Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Cotler.
Amanda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have officially traded in my pencil skirts for yoga pants!
After 4 years of doing Investor Relations for an oil/gas company, I am launching an ethical activewear company, Accel Lifestyle!
After juggling a stressful corporate job that eventually led to a corporate bankruptcy and living the millennial lifestyle any 25-year-old gal would be, I was completely burnt out. While working in corporate, I met an incredible Boss Babe/Creative Chemist, Megan Eddings, and our initial lunch date led to goal planning, strategizing and a very strong friendship.
My side hustling with Megan and being surrounded by the fabulous/ dynamic group of the women in Ellevate helped encourage me to resign from “Corporate America” and to follow my passion to create a fitness apparel company. Accel Lifestyle is for men and women and combines all of my passions: ethical fashion, fitness, and giving back. I instantly realized that I did not have to “climb the corporate ladder” to be successful and feel accomplished.
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?
Being an entrepreneur, there are challenges on a daily basis! Whether I am facing challenges lining up our supply chain or ensuring I am working with the right partners, I have always told myself challenge creates opportunity. Don’t let a challenge stop you from your daily grind because something even better is around the corner, usually, something you never even imagined was possible! For example, things did not work out with one of my suppliers and I ended up finding a new one with better quality and over 40% savings.
#bossbabes, you are capable of anything, below are a few pieces of advice that I have learned along the way:
1. Just go for it! Starting is always the hardest step. Of course, when taking a leap there will be challenging hurdles, but this journey and hustle always feels exactly right.
2. Fear is only in your mind. Not letting fears limit you is one of the greatest challenges but leads to the greatest rewards. Learn to constantly dance simultaneously with both fear and possibility because you are destined to do incredible things.
3. Creating or joining a group with other people that are in your position can be extremely motivating and helpful. Whether you are meeting once a month for coffee or hosting a weekly video meet-up, it helps to find supportive and relatable people to help bring you up when it gets tough. Did I forget to mention…. unbelievable #bossbabe collaborations and idea strategy sessions?! That’s what I truly live for!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Accel Lifestyle – what should we know?
I want to create a movement for positive change. Every day you wake up, I want you to feel like you are the best version of yourself. I want the clothes you wear to be more than a fashion statement and I am committed to educating today’s consumers on ethical fashion.
At Accel Lifestyle, I am the Director of Operations, aka wearer of all hats! With a Business Degree from the College of Charleston, my motto has always been to under promise and over deliver. I am also the youngest board member of the Ellevate Network, Houston Chapter with over 300 women who are elevating me on a daily basis!
After my corporate experience, I quickly learned the value of partnerships, successful event planning and creative solutions. I have thoughtfully created events that bring together other boss babes and hustlers. I want to inspire them to create their own greatness and achieve an accelerated lifestyle.
When launching a company there are a million things on Megan and I’s “to do” list whether we are building our marketing strategy for scaling world-wide or partnering up with the best ethical factories for production, we are constantly grinding and setting our foundation for success. If you are thinking big, think even bigger… anything is possible!
We know that a company can be so much more than the actual products it sells. Accel is the first ethical fitness apparel company for people who sweat… and want to smell fresh. Accel Lifestyle not only provides fashionable and fresh-smelling fitness apparel, but also our mission is to raise awareness about the people who make our clothes and empower people who wear our clothes. We also to motivate and inspire everyone around us. There is not a doubt in my mind that Accel Lifestyle will not only be a fitness apparel company, but also an inspirational movement.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Women have a competitive edge!
Previously working in a male-dominated field (energy), I was always told to keep my head down, work harder than anyone else and know my stuff.
We’ve heard it all before, “Ask for the raise. Be confident. Don’t be afraid to be stern when negotiating that also soft. State your opinion but don’t be too outspoken.”
Let’s get real, we women are incredible with amazing skillsets… so embrace it!
1. We are Relationship Focused – We focus on the win-win situations at home and at work.
Establishing partnerships is key to any business, especially one that adds value to each partner. Women are detail oriented and able to see beyond what is on the table. Not only can we fully understand partners intentions, but also asses challenges and come up with creative solutions. Today, the relationships I have built have been even more impactful. Anywhere from writing on a female entrepreneurship Facebook group to meeting powerful women across the world, it is incredible to share stories, laughs and baller collaborations that keep the process fresh and inspired all while developing win-win situations.
2. Women are Learners and Teachers – I frequently read theSkimm to stay up-to-date on current events happening around the world. On a larger scale, women are investing in themselves not only to learn but also to teach others. For example, last year I took a Stock Market and Investment Fundamentals course at Rice University to increase my knowledge base and feel comfortable making financial decisions on my own. Not only did I complete the course, but I also shared valuable insights with my team. Remember it is not a competition, we should be building each other up! I challenge each of you to invest in yourself and learn something new and share with another #bossbabe who is equality eager to learn more.
3. Women Know How To Trust Their Gut… a.k.a. the Best Business Tool- Men tend to be more data-driven and typically ignore other aspects when making crucial business decisions. Women do an incredible job trusting their instincts because let’s get real… they never fail us! Today, we are lining up the best partners as we set the foundation for Accel Lifestyle. If a potential partner does not feel right, don’t do the tango with the idea. keep the process moving because time is money, baby! On the flip side, when things don’t work out… on to the next one because I know it will be 10x better!
Now, go slay your day!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AccelLifestyle.com
- Phone: 713-515-1140
- Email: balancedbombshell@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedbombshell/
- Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-cotler-a3169851/
Image Credit:
Amanda Cotler
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