Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Cotler.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Houston, oil and gas lassoed me back into town after school. I spent 4.5 years doing Investor Relations for an oil/ gas company. Unfortunately, we were one of the many companies that filed for Chapter 11. I felt like a rodeo rider trying to balance a stressful corporate bankruptcy and the millennial lifestyle any 25-year-old gal would be.
I knew I needed a creative outlet and found the dynamic women of Ellevate Network, a worldwide professional woman’s organization. I have been the youngest member of the Houston board for the past 6 years. Through Ellevate, I met Megan Eddings and began side-hustling with her. Our first lunch led to goal planning, strategizing, a strong friendship, and the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. I was the first hire and second in command to Accel Lifestyle, a lifestyle apparel line rooted in ethical and sustainable supply chains/ practices.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The entrepreneurial journey is nothing less than exciting. Every day is a new opportunity and a fresh fire to put out.
Prior to launching, we spent months solidifying our supply chain. After many calls, design tweaks and pattern making, it was time for us to fly to LA and visit 2 potential factories. Quality and fair labor are in our DNA which is why it was a priority to visit each factory we work with IRL.
Upon visiting one of the factories, we quickly realized ethical standards were not up to par. The following day, we showed up at the factory with our rented u-haul to pick up our designs, samples and dragged our 40lb rolls of fabric out the door. Diving down the streets of LA with the windows down, rap music blasting, was one of the most empowering feelings.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As Director of Operations, I propel growth, consumer awareness and streamline our supply chain while ensuring all initiatives meet Accel’s rigorous ethical and sustainable standards. The result? Accel’s recognition across the industry with features and accolades in Nasdaq, NBC, ABC, Men’s Journal and named as Inc. Magazine’s Top 3 National Startups. We completely disrupted the textile industry with our proprietary Prema® antibacterial fabric; we were the first to market antibacterial, self-cleaning fabric without toxins that is also 100% sourced and manufactured in the USA. Outside of catching the attention of NASA, our technology provides a science-based solution to odors in fabrics that led to Prema® being named Textile World’s “Textile of the Month” due to our innovative methods that melds futuristic technology and fashion.
In March 2020, when our team learned frontline workers’ lives were at risk because of the lack of protection, Accel was one of the first to quickly redirect our supply chain to meet the mask crisis. Houston Methodist Hospital hired us to manufacture and supply them with 44,000 face masks. Next, I was contacted by the Director of Supply Operations and Afloat Services at United States Fleet Forces Command. He was tasked with prioritizing the fulfillment and distribution of face masks for all 210 globally positioned operational units. They needed 50,000 face masks in 7 business days. We delivered them within 6 business days. In total, Accel supplied 130,000 face masks to the US Navy, Navy SEALS and Marines – all because of contact with Ellevate
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.accellifestyle.com
- Instagram: AmandaCotler
- Other: https://www.accellifestyle.com
