Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Mayo.
Erin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My professional background was in healthcare as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Critical Cardiac Care, so I have always had a passion for health and wellness, as well as for leading an active lifestyle to help cope with the stress and anxiety related to such a high pressure career. When I made the decision that I wanted to be home with our daughter, but also wanted to work from home, I became interested in opportunities that allowed me to inspire other women and mentor them while building my own small business. As a hobby, I have always enjoyed fashion and style in addition to fitness, so when the opportunity to join ZYIA Active was presented to me, it really seemed to fit my goals and ideals perfectly. Being a part of a new, ground floor business opportunity has helped teach me numerous skills related to marketing and social media brand building, while also allowing me to bring a new brand into the activewear market here in the Boston area. I am able to spend much of my day networking with other women in the health and wellness and fitness community, as well as mentoring and growing my team of representatives that are across the country. Having a small business that can be grown both virtually when needed, as well as in person when wanted is an amazing opportunity for women wanting to make their own professional schedule or as a means to have an additional income source. The ZYIA Active community is one based upon the pillars of uplifting and inspiring others to feel confident while leading an active, healthy lifestyle which is such a positive message.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My path to becoming a work from home small business owner and entrepreneur has definitely been a winding and at times difficult one. Given that my professional background is very different from where I am at today has meant that I have had to learn a lot and very quickly on the fly about marketing, creating a brand, and social media networking. I am not new to mentoring other women, but doing so in this capacity has also been a new experience. There are so many times that I have readjusted my strategies, messaging, and approach as I learn what seems to connect with others and continue to establish what makes me unique in the marketplace. What I have learned, however, is that there is no shortage of opportunity and success in these business structures that are designed to be done from whenever and wherever… and that with a little hustle, heart, and structured commitment the door is really wide open. The activewear industry specifically is a competitive, but yet massively growing market space so ZYIA has really taken some unique approaches to establishing a growing market share across the country that I am excited to help grow myself. I think for young women starting out (and I have many as young as early college age on my team personally) the idea of understanding the value of joining a business that inspires and speaks to them is so important, while finding a mentor to emulate and connect with frequently is essential. I also think my story is a great example of how older women can find a second or third career path that allows them financial freedom while creating their own business around their other responsibilities and passions.
Please tell us about ZYIA Active Graceful Belle.
As a brand ambassador and Senior Director for ZYIA Active, I help share and market the company’s activewear and athleisure pieces for both women and men. As the company is relatively new (established in Feb 2017) and based in Utah, there is a great number of areas across the country that have not yet been exposed to the brand and what makes it special, so as a representative for the company that is part of my responsibility to help customers and the fitness community learn about what sets us apart from traditional activewear companies. Our business model is unique in that our activewear is more of a boutique type styling with limited edition pieces and new product launches that come out every week. The fabric blends are some of the most exceptional on the market while maintaining a more reasonable price point to help customers be able to build an attainable, versatile wardrobe. Because activewear and athleisure have become a daily style both inside and outside the gym, one of my distinguishing features is my love for taking our pieces and showing how they can be worn for the highest functional fitness but then also are stylish enough to continue the day looking put together. My personal style has become a resource for other women in our company, and I also create looks and marketing material for the women on my team to help them market and share the brand with their communities and networks in a unique way. What makes me most proud is knowing that I am part of a new, growing company with exceptional values and character, where I was able to not only have my own business and success on a schedule that worked for my life, but also able to help other women to not only enjoy being active but also have their own business success.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I have been very fortunate to learn from very successful women that have a deeper understanding of network marketing and personal brand creation, both inside and outside of my company. Using platforms like Instagram has been an exceptional means of connecting with the community in a variety of facets, and also an amazing way of building a business by networking with other women who share the same passion for not only active lifestyles but being entrepreneurs themselves. Social media at times gets a bad wrap but is such a powerful tool for business building. Reaching out and connecting with women virtually is such a powerful tool, though, and has allowed for us to be able to learn from and support one another from all over the country which is an amazing gift.
Pricing:
- ZYIA Active Leggings $59-$75
- ZYIA Active Sports Bras $31-$50
- ZYIA Active Tanks and Tops $31-$50
- ZYIA Active Athleisure Pieces $40-$75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.myzyia.com/ZYIAACTIVEGRACEFULBELLE
- Phone: 615-828-4166
- Email: zyiagracefulbelle@gmail.com
- Instagram: @zyiaactive_gracefulbelle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zyiaactivegracefulbelle/
Image Credit:
ZYIA Active
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