Meet Lauryn Huston & Ashley Yoo | Founders of 5B

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauryn Huston & Ashley Yoo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauryn Huston & Ashley Yoo, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Lauryn: Risks have played a big part in my life and I believe risks are necessary in life and mandatory for entrepreneurs. Deciding to go full time on the business was a big leap but a leap that needed to happen because I don’t think you can build something great without putting 110% in all the time. It was scary and still is scary at times, but so worth it and worth the hustle because building our business is what I love.

Ashley: Risk taking is part of life and all part of the process. It continuously plays a huge role in my life as I continue to transition into the entrepreneurial mindset. I’ve come to accept that I will never know the outcome of anything, so there is no losing when taking a chance. The learning doesn’t stop and it’s fun to play with the possibilities!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We started 5B right after we graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology. At the time, we wanted to create handmade, multi-purpose swimsuits. Over the years, we’ve grown and launched new categories, now most known for our activewear: 5B Sport. All our pieces are handmade, everyday wear that’s multi-purpose and sustainable. Our pieces are made for your every day! Pieces that you can wear to the gym, to brunch, and lounging around home that you can feel good in and feel good about because we use sustainable materials and practices when producing our garments.

Although we’ve grown over the years it hasn’t been easy. Even with good moments, we are faced with new and different challenges all the time. Once we overcome one, there is always something else. The most important thing is to pivot and find new creative ways to keep going. We learn so much from building each collection and launch. Each one has taught us something new. As a team of two, we have learned our strengths and what we bring best to the table, all while learning new skills and adapting to anything that comes our way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’re based in New York City, so if you’re ever in NYC here’s our favs:

Lauryn: The best way to see New York is by walking through the city! I’ve lived on the west side for years downtown and uptown and it truly is a New York no one expects when visiting. I always tell people to wear their comfy shoes and start the day off with a classic NY staple..a BEC bagel sandwich. Walk or bike down the west side along the Hudson River, stop for oysters and a glass of rose at Grand Banks, a historic boat docked on the Hudson, while enjoying views of the world trade center and statue of liberty. Go for a walk through beautiful Battery park and check out one of the oldest streets in NYC Stone street filled with lively pubs and live music all night. Nothing says NYC more than a classic New York Steak House so head to Brooklyn to Peter Lugers or Delmonicos in the Financial district you can’t go wrong.

Ashley: My favorite walk is going down by the water on the Long Island City side. You get the most beautiful view of the city as you walk through Gantry Park. Stop a long Fifth Hammer, grab a beer while you enjoy live music and a great vibe. Keep walking or bike across the bridge into Greenpoint. You’ll find so many gems a long the way – coffee shops, vintage stores, McCarren Park and so many different places to dine. A few stops I’ve been loving is Acre and Rule of Thirds. I’ll probably pick up a plant somewhere a long the way too 🙂 Spend the whole day hopping around and all the way to Williamsburg – make sure to pop into Lighthouse and sit at the bar for some wine, great food and company.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Lauryn: Being an entrepreneur is truly a mindset and a personality trait. It’s not for everyone and I’ve found it’s so important to stay motivated and inspired in not just your business, but yourself and believing you can achieve your dream even during the rough times. I love listening to podcasts. I listen to them all day when I’m working in our studio! My favorite podcast is How I built this from NPR by Guy Raz. Hearing other entrepreneurs’ stories and how they’ve endured times and achieved their dreams beyond what they even imagined really inspires me and motivates me to keep working towards my dream. I have to shout out to my family and my boyfriend, he has been my biggest supporter through starting a business and also ready to jump in and help me with anything!

Ashley: Where do I begin! I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family, friends, boyfriend and Lauryn. Our family and friends were our very first supporters and continue to be so. Our friends are our models, photographers, event partners, collaborators and so much more. I love that we can grow together!

A shoutout to Natalie Levy – my business mentor for all her guidance and support throughout the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. And to Jen Alico who encouraged me to build a daily practice of meditation and movement to ground myself and move with ease.

Website: www.shop5b.com

Instagram: @5b.nyc, @ashleahyoo, @laurynhuston

Image Credits
Olivia Steuer