Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney S. Houser.
Brittney, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since the 6th grade, I always knew I wanted to be in the fashion industry. I was always very artsy and detailed oriented even at such a very young age, it’s amazing how things follow you as you get older. Fashion has always been my passion but I did not want to pursue an entire degree in it, there is nothing wrong with that at all but that was just my choice. I’m a lover of fitness and nutrition so instead, I decided to pursue a bachelors in health science. I brainstormed ways that I could combine health and fashion and this is where I came up with designing active wear. I have tried many things like active tanks and t-shirts and I even designed a full collection for an independent fashion show during New York Fashion week in 2017. After the fashion show, I felt lost and wanted to give up for good but something kept telling me to keep going. I believe when you keep pushing good things to start to happen. I’m far from where I want to be but I’m not where I use to be and I’m very thankful for that.
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?
I like to think of Ambitious Behavior as my baby, I’m so in love with it despite what obstacles come my way I just have to keep moving forward. Pursuing this brand has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced. The fashion industry is not an overnight success by far, it really takes time to build a solid brand. Especially when you are a new brand up against millions of brands out there just like it. I struggled with inventory, not being familiar with popular sizes. Financing the business 100% out of my pocket was also a big struggle for me because I still had to live outside of buying fabric and websites and everything else. Even though I didn’t see a return on my investment, I still was focused on putting my all in. I mean my very last $1.00(so serious) and that comes from the love I have for my brand. Not knowing if my audience will like a design or color and worrying if it will sell or not. Today, my vision is clearer and I have never been so confident in what I really want and I thank the struggle for that. I’m not some big designer I have a very long way to go but I’m a faithful believer and I know where my brand is going very very soon.
Please tell us about Ambitious Behavior.
Ambitious Behavior is an active lifestyle clothing and accessory brand made especially for the everyday go-getter. Manufactured in the United States, we are a lifestyle brand created to motivate an active lifestyle, encouraging individuals to put in the work and go get whatever it is they desire to have in life. We are all about versatility, style, and comfort; with the best knit and spandex fabrics providing a mix of fitness wear for workouts and athleisure apparel for everyday wear.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Today, it seems like women are just getting their shot at leadership but we are not new to this at all. Looking back at Queen Elizabeth and Sojourner Truth. They were both outstanding leaders because they made a difference and because they stood up for what they believed in and that is what effective leadership is all about. I think women are just outnumbered and diminished by men in higher positions. I’m all about women empowerment and pushing other women to that next level. Today, we are doing a wonderful job breaking the status quo. I believe women are effective leaders but are still discriminated against in some areas like pay, for example, women today still make significantly less than men. I think confidence also play a major role in female leadership. We have to be confident and speak up in knowing that we have a voice and a purpose. We have to have a clear vision of what we want. When you are confident, you are respected so much more.
Contact Info:
- Website: ambitiousbe.com
- Phone: 404-623-3448
- Instagram: @ambitiousbehavior1
- Facebook: Ambitious Behavior
Image Credit:
bonniebluphotography @bonnie.blu
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