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WESTPORT, Conn. Westport native Carolina Baker lives in London now but will be crossing the pond virtually this week for an event to benefit the New York-based S.E.A.K. Foundation, a nonprofit that helps teens with physical and mental self-confidence issues.
S.E.A.K., or Strive, Embrace, Achieve, Know, is conducting the Sports Bra Challenge at Union Square Park beginning at 2 p.m. Baker is donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of her mi-bra to the organization. Bakers product is an ecofriendly sports bra that has a pocket to keep iPods while exercising. The pocket can also be used to stash money or a subway card.
Baker, a former marathoner who has converted to CrossFit, wont be at the event. Shell be checking it out from London, where she lives with her husband. She responded to questions via email about the mi-bra and Thursdays event.
How long has this product been in the works?
I started this product in 2009 when I was obsessively running. I always run with my music and because I sweat a lot, I had chaffing issues with the iPod arm band. After a particularly hard run, I arrived to our front lawn in Fairfield and told my husband that running with an iPod was just too difficult. He casually said, You should get a sports bra with a pocket. That afternoon, I did a quick search online and realized that there were no sports bras with pockets, and thats when I literally decided to run with the idea.
What was your motivation for starting it?
My primary motivation for starting it was that it felt right and there was a need. My secondary motivation is that I aim to live a healthy active lifestyle, and I feel the mi-bra embodies the values that I believe in: eco-friendly, active and comfortable.
How long did it take you to create, produce and build up awareness for the product? How has business been going?
I thought of the mi-bra in the summer of 2009, and I didnt get my first batch delivered until January 2010. I built up awareness by reaching out to blogs. This is very effective for my online selling platform. I already made my return on investment, so I believe business is going well. Im also about to sell out of my first product line, so Im beginning the groundwork to expand my line. Im excited, thrilled and cant wait to begin this journey, armed with more knowledge as to what girls are looking for, and with conviction as to my vision.
How do you handle production and is it available at retail outlets?
Im a one-woman show, so I handle production all on my own. My last manufacturer was in Colombia, and we had many interchanges regarding samples, modifications and sizes. The mi-bra was offered at Kerin Boutique in New Haven, but unfortunately, they recently closed down shop. Once my second order arrives, I will be working to place the mi-bra in stores around the U.K. and the USA.
What is it that you like about this particular charity that made you want to become associated with it? I was made aware of the Sports Bra Challenge through Kelly Janowski of KellytheCulinarian.com. Shes going to run her last pre-triathlon run with the mi-bra and so she asked me to partner with her. Thats when I reached out to the founders of the Sports Bra Challenge and offered my assistance. Lulumelon is currently taking care of the bras, so I thought donating a portion of any mi-bra sales would be a great contribution.
Im a Latin American, so Ive never really fit the thin stereotype. Additionally, after joining Crossfit, my perception of sexy changed completely, and now I cant get enough of women who are visibly physically strong. But most importantly, Im with a man who supports me and my body 100 percent, and I know how uncommon that is, and that makes our relationship and my confidence thrive. I want other woman to feel confident stripping off their shirts in public, as its liberating to be proud of your body. Being proud is the first step to acceptance and to change.
You wont be in New York for Thursdays event. Will you be watching from afar?
I will definitely be tuning into the Sports Bra Challenges website, their Facebook page and their Twitter feed. If they upload any videos, Ill be one of the first to watch them. Im also speaking to one of the founders (Jocelyn Levy) after the event, and Im excited to get her perspective.
You live in London now. Do you see yourself coming back to the United States and building this into a big company with other lines, or is this a one-time venture for you as an entrepreneur?
I wish I could say Ill be back to the States in two years, but I dont think thats going to happen. My husband wants to live in a Latin American country after London, so thats where I think Im headed. Eventually, I believe well make it back to the States, but that seems more medium to long term than short term.
Im actually about to start researching manufacturers to order my second set of mi-bras, and Im excited. This batch will take into consideration the feedback Ive received from many customers, as well as potential customers, and the improvements that I want to flow through the product line. In short, I do believe I will have other lines; Im just not sure how the pieces will come together yet. But Ill make it work.
Finally, youve run marathons, developed your own business, traveled the world extensively and youre not yet 30 years old? What are your plans for the next 10 years?
My plans for the next 10 years are to: become better at Crossfit, leave my corporate job and become a full-time entrepreneur and writer, continue to travel and start a family with my husband. In regard to this year, Im focused on writing, ordering my second batch of mi-bras, participating in the Spartan Sprint race, doing a pull-up, eliminating my student loan and remaining credit card debt, and traveling through Europe. With hard work, determination, and my husbands support, Im pretty sure Ill accomplish all of the above.
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