Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Centeno.
Hi Nicole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Something more.
Like many, I wanted to create a life of something more.
More than myself. More than money. More than a business.
After three years of testing materials from multiple manufacturers and small business producers, logo designing, name creating, design sketching, market research, prayer (so much of this, ha!), and so much more— that’s how ZFITCO (aka the ZFIT Company) came to be. The Z in ZFIT stands for Zeal, which means the fervor, passion for a cause. It actually came to me in a song by The Belonging Co — like, an absolute Godsend because it was a struggle to think of a name that felt “right.”
WHO
ZFITCO is an athletic/ athleisure apparel company.
WHY
We are official partners of The Child Rescue Coalition; a % of every purchase goes to supporting them and the fight against child sex trafficking & pornography.
Now, as a mother of 2 beautiful and wonderful little girls, I can wholeheartedly say— I would do anything to keep my girls safe, feeling loved, and powerful. That is my drive and my force.
For the sake of their future and what they will see. But, also for all those little kids that I have nothing but love and passion to fuel me in helping them out of these cycles. To help them find a life where they can feel what my kids feel, to feel and claim the power they were born with, and more. Much, much more.
OUR DIFFERENCE
In addition to creating a way to make an impact in children’s lives, my team and I had the desire to bridge the gap of quality and price. If you buy affordable gear— it tends to shrink, fade, tear between your thighs (my thighs touch… this is a biggy for me), and 100% not squat-proof. Then you have the other side of the issue— when they’re pure quality, they cost the same as a utility bill… and the average person considers it “unattainable.”
We don’t want to be a luxury that is “unattainable” to the common park walker or avid gym goer— we are the luxury of quality for all people.
With multiple manufacturing companies in different countries creating our current activewear and more on boarding for our upcoming 2023 Spring athleisure collections— I am happy to say we feel blessed to be growing at the pace we are growing and will continue to work hard to magnify how we define success and achieve our goals.
Lots of super exciting partnerships and new pieces coming 2023 and we cannot wait to release them!
Alright, 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?
No I honestly chuckled a little bit reading that first part of this question. It most definitely has NOT been a smooth road.
I’ve had days, even weeks where I cry more than I laugh. And moments where I laugh so much I forget this is work and not just fun stuff.
Struggles & lessons I’ve learned:
– Your family and close friends love you so much they will question you going out of the norm, they will encourage you to get a corporate job and play it safe— don’t listen to them. You must be brave enough to do more if you want to succeed at anything.
– Your clients will become your friends before your friends become your clients.
– Put everything in writing — even WITH friends.
– If you decide to partner with people for your business, do it with people that will grow you and your brand. People that align with your mission and not because you are afraid.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an account manager for an advertising agency based in Knoxville, TN. I have been in this industry since I graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2018 and it’s honestly wonderful and fun.
I truly love the company I work for and the industry I am in— it has kept me sharp and in the know of all things trending, coming, and new.
I have worked in both the Hispanic and general consumer markets with corporate 500 companies, mom & pop shops, and quite a few non-profits. I believe that these experiences have prepared me well in how I want to run my business, what to do, and what not to do.
I’ve enjoyed working with them all and I have taken gems of experience and lessons from each, gems that I will carry throughout the rest of my professional and personal life.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The most important lesson that I have learned and continue to expand on due to the COVID-19 crisis is — NEVER lose the human element.
We are human
We need other humans
To feel, to enrich, to enjoy, and to do life.
The adjustments and innovations many brilliant minds created due to this crisis have been amazing to watch and to live through, monumental if I may say. But, as we attempt to slowly get back into a more “norm” society and way of doing things, we…. or rather, I have found that as a human… I truly enjoy being around and with and need other humans.
That is something that we currently do and plan to always prioritize at ZFITCO, no matter how much we grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zfitcompany.com
- Instagram: @zfitcompany
Image Credits
Christian Garcia & Nicole Centeno
