Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Calderon.
Helen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For many years, I was seeking to uncover what the genuine passions in my life were. I had pursued my education and career but I was always felt with the feeling that there was something more I needed to do. I thought about getting into business but I was scared to start and didn’t know where to begin, but that idea always intrigued me you know. Being able to start and develop or create something to call my own. So one day I was heading home from my 9-5 job and I had been having this voice in the back of my head telling me that I was too comfortable with my current situation and ultimately unhappy. So I decided to listen for once and let the ideas flow. I originally thought of starting a non-profit organization helping animals, which is something I still have my eyes set on for the future, but I also came to thinking of how seriously I took my health and well-being. For years, I would exercise religiously and was so cognizant of my physical state. I was always wearing activewear because it was convenient for me but I also wanted to be comfortable and look stylish in my clothes. I thought of a problem and what needed a solution – how to provide quality activewear – thus RAHpineapple was made! Our mission is to help women feel confident yet comfortable while wearing our brand. Our brand has grown and we look forward to continue providing outstanding service and products to our clients!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not haha. I’m the first entrepreneur in my family, and I can say it hasn’t been easy but I know it’ll be worth it. I think almost every entrepreneur can say they have faced failures, setbacks, negative thoughts, lack of support from particular people and even stagnancy. I have felt days where I had no idea what to do next, feeling overwhelmed, tired and disappointed or even feeling defeated. It can take a toll on you but the most important thing is to always remember that every problem has a solution and nothing that is “worth it” comes easy. Starting a business has really granted me the opportunity to grow in multiple aspects as a person and see what I’m capable of accomplishing. I’ve learned so much along the way and that’s the beauty of it all. Adopting the military mindset of adapting and overcoming has helped me tremendously. There’s always going to be a mountain to climb, and there will be struggles along the way but each step forward is success on its own so you take it one at a time!
As you know, we’re big fans of RAHpineapple. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a veteran owned brand on a mission to provide you the sweetest looking, most comfortable, high performance leggings and activewear possible. Your body is your temple, and RAHpineapple was born from the love and passion we have in building up our temples to their highest potential.
As very active people, our vision was to create more than just a site where people could get gear to sweat or look great in, we wanted to establish a community where people could learn and discuss the aspects of leading a healthy lifestyle, mindfulness and generosity towards others. It was also important for us to create real relationships with our guests in order to understand what drives them and how we can help them reach and celebrate their goals.
It is why our brand started out with the logo, the Pineapple. The pineapple is a symbol of warm welcomes and celebration, and it is a culmination of many fruits rooted together to create the strong and sweet treat we know and love.
Through plenty of feedback from our guests and athletes, our designs were created to be as adaptive and diverse as the women that inspire them. Whether it’s running, weight-lifting, yoga, going out, chilling at home, chasing after the kids… you name it, our leggings and activewear are ready for the task!
This is where the RAH in our name comes in. The RAH is short for the battle cry common to the US Marines known as “Oorah”. As Gunnery Sergeant Glenn Holloway put it – “It is a raw determination and gut-wrenching courage in the face of adversity.” We know leading an active lifestyle isn’t easy, which is why here at RAHpineapple, we thank God everyday for the opportunity to serve our clients and help them tackle the mountains along their fitness journey.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
We actually opened up the company to begin orders in March of 2020. It was at the very beginning of the pandemic where there were so many uncertainties and the lockdowns were starting to commence. We did get a lot of support from our friends and family members. We remember that we got 10 orders on our first day which was exciting. But the last 2 years definitely taught us to be patient and understand that all businesses were being impacted by this. Starting a business at that time was exactly like going up a river without a paddle, it seemed impossible at times. But it reminded us of exactly what our brand stood for and our family of clients and supporters showed us how resilient we can be and how valuable community is!
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@rahpineapple.com
- Website: www.RAHpineapple.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahpineapple/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/RAHpineapple/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rahpineapplellc
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCrbedWr4BlrBezWLyzzM9tw
- Other: https://pin.it/38eEvPX
Image Credits
Deon G. Caz
Julio B.
Verónica S.
Fátima Soto
Graciela M.
Lita’s Doodle & more
