I want to broadly announce that I am happy with my curves. What that means is that I am happy with how I look right now and am not trying to look a certain way or berate myself for not looking a certain way. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t have personal goals towards fitness and well-being independent from how they affect my appearance. Am I at the peak of health right now? No.
Could I…
- increase my personal fitness regiment?
- avoid the extra sugar and extra carbs?
- stop talking about getting better and actually be better?
Yes…Yes…Yes. Admitting this to myself is not body shaming. I am happy with how I look now, and will be happy with how I look if I achieve my health goals. I don’t believe that if you love your curves, you have to support one specific lifestyle. Health is more important to me than appearance (at any size).
So in the process of trying to achieve my health goals, I’m finding that qualify active-wear for curvy women is hard to come by, which is why I was ecstatic to discover Lola Getts!
I interviewed the effervescent Stacey Goldstein, Co-founder of Lola Getts and we discussed everything from Fat Yoga to their upcoming celebrity collection.
Natasha: Why do you think yoga has gotten so popular in the plus size community recently?
Stacey: Yoga presents itself as an all-inclusive community, and is not judgmental at all. In yoga, plus size bodies can be flexible and make beautiful poses just like everyone else. And there are some great yogis who are plus size.
Natasha: What was missing in the athletic wear market that prompted you to start Lola Getts?
Stacey: When we started, everyone was loving lululemon but they had no intentions to make active wear for the plus size woman. We saw that premium quality was missing for the 67% of American women in the size 14 and up size range, and the major brands were not interest in making active wear for the plus size woman. We felt that every woman deserves to look good on their get fit and wellness journey regardless of what size they wear. WE knew early on that eventually active wear would become an integral part of every woman’s wardrobe.
Natasha: Are there certain complaints that plus size women have when it comes to active wear?
Stacey: Price! 1) They want what they see the “skinny” girl is wearing however the plus size consumer complains about the price. 2) Fit, “is it really going to fit me?” the plus size woman is always compromising on fit. We’ve almost eliminated this issue by fitting our garments on a size 16 fit model. And we offer free shipping and free returns. 3) Is the garment going to be worth what I paid for it? Absolutely when you buy Lola Getts. We are the only plus size brand that offers a money back guarantee. We use the highest quality fabrics and sewing techniques available in the marketplace. This is something we are not willing to compromise. 4) We are made in the USA. When a girl is working out in Lola Getts, she is confident and feels good about herself. Wearing something that fits you well it changes your persona.
Natasha: What tips do you have for women who want to become more active?
Stacey: When everyone decides to start being active there are three issues that need to be tackled: 1) How to I get started 2) I don’t have anything to wear 3) What happens if I fail? To begin, find an activity you are passionate about, a workout buddy so it will be fun and you both will see results. When you choose to become active find positive people who will support you on your journey. Be sure to invest in a great pair of leggings and sneakers, these are necessary regardless of what activity you do. Don’t let anyone shame you because of your size.
Invest in a great pair of leggings and great sneakers. You want get your basics active wear pieces and build upon it. Wear active wear that is made for your body and fits well. The last thing you want to do is to be tugging and yanking at your clothes during your workout.
Natasha: What do you feel is the future of the active wear arena for plus size women?
Stacey: As more plus size women decide to become more active, active wear will become an integral part of their wardrobes. She will want to buy from brands who specialize in active wear, and who understand the plus size woman’s body. She will want active wear that lasts and is made well, and hopefully price will no longer be the deal killer. I think you can forget that mainstream athletic wear companies serving this community. Plus size women are not part of their brand DNA.
Natasha: Do you envision offering sports bras too?
Stacey: Bras are the hardest thing to make because there are so many things you need to consider in order to get it right. My suggestion is to buy a sports bra from a company that specializes in this area.
Natasha: What is next for Lola Getts?
Stacey: We will continue to offer great, stylish active wear. We want to build a community of women who are passionate about having a happy healthy lifestyle. We are launching a celebrity collection this fall, stay tuned for the big announcement. Lastly, to show and support plus size women who are on their journey.
Natasha: What do you want to share with the community?
Stacey: Be supportive of the plus size woman who is changing her lifestyle. When you decide to make that lifestyle change invest in your active wear because you are worth it. Remember you should feel good when you are working out and yes wearing the right active gives you confidence. Show the world that plus size girls can do it all, and don’t let your size get in the way of living.
You are the master of your fate. You decide what type of life you want to live. If your journey includes fitness and health, I tip my hat off to you. Curvy or not, that journey starts with high quality clothing that gives you the confidence to do what you need on your journey.
~ Natasha
P.S. Stay tuned for my upcoming post as I put Lola Getts to the test!