We recently connected with Nicolette Powell and have shared our conversation below.

Nicolette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we talk about all of your success, let’s start with a story of failure. Can you open up about a time when you’ve failed?

I had the incredible opportunity to speak with a casting producer from season 16 of Shark Tank and was selected to submit a very lengthy and detailed application. Although I wasn’t chosen to appear on the show, the process was a huge learning experience. By filling out the application, I gained a much deeper understanding of my business and my numbers, and it boosted my confidence in what I’m doing.

While some might see not being selected as a setback, I view it as a win. I took my shot, and just having the courage to swing is a success in itself. Plus, the casting producer encouraged me to resubmit, and I plan to do so for the next season. The experience brought many valuable takeaways, and I’m more determined than ever to keep moving forward.

I’ve embraced the mindset that there are no failures, only lessons. This experience gave me the chance to refine my pitch, make meaningful connections, and share my “why” with others.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In late 2022, I found myself searching for a cute gym bag but couldn’t find one I loved. As someone who practically lives in athleisure wear and enjoys discovering stylish pieces, I was surprised at how hard it was to find a bag that matched my active lifestyle and personal style. As a dedicated athlete striving for my Pro card, I wanted an accessory that wasn’t just functional but also distinctive and empowering. Little did I know, that my passion project of designing my own gym bag would evolve into a full-fledged business. I combined my design expertise, rooted in a background in interior architecture and design, with my passion for fitness and voilà…. Imbustalo was formed!

On January 1, 2023, I officially launched Imbustalo, a premium athleisure brand (Italian for “bag it”). Each bag is designed by me, with the goal of helping women feel empowered and confident when they walk into the gym, as if their bag is an extension of their power suit—gym-style edition. But it became so much more! Customers began using our bags for everything from weekend getaways to poolside outings (they’re water-resistant!).

We sell directly to customers and wholesalers, with a focus on creating products that blend both style and function. I started this brand to revolutionize how people carry their essentials, designing bags that reflect their personality and empower them to achieve their goals.

As an athlete myself, I understand the importance of confidence when pursuing both fitness and life’s everyday challenges. What began as a bootstrapped passion project has grown into a thriving business, and it’s my mission to offer products that empower others to feel strong, capable, and stylish.

Imbustalo isn’t just about bags; it’s a community that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the power of self-expression. Our goal is to inspire confidence in individuals as they pursue active lifestyles and to empower them to take on anything that comes their way.

We stand out from other brands through its unique blend of fashion, functionality, and empowerment. Here’s what sets us apart:

Custom-Designed Athleisure Accessories: Every product, including our premium bags, is designed in-house, featuring exclusive prints, colors, and patterns. Our designs are not just functional but also stylish, empowering you to feel confident and unique.

Empowering Active Lifestyles: Our mission is to encourage people, especially women and youth, to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle. We focus on creating products that not only support physical activity but also boost confidence, inspiring strength, femininity, and creativity.

Creative Customization Options: Imbustalo offers customizable features, including personalized bag designs for sports teams, fitness events, corporate gifts, etc. Our goal is to make fitness fun and engaging, fostering creativity and individuality.

Commitment to Quality and Practicality: Our bags are durable, washable, and designed to meet the needs of busy, active individuals. Whether you’re working out, traveling, or running errands, our products offer both durability and style, ensuring you’re always prepared.

Purpose-Driven Brand: Imbustalo isn’t just about selling bags—it’s about building a community that values strength, health, and self-expression. We’re dedicated to empowering everyone who uses our products, promoting confidence, wellness, and positivity in everyday life.

These elements, combined with our passion for functional design and empowerment, make Imbustalo truly unique in the market.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

We are an eCommerce business, selling directly through our website, where customers can explore and purchase our premium athleisure bags and accessories. In addition to our website, we’ve had products available on Walmart’s website, and we’re excited to relaunch there just in time for the holidays. We’re also in the process of securing our trademark to expand onto Amazon soon.

Beyond our direct sales, we offer our products on Faire’s platform, enabling numerous retailers to purchase and stock them in their stores. We’re also thrilled to be participating as a vendor at several upcoming events, offering products for giveaways and connecting with customers in person. These in-person events will give us a fantastic opportunity to engage with our community face-to-face and share the Imbustalo experience firsthand.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Imbustalo was bootstrapped from the ground up using my personal savings to get the business started. I poured my own resources into designing, producing, and launching our first products, driven by a passion to create something unique. Now, as we continue to grow, we’re working towards securing additional capital to take the brand to the next level.

We’re currently in an accelerator program through Wells Fargo and Hello Alice, which is helping us gain the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about obtaining capital. With the insights we’re gaining from the program and other resources we’ve been exploring, we feel confident in choosing the right path for funding.

Over the past year and a half, we’ve refined our business plan and pitch deck to reflect the pivots we’ve made along the way. Initially, many of our forecasts were based on projections. Now, with more time and experience, we have a clearer and more precise view of our business’s trajectory. As we continue to grow, we’re excited about the future and the opportunities to expand Imbustalo with the right financial backing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://imbustalo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imbustalo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imbustalo
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@imbustalo