Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Roddy.
Hi Erin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up as an avid runner, I have always had a passion for an active lifestyle. As a young teen and into my adulthood, I leaned on running as a way to cope with ongoing depression & anxiety.
After college, I moved to NYC to work in the fashion design industry. After years of living a fast paced, unhealthy and what felt a very thankless lifestyle as a designer in the NYC fashion industry, I found myself struggling with depression and anxiety again. I began focusing on myself, running again, joined a local track team and trained for the NYC marathon.
In 2017, I had the opportunity to join a non-profit organization that helped rescue women and girls who had been sex trafficked. I went to Cambodia & Thailand and visited 6 cities and interacted with the women and girls who had been sex trafficked. They had so much hope and a great sense of renewal, even after going through what they had experienced. This is when I felt I could do more than be a part of an industry that doesn’t elevate health & wellness. After reflecting on my own challenges and the challenges of these women and girls, I realized I knew I could do more for women. This is when I decided to combine my passion for fashion, leading an active lifestyle and empowering women.
MEAS Active is a brand that combines fashionable, performance-led active apparel that empowers woman on their health and wellness journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The brand was started with a kickstarter campaign in 2019 where we raised $30k to go into production. While I had a lot of experience in the fashion industry, going into production after the success of the kickstarter campaign was still a big challenge of learning how to navigate sourcing and production in the US. In addition, there were many learning curves as I continued to navigate how to build and grow a business. Learning how to build a website, marketing, partnerships, etc. Everyday, I have a challenge and I am learning something new. Pulling through the challenges are part of building a business and that is something I am learning to embrace!
We’ve been impressed with MEAS Active, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
MEAS Active is a Cincinnati based women’s running and lifestyle apparel brand. Our product is performance-led, fashionable and high quality apparel that supports, celebrates and empowers women through their health and wellness journey. We are proud to partner with many local non-profits to give back a portion of our proceeds to female empowering organizations.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The most important thing I like to tell others who are starting their own business is to be patient, consistent and agile. Success does not happen fast. It takes time and continuous effort. Allow yourself to work hard, but do not burn out. When it is necessary to take a break or step back, that can prove to be a time to reflect and grow most. It is also so important to stay agile. Planning is a big part of success, however, it will not always go as planned, so be able to change gears and re-assess the plan as necessary.
Contact Info:
- Email: InTheKnow@measactive.com
- Website: www.MEASactive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meas_active
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MEASactive1/
Image Credits
Allison Darling Photography
Heyman Talent Artists Agency
