Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda LaRue.
American Fitness Couture was created by founder, Linda LaRue, RN, MEd, ATC, a core guru and Hollywood A-list celebrity fitness instructor with over two decades experience. She has developed a very successful line of fitness videos and fitness equipment to help her clients and others stay on top of their game. Linda developed American Fitness Couture after seeing a laundry list of problems with many of today’s fitness lines that sag, bag, are too loosely woven (peek-a-boo!) and wear out too quickly. On a deeper spiritual level Linda believes that when it comes to health, it matters not only what you put into your body, but also what you put on your body. Thus, she determined that the market needed a premium performance, eco-friendly, locally made, upscale, yet affordable line: American Fitness Couture.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not hardly…the garment industry is one of the toughest, dirtiest industries. Period. Early on I made a few major mistakes by trusting the sewing contractors I had hired to execute my vision. Due to inexperience and knowledge, it was an unmitigated disaster. I was also warehousing my finished goods with this team. One day I walked in and approximately 2/3 of my stored fabric and goods were missing. It was a painful learning lesson. I decided to lean in and learn all that I could from anyone I met about how to create the best garment from fabric to finish. I spent 12-14 hour days in total immersion. I also maxed out my credit card, taking a 35K loan that I have since paid back.
I learned some hard sessions:
- Verify, then trust
- Don’t be afraid to walk away if your intuition is giving you warning signals, because it won’t get better.
- Get EVERYTHING in writing with complete scope of work, due dates and signatures.
- Be loyal to the folks who are loyal to you.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about American Fitness Couture – what should we know?
American Fitness Couture is an eco-friendly, ethically made women’s activewear brand for the upscale at competitive, affordable prices that will take you from workout, to workday to weekend. Our custom premium performance thick—yet breathable—buttery soft, peached compression nylon/lycra fabric is made from a special nylon fiber called Tactel. (It’s what they use in bulletproof vests–so it’s incredibly strong, durable and supportive!) According to rigid testing, Tactel fiber is at least twice as soft and 20 percent lighter than most performance activewear fibers. It also dries eight times faster than cotton.
Our custom-knit Tech-Y Compression Tactel nylon | Lycra Performance Fabric features Antimicrobial Silver Technology to keep you fresh, and moisture wicking to help minimize any unsightly sweat puddling around your lady parts. No more uncomfortable exposure!
Our design team consists of fitness-focused fashion designers, exercise physiologists who understand how the body moves in all planes of motion, and seasoned top-shelf pattern makers. Each carefully curated style in our collection is crafted to support and drape a woman to make her feel comfortable, move optimally, and of course, look beautiful.
American Fitness Couture Eco-Smart Ethically Made Activewear
Fashion + Fit + Function + Fitness = Your Second Skin
> Fits Every Body! Our mix ‘n match pieces contour to your body’s shape and feel as comfortable as your own skin.
> Functional Crossovers! From workout to workplace to weekend, our versatile apparel can be dressed up or dressed down for any occasion.
> Total Coverage! Our leggings pass the peek-a-boo “Bend Over” Test!
> Made to Last! Incredibly durable Tactel® Nylon, strong yet supple; the same nylon used in Bullet Proof Vests!
> Eco-Smart! We are recycling devotees and use hybrid vehicles to reduce carbon footprint.
> Compression! Our custom-knit textile has four-way stretch and recovery to make you feel pulled in just right, while helping to stabilize your muscles and assist in faster recovery.
> Antimicrobial! Patented CLEAN silver technology that intelligently fights the funk—despite your toughest, sweat sessions.
> Saves Water! Our efficient fabric dye machines use 20-30% less water per fabric lot.
> Ethically Made! We are a sweatshop-free company who financially values every employee.
> Proudly Made in the USA! From fabric to finish, we are 100% American.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
1. Relentless persistence to create the best fabric, fit & function
2. Passion
3. Don’t beat yourself up about making mistakes. Learn from them, so you won’t make them again
Pricing:
- $60 to under $100
Contact Info:
- Address: 550 S. Barrington Ave. #4317
LA, CA 90049 - Website: www.americanfitnesscouture.com
- Phone: 310-890-3305
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanfitnesscouture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanFitnessCouture
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AFCActivewear
Image Credit:
Linda LaRue
American Fitness Couture
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