In the last few years, the team at Athleisure Mag has been a fan of the reformer. We enjoyed taking the classes and when we were sent a Lagree Micro Reformer, it’s been great to enjoy this within the comfort of our space. There are a number of accessories that we couldn’t imagine using when we are on this fitness equipment. Socks with grip is an essential. For years, we have shared Sticky Be Socks in our roundups and have used them. We took a moment to sit down with the founder, Nancy Giftos to know more about her background, the brand, and more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to coming to Sticky Be Socks, can you tell me about your background?
NANCY GIFTOS: I was on the other side of the fitness world: I taught yoga and pilates, mainly doing privates, and also teaching at Tracy Anderson in LA for a bit. Originally, I stumbled upon yoga after college, and getting into breathing and the mind-body connection…I had never done anything like that, which was so important. Then, I had an accident, and that led me to Pilates. I couldn’t do any workout other than Pilates, but I was able to heal my body through it. It changed my life, and I was able to rehab myself. From teaching, I moved into sales and marketing for several activewear companies including Chill by Will, Cory Vines, Lole.
AM: What led you to Sticky Be Socks?
NG: I was consulting for several brands, and an opportunity to fully launch Sticky Be Socks into a higher level came up. It was in my wheelhouse, and in a way, it was a no-brainer. Eventually, I ended up buying it. The other part of my business doing consulting wasn’t truly what I wanted, so I took this chance instead. It was small at the beginning so I knew I wanted to grow it based on my own vision.
AM: When you became the CEO, what was the vision that you had to continue to grow this brand?
NG: I knew from the start I wanted to change the color palette, add new styles and designs, expand into other categories, and generally optimize and elevate the brand. Additionally, through timing and circumstances involving my own personal life and the birth of my daughter, I knew I wanted my company to engage in giving back to the community. I was able to be at the hospital and then leave knowing how lucky I was to have everything I needed. But that’s not the case for everyone. That’s what led to the Be Giving program, which includes initiatives including Baby2Baby, bundles of important items for new moms in need, including Sticky Be Socks.
AM: Why are Sticky Be Socks a great component to your workout whether it's pilates, yoga, etc?
NG: They are cute, comfortable, and you can also wear them with shoes. They’re supportive, and the grips help keep you from sliding. We have everything from shorter crew length to mid calf, to Mary-Jane styles or options with cute pom poms. So anything you’re doing, there’s a Sticky Be Sock that’s right for it.
AM: Tell us about the sayings that you have and why is this such an important part of the brand?
NG: I always say the mantras on the socks are what differentiates us from our competitors. The "be" sayings are small, subliminal messages that help you in your everyday life. I know for me, when I'm in a tough workout class holding a plank wanting to come out of it, I look down at my socks and "Be Strong" keeps me motivated. Or, if you’re feeling stressed out and you look down to see “Be Calm,” it can help soothe you. It’s a little thing, but it can really change your mood, and you can wear the socks of the energy you want to embody.
AM: Have you done collaborations with Sticky Be Socks?
NG: We haven’t done collaborations yet, but it is something we are currently looking into. I would love to partner with a bigger name in the fitness world to do a sock collaboration where they help create the sock, and then we give a percentage to their favorite charity.
AM: What can we expect for the holiday season as well as looking ahead to the New Year for this brand?
NG: For the holidays, we have an exciting partnership with our baby boxes that will be announced soon. We also have our Mantra Gift Box set, as well as our Winter Box Set, which are very popular for the holidays. I love these options, because I always think of the holiday as a time for family, being grateful, giving and not receiving, and all of our holiday offerings reflect that.
AM: You are also a co-owner of the BodyBurn Studio. Tell us more about this studio, as well as why you wanted to be involved?
NG: BodyBurn is a megaformer, Lagree-based studio, and I was a client at first. Coming from a classical Pilates background, Lagree challenges me differently, and they’re both important. I still practice traditional Pilates, and it rehabbed me. But I like to mix it up, and Lagree is effective and intense in another way: I’ve been doing it for 10 years, and it never gets easy. So, owning BodyBurn Studio is a way for me to reconnect and continue with my Pilates obsession, and also expand on it. I really believe that Pilates is for everyone, and everyone can find the style and approach that works for them, whether it’s traditional or a more contemporary option.
AM: When did you first connect with the fitness/wellness industry and why is it so important to you personally?
NG: From a young age, I craved the outlet that physical activity provided. I loved gymnastics, ice-skating, and competitive tennis. While at college in Colorado, I added hiking, kayaking and mountain sports to my roster. Clearly, I used to be a huge adventurer, even jumping out of planes! Then, I came to a point in my life when I realized I wanted to understand the mind/body connection more. It’s very important for overall health and wellbeing…for feeling good. Whatever the activity is, though, moving my body is so important for me, and something that is crucial in my life.
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