Meet Natalie Oldroyd of Yoga Democracy in Carefree

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Oldroyd.

Natalie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I had always wanted to start my own business and my interest in hot yoga coincided with a move to the US from the UK. It made sense to focus on a type of clothing that I was wearing so much, namely leggings. I was also drawn to the chance to integrate art, another passion of mine, into clothing to produce something unique. The business was a proper startup, self-financed with plenty of sweat equity as well. It was a steeper learning curve than I’d imagined and pushed me to my limit. It was rewarding to find so many respond to the products I’d produced. It was also gratifying to see the growth of our e-commerce business which I’d always hoped would be the driver for the brand overall. Learning how to navigate the business to multiple channels, Amazon, Shopify, wholesale, and to use social media to find our tribe was the best learning experience for someone interested in gaining experience in digital marketing.

Has it been a smooth road?
Manufacturing in house was one of the biggest challenges. I underestimated how much work it would take to keep all the parts moving while still finding time to grow the business overall. The business grew quickly from early on and it was always a challenge to find a way to stretch myself to cover all the obligations that came out of that.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Yoga Democracy – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m the founder of Yoga Democracy, a brand of yoga clothing that specializes in printed artwork on fabric. Yoga Democracy became known for its unique artwork and vibrant textile design as well as it’s focus on recycled synthetic fabrics. I’m most proud of the support the company provided to causes I’m personally passionate about; the environment, wolf conservation, and natural disaster relief.

I’m proud as well to watch the brand grow from me in a garage to growing to a full team and eventually merging with a Florida based company to offer even more choice for consumers so I can focus on my new passion e-commerce and digital marketing.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I’d have tried to take more time to refuel. Starting a business in the first five years is an exhausting experience. It’s not always easy to say no but sometimes for your own peace, you need to. It also helps give you the energy to continue and not get burned out by the experience. I recommend entrepreneurs remind themselves it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 4802655378
• Email: natoh18@gmail.com

Image Credit:
Lifestyle Photos: Yoga Democracy

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