja, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been quite the adventure, one that led to the birth of Transcendent Active. My passion for fashion and being active started at home as a kid and was fueled by my mom who is one of my biggest inspirations. I was lucky enough to work at brands like Fila, Champion, and Converse, which not only helped me see what the industry was like but actually how it works. However, it also opened my eyes to the detrimental impact fast fashion has on our environment. I also decided to get my 200-hour yoga teacher training, which intensified my devotion to wellness and mindfulness. Coupled with my unwavering connection to my faith, these elements came together to inspire Transcendent Active – my dream of a stylish, sustainable, and modest activewear collection.
After a period of soul-searching back in New Jersey, I was determined to weave my love for activewear design; my yoga and movement struck, my commitment to environmental sustainability became a cohesive mission. Covid provided the window of opportunity for me to take the plunge and establish my own eco-friendly activewear brand that so many great people now know and love. Despite the challenges and bumps along the way, Transcendent Active launched our first product – the All Day Active skirt. The product sold out within two weeks, reaffirming that this market is untapped but has so many potential buyers who need these types of products.
As the brand evolved, I expanded to not only skirts but dresses and shirts too, which cater to women of diverse sizes, shapes, colors, and faiths. I firmly believe that every choice we make holds the potential to mend the world, a principle that guides my unwavering commitment to ethical fashion. Style and quality can indeed harmonize with ethical values, and Transcendent Active embodies this ethos. It’s more than just activewear; it’s a community of empowered women striving to access their higher potential while contributing to positive global change. All of this wrapped in eco-conscious athleisure that proudly embraces the concept of modest activewear.
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?
I don’t think any small business has ever had a particularly smooth road, especially a sustainable one. From starting Transcendent Active during the COVID-19 pandemic to trying to find a sustainable facility in the U.S. as well as sustainably made materials and doing all of my own marketing and outreach virtually on my own, there have been a lot of struggles. I am so thankful for the support system I have in my family and friends; there is no way I could have done this without them. Things have been tough, but I have made some great connections along the way, and I now work with some amazing people. In some ways, I’m glad to have gone through the struggles that I did because they have made me and my brand stronger and smarter.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Working in the fashion industry, with experience at Fila, Converse, and Champion, I’ve become acutely aware of the devastating impact of fast fashion on the environment. The relentless cycle of mass production, rapid consumption, and disposal has taken a toll that cannot be ignored. Witnessing the alarming levels of waste and pollution generated by fast fashion deeply troubled me. From the excessive water usage and chemical pollution during textile production to the enormous amounts of clothing ending up in landfills, it became clear that a change was desperately needed. Driven by a passion for sustainability and a desire to make a positive difference, I decided to start Transcendent Active. I wanted to create a brand that not only offered exceptional activewear but also addressed the harmful effects of fast fashion head-on. Transcendent Active was born out of the belief that fashion can and should be a force for good. I made a commitment to source eco-friendly materials, such as recycled fabrics and organic fibers, to minimize our carbon footprint.
By choosing sustainable materials, we reduce the strain on natural resources and help prevent the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. I wanted Transcendent Active to challenge the throwaway culture that fast fashion promotes. Instead of disposable trends, I focused on designing timeless pieces that prioritize durability and versatility. By encouraging customers to invest in quality, long-lasting activewear, we aim to reduce the demand for constant consumption and the subsequent waste it generates. Having witnessed firsthand the exploitative labor practices prevalent in the fashion industry, I was determined to create a brand that championed ethical manufacturing. At Transcendent Active, we prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions for all individuals involved in our supply chain. By doing so, we strive to empower workers and promote social responsibility within the industry. I wanted to provide an alternative to these big fast fashion brands that aligned with my values and offered consumers a conscious choice. Through Transcendent Active, I hope to inspire others to join the sustainable fashion movement, where style and ethics coexist, and together, we can make a positive impact on the planet we call home.
Our entire production process is also designed to minimize our carbon footprint. From utilizing energy-efficient manufacturing techniques to reducing waste and implementing recycling programs, we ensure that every step we take is conscious and eco-friendly. What truly sets Transcendent Active apart, however, is our unwavering dedication to transparency. We believe in fostering a genuine connection with our customers. I personally see each of my customers as a friend, and I really do want the best for each one of them. I genuinely want to get to know each one of them because they are the only reason I can continue doing what I love. My customers know that they can reach out to me if they have a problem, and I’ll do my best to fix it. My Instagram DMs are full of conversations with customers, not only about TA but about life. Transcendent Active is different because we care and want to have a deep real relationship!
We are committed to offering modest activewear options. In a world where the more skin shown is better, we opt out. We value what’s inside. What’s behind the person wearing it. Through this commitment, we hope to empower women to activate their true potential and for people to look deeper into their souls.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://transcendentactive.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transcendent_active/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TranscendentActive
https://www.facebook.com/TranscendentActive - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transcendent-active/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYfwltzxk8tsuVzKI562VuA
- Other: Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/transcendentactive/_shop/
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@transcendentactive?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
All photos by Truth and Love Photography
