Alyssa Mandell is the creative mind and the Marketing Director of Sweteez, a company located in Moorpark, California that caters to everyone from the professional athlete to the Weekend Warrior at the fitness studio. Recognizing a need to be able to secure, organize and protect your belongings while working out (Cell Phone, Ipod, Keys, Scan Card, etc…) Alyssa came up with the the concept of the antimicrobial fitness towel.
We caught up with her in between your busy schedule as a Certified Pilates Instructor to ask her about herself and the idea behind the “Smart Towel”.
Tell us about your background and your education.
I started dancing at the age of 3 and have been dancing ever since! I trained at Retter’s Academy of Dance and was a Scholarship recipient as well as a member of their nationally ranked Rhythm Machine Company. After graduating from high school, I knew I wanted to continue on with dance into college and was blessed to be accepted into the dance department at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). I graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 2010 with my BA in Dance and a minor in Education.
Any additional training?
While I was in college, I was faced with a serious dance injury that threatened my career. I had dislocated my hip and needed surgery immediately. After taking the quarter off from school, I used Pilates as a form of rehabilitation for my injury. My love for Pilates was solidified after that experience, and when I returned to school 3 months later, I underwent an extensive 8 month Pilates Certification Program, and I knew it was something I wanted to have in my life forever. I am currently studying to be a Certified Sports Injury Specialist, which is something I am also passionate about.
Where did the inspiration for the “Smart Towel” come from?
I was at the gym with mom one day, and saw that she brought her own towel, yet also had her cell phone, keys, and iPod along with her. She kept dropping her things, leaving them behind at previous machines, and she began to get frustrated because she didn’t have a place to hold her belongings to keep them secure so she could continue on with her workout. It was on the drive home from the gym that the idea of the Smart Towel was born.
Who did you collaborate with to come up with the antibacterial agent used to fight bacteria and germs found in fitness, yoga, dance, gymnastics or Pilates studios?
Well, once we came home from the gym, my mom and I pitched this idea to my dad. As a successful businessman, he had many questions and wanted to hear my pitch. I drew out a sketch, pitched a name and a concept, and he loved what I had done, but something was missing. It was then that my dad knew that in order to make this towel more than just a towel or substitute for a gym bag, it needed to protect. After extensive research, this idea was formed.
Can you tell us more about the benefits of the antimicrobial workout towel?
Not only does the towel fight germs, but also it does not allow germs to spread and harbor in the towel, and germs cannot be transmitted to and from the towel. So, after your yoga or Pilates class, you can wipe your face with the same towel that you laid down on without worrying about bacteria, MRSA, and other germs that are prevalent in workout environments.
How did you choose the name for your company?
I knew that I wanted the name to not only make sense to the customer, but also be self-explanatory. Sweteez came from the idea of “making sweating easier,” in the sense that you can enjoy your workout, yet allow your mind to be at ease knowing your belongings are secure and you are being protected. We took the two words “Sweat” and “Ease” and combined them to make Sweteez!
How long did it take you to launch your company?
We began developing our brand that very day my mom and I came home from the gym. After extensive research on antimicrobial agents, fabrics, our patented colored zippers, and our overall view of what we wanted Sweteez to represent and become, our process took about 4 months.
What brings you the greatest joy when you are at work?
Knowing that Sweteez is a smart product that can truly make a positive change and have a positive influence on health gives me the greatest joy. The fact that my incredible family has been with me through this journey and has allowed me to follow this dream makes it a very special company for me, and it is more fun than it is work because I enjoy it so much.
What was your biggest hurdle in launching your product/company and how did you overcome it?
My biggest hurdle was the creative process that it took to design Sweteez. I had very high standards of what I wanted my product to look like, feel like, and represent. Standing my ground and sticking with my creative vision was not only my biggest hurdle but also how I overcame it.
I saw you mentioned that the smart towel was made and manufactured in the USA. Why was that so important to you personally?
This is extremely important to me because at a time when our economy is being challenged, I feel a responsibility to help provide jobs for Americans. I feel that support and giving back is a huge part of life, and a huge part of my company.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to others who dream of launching their own business?
Stand your ground and follow your vision. Each person has his or her own passion and uniqueness, and that is what creates the wonderful world we live in today. Overcoming obstacles and learning from your experiences is important in order to grow as a human being. Believe in yourself and your ideas, and you can truly accomplish anything.
Where can your products be purchased?
We have an awesome online store that you can find at www.sweteez.com, where you can purchase any of our towels with any of our 5 zipper colors or tank. We currently have Sweteez in local boutiques, hotels, and spas, and that’s just beginning!
Any plans to expand the company to a full line of athletic wear?
It is definitely something that I would love to do in the future, especially as a dance and Pilates instructor. I understand the needs of the clients and the benefits of what Sweteez can bring to the table.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
It is my goal to have Sweteez be the exclusive towel across the country in every athletic facility, whether it is a gym, yoga studio, Pilates studio, etc. I want Sweteez to bring awareness to athletes and active individuals that our health is important and we need to take charge of our lives. I want Sweteez to be the name and face of living a healthy lifestyle for everyone.
