We were lucky to catch up with Carmen Andersen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carmen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t wish to start my business sooner or later. In fact, I believe I started my activewear line, at the perfect time. JMC FIT APPAREL was born during the quarantine period, which was a challenging time for everyone.. I realized that many people were also seeking ways to stay fit and maintain their well-being from the comfort of their homes. Looking back, I don’t regret starting when I did. The timing was perfect, and it allowed me to capitalize on the unique circumstances of the quarantine period. I am proud of what I have achieved so far, and I believe that starting at the right time played a significant role in my success.

Carmen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in Sinaloa, Mexico. I moved to Utah when I was only 15 years old. As a single mom of twins, I found myself facing the challenges of balancing motherhood, work, and personal well-being. During the quarantine period, when we were all confined to our homes, I realized how important it was for me to prioritize my physical and mental health. I turned to fitness as a way to stay active, relieve stress, and take care of myself.

However, I encountered a problem when it came to finding comfortable and stylish activewear that fit well and made me feel confident. The options available were limited and expensive. I often found myself compromising on either style or functionality. This frustration sparked an idea in my mind – why not create my own activewear line that caters specifically to the needs of busy moms like me?

With this thought, I began researching and learning about the activewear industry. I turned to Google and YouTube to understand the basics of starting a business since I had no prior experience in entrepreneurship. It was a challenging and sometimes overwhelming process, but my determination and passion drove me forward.

The idea of creating an activewear line excited me immensely. It was a chance to combine my passion for fitness, my love for fashion, and my desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I knew that by providing high-quality activewear designed for women. I could help them prioritize their own well-being and encourage a healthier lifestyle.

Additionally, the support from my friends and family gave me the confidence to pursue this venture. Their belief in me and their willingness to lend a helping hand fueled my determination. I knew I wasn’t alone in this journey and that I had a strong support system to rely on.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

As the owner of JMC Fit Apparel, I primarily sell my products through my website, www.jmcfit.com. However, I also attend markets around the valley.

Selling on my website gives me full control over the customer experience. I can design the website to reflect the brand’s image and create a seamless shopping experience. Additionally, I can directly interact with customers, build relationships, and provide personalized support. It also allows me to showcase my entire product range and have complete control over inventory management.

Soon we will be expanding to eBay. It will offer additional opportunities to reach a broader customer base. eBay is a well-established online marketplace with a vast user base, making it easier for potential customers to discover my products.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Certainly! There was a moment in my journey with JMC Fit Apparel when I faced a significant setback that tested my resilience and reminded me of why I started in the first place.

After months of hard work and dedication, I was excited to launch a new collection of activewear. I had put my heart and soul into, sourcing quality materials, and ensuring that they reflected the values and style of JMC Fit. However, when the shipment arrived, I discovered that there was a manufacturing error, and a large portion of the products didn’t meet my standards of quality.

I felt devastated and discouraged. All the time, effort, and resources I had invested seemed to be in vain. It was easy to lose motivation and consider giving up. But then I remembered why I started JMC Fit Apparel in the first place – my love for fitness and the desire to provide others with activewear that would inspire and empower them on their wellness journeys.

Instead of dwelling on the setback, I chose to view it as a learning experience and an opportunity to demonstrate resilience. I contacted the manufacturer, explained the issue, and worked with them to find a solution. It involved additional time and resources, but I was determined to uphold the quality and integrity of my brand.

Throughout the process of rectifying the situation, I leaned on my support system, including my friends and family, who had been there from the beginning. Their encouragement and belief in me helped me regain my motivation. They reminded me of the positive impact I had already made on the lives of my customers and the potential for future success.

In the end, I overcame the setback, and the situation served as a reminder of the challenges that can arise in business. It reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying connected to my purpose. Today, that experience serves as a testament to my ability to persevere even when faced with obstacles, and it reminds me to never lose sight of why I started JMC Fit Apparel in the first place – to make a positive impact and empower others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jmcfit.com
• Instagram: @jmcfitapparel
• Facebook: JMC Fit Apparel

Image Credits
AvaJPhoto