Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Susi
Hi Maya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
W8FIT was born when I realized there was a need for wearable weights and my background in fashion and fitness gave me the knowledge to start this empowering company. I was finishing my masters in education, working as a part time nanny, and aerobic instructor, when this idea hit me. I was teaching an abs class and some of my students asked me if I could make the class more challenging. So I told them to get a set of weights and hold one with their hands and one with their feet. Turns out they were limited in movement because they were holding on to weights. That’s when I was inspired to design weighted workout clothes for women and came up with W8FIT.
W8FIT started as a line of lululemon inspired workout clothes that had pockets to hold removable weights. With only a $1,000 in my bank account and over $40,000 of student loans to repay. I researched Illinois small business guidance and found the Ilinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Duman Entrepreneurship Center in Illinois. I put together a business plan that was presented to a team of investors. In only a few short weeks, I obtained a $15,000 start up loan. You don’t have to be rich to move forward with your fabulous new idea, you just have to try.
I ran out of money quick because manufacturers have minimums and in order to reach those amounts I had to start with large inventories. I was short about $15,000. To raise the remaining amount needed, I put W8FIT on Kickstarter, an online funding platform used to raise money for creative projects. I surpassed my goal and launched my website a week after.
June 11, the day I launched my website, Daily candy included W8FIT in their 2012 health and wellness guide and that lit a fire. Later that day, Bobbie Thomas, the style expert from The Today Show called me and asked to feature W8FIT on the Today Show that Friday. It was the day before my 29th Birthday. What a great surprise!
I have been innovating and improving the product for over a decade. W8FIT went from workout clothes to wearable accessories. I am a perfectionist so every round of production I improve each product. Small changes make a huge difference, from the type of velcro to the thread type, to the perfect fit, the innovation never stops.
Now I am married with 3 children ages 5, 7, and 9. My husband is an entrepreneur as well and always my biggest supporter and fan. He helped motivate me to grow and that is exactly what happened. Currently, I am waiting for my largest shipment ever that is going to take over my whole 2.5 car garage. I have a new weighted vest in this shipment that I am so excited to launch at the beginning of 2025.
Alright, 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?
I don’t think any entrepreneur has a smooth road. It’s the bumps in the road that teach you and make you better.
There are many obstacles in manufacturing but each one is a learning opportunity. I went through so many rounds of samples that took months to get just right. I am a visual person and I can see the products in my head, but its very difficult to explain this to manufacturers. I never gave up and always put faith in myself and the people around me. I ask a lot of questions and if there is anything I do not know, I turn to youtube and google. Photoshop, Marketing, Visual Design, importing, and so much more.
Another huge obstacle was Covid. There was a huge rush to purchase in home fitness equipment and I sold out of a years worth of inventory in one month. This was a blessing in disguise because I had 3 kids at home and the youngest being 6 months old. All my attention was turned to my family and 6 months later, I finally receive inventory.
We’ve been impressed with W8FIT, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
W8FIT is the leader in premium quality, weight adjustable, body-worn products for fitness, health and wellness.
I am the sole owner and designer of all the products. I’ve been teaching for over 20 years and in that time, I have tested every kind of active wear on the market. Having that experience helped me to understand what I was looking for in style, construction, and quality for W8FIT.
I have a degree from Kent State University in Ohio for Fashion Merchandising and Business. When you combine a creative mind with a fitness passion, you can create some beautiful products that help the world.
W8fit stands apart from the competition because of all the quality materials used to make each product and the slim design.
W8FIT is not only a wearable weights line, it is a lifestyle. As an aerobic instructor and personal trainer with a plethora of fitness and nutrition tips. I love using instagram and facebook to expose people to fitness and nutrition tips. .
W8FIT offers wearable weights for every part of your body. We have wrist/arm weights, ankle/leg weights, weighted belts. and coming soon a weighted vest that doesn’t put strain on your shoulders. All of our products are adjustable in size and weight. The best part is everything is also washable. Think of W8FIT as your favorite fitness accessory that you love to wear because it is low profile and secretly helps you build muscle and loose weight.
What makes you happy?
The answer is never a short one as I truly LOVE and am PASSIONATE about what I do and the people I surround myself with.
My family is the reason I wake up smiling every morning. Trying a variety of fitness classes every week gives me the endorphins to stay fit and healthy. Currently, I go to Orange Theory in Winter Park, F45 in Baldwin Park, and Full Circle Yoga in Winter Park.
I love traveling and always being on the move.
The ability to use my knowledge, experience, and love of fitness to help enrich peoples lives on a daily bases gives me purpose.
Pricing:
- wrist/arm cuffs $34-$38
- ankle/leg cuffs $40-$42
- weighted belt $56-$72
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.w8fit.com
- Instagram: @w8fit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W8FIT
- Twitter: @W8Fit
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@W8FIT
Image Credits
Spectacle Photos – Rich Johnson
vanessa duran photography
