Laura Berens is a wellness coach and founder of Love and Fit a genius range of activewear for women pre, mid and post pregnancy. Laura first came up with the idea when she had her first child. As an active mother wishing to get back in shape post pregnancy, she couldn’t find a sports bra that was suitable for nursing too.
After a year of intense research she came up with the Fit Mamma Nursing Sports Bra which offers ultimate support, comfort and drop down panels so women can nurse easily whilst on the go. Laura then went on the design a range of leggings for wear pre, during and post pregnancy that won’t ride down or dig in. Today the range has expanded to include other mom friendly sports bras (including a Hands Free Pumping Sports Sports Bra) as well as accessories and loungewear.
35 Thousand spoke exclusively to Laura to discover what makes this entrepreneur and her business tick.
Describe yourself in 3 words…
“Driven, funny and passionate”
Tell us about your work…
“I own an activewear clothing line that is built for woman in all stages of life. We sell online as well as wholesale into other small stores around the USA.”
Do you work in the spare room, a skyscraper or other?
“I work out of my home office.”
What parts of your work give you energy?
” New items launching and hearing from our customers”
What parts of your work drain you?
“Operational things like counting inventory, shipping assistance and accounting.”
Most pivotal point of your career so far?
“Chrissy Teigen shouting out our leggings on social media and being featured on The View And GMA.”
Best piece of advice you received that you now pass on to others…
“Just keep doing the work. If you have a dream or goal, you just need to continue to do the work.”
What’s your context outside of work – do you have family, other people counting on you, pets, hobbies, external commitments?
“I have two young daughters age 6 months and 5 years old. So I keep pretty busy with them and running my business.”
Describe your pre-pandemic day-to-day…
“Going to an indoor GYM! Heading back to work at home and work with my team, then head out for dinner with the family or friends at times. “
How has your daily life changed, what’s your new normal?
“Home workouts, kids both at home and trying to work while taking care of them both.”
Has the Corona crisis impacted you personally and professionally?
“Oh yes of course. Personally I feel things have gotten better as we have a new baby and me and my significant other have had way more time to communicate and be together.”
What, if anything, keeps you up at night?”
“Issues with work (product didn’t come in right or issues with any customers not loving our items) I’m a perfectionist!.”
What have been your 2020 coping strategies? Do you have any objects, routines or tools that you found particularly uplifting? Gin or Gym?
“Keeping up with my workouts has been a big thing for me, even just walking around the neighbourhood when I was pregnant helped a lot.”
What has kept you sane? And kept your family sane?
“Going outdoors, making sure to still connect with family and friends via Facetime or Zoom.”
How has 2020 changed your outlook on life?
“Yes, it has made really think about what is important in life and what we REALLY need.”
Are you travel ready? Where do you want to go, with who or would you rather stay home?
“YES!! I love to travel and just starting to get out more and more now. Planning another trip to see my family in the Midwest soon hopefully.”
Finish this sentence “Currently stashed in my handbag is…
“Well it’s a diaper bag right now! But lipgloss usually and sunglasses aside from stuff for the baby.”
What are your WFH saviours?
“Routine! I always workout first THEN start my day. I usually actually respond to urgent emails on the stairclimber now that gyms are open. Then when I get back home to my computer I don’t have so much to do.”
Describe your style?
“Athletic and casual for sure these days but sometimes I can get dressed up.”
Name your 5 essential items of clothing
“Leggings, sports bras, tennis shoes, casual shorts and casual tops.”
How do you see your business in two years from now?
“At least tripled growth. Hopefully selling more wholesale as well as building out the items in our line.”
What’s your go to mantra or life motto?
“It’s never too late to be who you want to be.”
If you enjoyed reading this then you will love the rest of our How She Carries On series with inspiring entrepreneurs such as Whitney Bromberg of FLOWERBX and fashion and lifestyle brand owner Rae Feather.
