We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adrina Nelson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Adrina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

When I first thought about relaunching Adrina Fanore after COVID, it felt like going back to square one—but in a way that was genuinely exciting. Originally, the plan was to launch in 2020, but the pandemic shifted everything. That time gave me a fresh perspective on what I wanted this brand to stand for and who it was really for.

To start, I revisited the basics: the brand’s mission, its story, and the kind of experience I wanted to offer. I wanted Adrina Fanore to be more than a clothing brand—it needed to capture a lifestyle where wellness and style intersect. I began asking questions like, What colors and fonts would represent this concept authentically? and What should the website, the logo, and even the smallest design details say about the brand?

With those guiding principles, I then thought deeply about who the Adrina Fanore customer was. Not just in terms of demographics, but their lifestyle. Are they into fitness? Do they prioritize mental well-being as much as their wardrobe? This reflection helped me decide on the types of pieces I wanted to create—clothing that’s functional, stylish, and able to move seamlessly between activities.

Finally, I focused on how to tell this story authentically. I wanted everything—from the product descriptions to the social media visuals—to give people a real feel for the brand’s core values. This approach wasn’t quick or simple, but it’s making what Adrina Fanore what it is today.

So, after settling on the idea of relaunching Adrina Fanore, the real work began. I knew I wanted the brand to feel authentic to the lifestyles of people who, like me, are passionate about wellness and functionality. That first phase of work was all about combining my own knowledge in health, wellness, garment construction, design, and technology to create something that genuinely fit the lives of my future customers.

I envisioned designs that could take you from the workday to the gym, with styles that looked just as good in a fitness setting as they did for everyday wear. This sparked the idea of capsule collections—versatile, casual pieces that fit into the social lives of my customers. Though not necessarily for the gym, these pieces could be dressed up or down, giving them flexibility across occasions and even seasons.

Then came the research phase. I spent countless hours studying the psychology behind why people feel connected to clothing—how color, texture, and construction impact that sense of attachment. This led me to test various color palettes, fabrics, and construction techniques, focusing on durability. It was a deep dive, but it was worth every second.

The technology side was equally important, and I wanted to create a seamless online experience that matched the brand’s identity. We’re relaunching the new site on November 27th, designed to make everything—from exploring collections to checkout—effortless. We’re also embracing video marketing, letting people see and hear the story behind the brand. Each piece, each post, is crafted to connect with that sense of wellness and style we all strive for. It’s been a journey, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Sewing is something that runs in my family—it’s a skill that’s been passed down through generations. My great-grandmother taught my grandmother, who then taught my mother, who eventually passed it down to me. Along the way, I found myself drawn to the details of design and patternmaking, and I knew this craft was in my blood.

After years working in health and social services, I decided it was time to dive fully into fashion. I packed up and moved to New York City, took a few semesters at Parsons, and got my foot in the door with a job in corporate fashion. Over time, I worked with Ann Taylor and later with DKNY, taking on roles that spanned from the business and production sides of fashion to my current position as a Technical Designer. Experiencing all these different facets of the industry was important to me because I wanted to build a brand from the ground up with real knowledge. This foundation helped me select quality factories and trustworthy partners, and it’s been key to helping Adrina Fanore grow, especially now that we’re in small boutiques across the country since relaunching this year.

A big focus for me has been business-to-business sales, alongside connecting directly with customers. It’s been especially rewarding because, prior to 2020, I had faced some challenges in this area. Those earlier mistakes became lessons, teaching me what to look for in business partnerships. In recent years, technology has given me access to incredible resources for research, including tools like AI, which weren’t as accessible back in 2016 when I temporarily closed the brand. Now, I’m able to design products that truly solve problems. I’m focused on making pieces more versatile and durable, like including extra pockets or using breathable fabrics to suit real customer needs.

It feels special to be continuing this legacy of sewing, innovation, and care that’s been part of my family for three generations. I’m proud to be honoring that history with each piece I create.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to put Adrina Fanore on hold twice—first in 2018 after being laid off and again in 2020 during the pandemic. Each time, though, I saw it as an opportunity to gain new skills that would eventually serve the brand. During the pandemic, for example, I learned coding and web design and even worked as a Web Designer for a year. I also studied augmented reality, which is becoming huge in fashion tech. It wasn’t just a detour; it was a way of investing in the future of Adrina Fanore. Instead of feeling like the business was on the back burner, I saw it as going out to pick up new tools and knowledge that would be invaluable when the time was right to relaunch.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has definitely been a journey! A few years back, when buying followers was all the rage, I went down that path too. But the lesson I learned was that real engagement and authentic connections matter so much more. So, I ended up starting over, and that journey really took off this year.

Today, I’m focused on sharing authentic stories and being more personal. I want to build a genuine community where people feel they can connect with me and each other. It’s not always easy—especially with algorithms that can make it tough for small businesses to be seen—but it’s worth the effort.

For anyone just starting, my advice is to choose 2-3 platforms where your ideal customer spends the most time. Developing a strong customer profile and studying their interests has helped me focus my efforts. Right now, I’m primarily on Pinterest, Instagram, and Youtube. And for networking, LinkedIn is invaluable. Each platform has its own style, but with a consistent message, you can really start to build a supportive and engaged audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adrina-fanore.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/adrinafanore
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrinanelson
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@adrinafanore?si=YlEGgFb7zEkupLZh
• Other: Pinterest: pinterest.com/adrinafanore

Image Credits

3 of the athleisure images: factory images
other 3 are my own photography