We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Zellers and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Natalie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I created this product and started my own business because there was no other product like this out there. While I was at home on my Peloton bike one day I thought to myself, “I need to get online after this and find a sweat towel that stays around your neck.” When my search turned out unsuccessful, I decided to design it myself! If it’s something I wanted as an active and fitness driven person, why wouldn’t others? I was so excited to bring my idea to life and share and help others. Besides, what a pain it is to carry your sweat towel around the gym, placing it on all kinds of different germ-infested equipment. Not only was this going to be a convenient product it would also keep you more germ-free. As a busy mom of two small children and already owning a small graphic design business, I knew this wasn’t going to be easy but I wanted to set an example for my children; never to give up, and go for whatever you are passionate about.
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?
Unlike your average sweat or cooling towel, The Gym Bib is designed to stay comfortably around your neck while you workout, providing you with peace of mind. No more losing track of your towel. No more having it fall off your bench or cycle. And, no more using your shirt to wipe your sweat. It not only looks great, it’s a healthy alternative to a very real, and very nasty problem. Let’s be real, gyms can be some of the grossest places on earth. And yet we love them. But every time you put your towel down on a piece of equipment you cringe because you know that it’s been touched by some of the sweatiest people in your zip code. We’re talking germ-infested gym equipment, yikes! And best part, The Gym Bib® is made with a cooling fabric, so not only can it be used to wipe your sweat, it can also be used as a cooling towel for those hot days outside! Just wet, ring, snap, repeat. The Gym Bib® can be used for everything from group fitness to yoga, cycling, weight training, golf, gardening and so much more, even great for chefs! Creating The Gym Bib® from a simple thought while exercising to where it is today was far from easy, but I couldn’t be prouder of the final product, from the extreme convenience of it, to the excellent durable quality. I had to figure everything out on my own, starting with getting a patent, finding a manufacturer, the perfect fabric and so much more, all while owning another small business and taking care of two kids! There were days where I thought about giving up, what was I thinking and how can I manage everything, but I am so, so proud that I kept pushing and never gave up. I am so passionate about this product and sharing it with everyone! I feel like I need to help everyone I carrying around an “average” sweat towel or draping it behind their neck, or using their shirt to wipe sweat, ew!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband has supported me in this adventure since day 1. Always encouraging me to keep going even on the toughest days, and most importantly always reminding me to be patient. Great things take time!
Website: thegymbib.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegymbib/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegymbib/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsLNa1AHyNKwwRAvnU4mYqw