Emma Vollrath on Founding Her Sustainable and Innovative Athleisure Brand: Emma Lou

Hi Emma! Let’s first talk about Emma Lou:

Hi! My name is Emma Vollrath, and I am the founder of Emma Lou, an innovative athleisure brand using recycled, sweat-enhancing fabrics to beat bloat, decrease water weight retention, and support women in overcoming lower stomach insecurities. Our recycled thermoplastic fabric is designed with an insulating property that traps heat and safely increases body temperature which enhances body sweat, in turn, leading to numerous benefits. 

So Emma, what excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

Meeting different founders of all types of businesses.

What made you take the leap to start Emma Lou?

Realizing that there is a problem that needs to be solved for women.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Personal Trainer and Pilates instructor.

Did you always have a feeling you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I have always had an entrepreneur mindset, but didn’t know I would actually start a business.

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out?

Gifting! I gave away more sets than I sold, but that’s how I was able to leverage testimonials and have the product in use so I knew if it was tangible or not.

Emma, entreprenistas face challenges every day. What have you learned so far?

Sometimes not everything will go according to plan and you will fall short, but the most important thing is to pivot and move forward towards your goals.

What accomplishment are you proudest of?

Starting this business on my own and with no prior business knowledge.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

I am still learning! Time blocking has been extremely helpful and is something I am continuing to implement.

What’s a piece of advice you can share that you wish you’d known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?

Keep making connections and go to all of the events you can- you never know who you are going to meet!

You have a lot to celebrate! What have you achieved recently that you’d like to celebrate with our community?

Launching a new set for our athlesuire wardrobe transition from summer to fall.

What’s next for Emma Lou? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

New sets and pieces that are going to incorporate more of our Glow Band material. Also targeting retailers such as Carbon 38 and Bandier so it’s easier for our consumers to find us.

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!