Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcela Hendley.
Hi Marcela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Southern Brazil, in a city renowned for its output of clothing and fashion. Exercise has always been a fundamental part of my lifestyle. So, it made all the sense in the world to combine my origins with my passion to create this brand of functional, fashionable athletic wear.
It all started with an idea followed by countless phone calls and emails, networking my way through the city where I grew up. Meeting and partnering with a manufacturer who would work with a brand-new small business was certainly a difficult and major step, but even then, the work had only just begun.
Design, materials, packaging, exportation rules & regulations, fees, all thing that were learned as I went. And that was before any product even touched my hands. Testing every single one of these outfits for fit, comfort, durability, “squat tests”, etc. were all tedious efforts and completed while building a website, launching a social media campaign, and testing the waters with friends, family, and peers in the world of fitness. Market research is very important in any industry, and while athletic wear can seem like a crowded space, I fully believe people yearn for quality at an affordable price. There are some top-tier brands that have been equally compared to Beela by some of our customers, and we’re a fraction of the price.
While most purchases are still made online, we currently have partnerships with several gyms around Metro Atlanta who stock select Beela Wear products. Our goal is to continue making new partnerships within the fitness and athletic wear industry to get a great product to as many people as possible.
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?
Somewhat scratched the surface of this in the previous question/response. I wouldn’t say it was smooth, but it wasn’t necessarily the most difficult thing I’ve ever done either. It has just been a lot of work. Really what it comes down to is that being a normal person and wanting to start a business with an international component is a pretty big undertaking. Being a mom of 2 young children and having no experience running a company, to now also having to be proficient in: International export/import, business-to-business relations, consumer relations, clothing design, budgeting/bookkeeping, web design, marketing, social media, inventory management, retail sales, domestic shipping, etc. Involves dedication and many tired hours! I am not claiming to be an expert in one or any of these things, just humbly recognize that starting and running a small business means wearing many hats!
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?
100% of Beela products are made in Brazil. Every outfit to date has come from a collaboration between me and a manufacturer in Parana, BR. We pride ourselves on our Brazilian heritage and will never change this aspect of production.
What’s next?
Without revealing too many insider secrets 😉 we do have some big plans coming up that involve what we hope to be a major partnership which will allow for expansion in a new segment of the market that has yet to be explored. Always looking for ways to grow and improve. But most importantly, our plans are and always will be to continue working hard to provide top-quality Brazilian-made athletic wear to all.
Pricing:
- $80 legging sets
- $60 shorts sets
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beelawear.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/beelawear
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/beelawear
