Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantell Henry.
Hi Shantell, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Shantell Henry and I am the CEO Of XSPAR. Having four brothers, I grew up playing sports and was a little rough around the edges. I’ve pretty much grown up a tomboy at heart and nothing has changed since. Now as an adult, I am very passionate about working out and love participating in intense group training. Even though I loved working out, I didn’t have the confidence to wear the “perfect body” workout attire.
As a mother to an all-around athlete, I began seeking athletic apparel that could withstand my XTREME workouts I partake in at my home gym Tailored Fitness in South, Florida. As well as something that was also fashionable enough to wear to my son’s sporting events.
Sounds like an easy task, doesn’t it? Well, not that easy for someone like myself that doesn’t have what I once thought was the ideal slim athletic physique. I would either feel extremely uncomfortable in the athletic apparel options I found at local stores, or they couldn’t withstand the intense workouts nor the number of hours I supported my son outdoors. I found myself constantly being left with rips and tears in addition to almost no tummy control. I knew that I couldn’t be the only one and wanted to help other women in the same situation. This is where XSPAR stemmed from, and when I began the hunt for athletic apparel for my brand a little over two years ago!
During this hunt, I quickly realized that it wasn’t solely the athletic apparel that made me feel uncomfortable, it was also the way I felt about myself. I’ve always battled with body dysmorphia, but it was at an all-time high at that point in my life since society revolved around social media. I would constantly compare myself to the “perfect body” Instagram models and never felt like I looked appealing in just a sports bras and leggings or shorts. My waist wasn’t “snatched” enough, back rolls and the appearance of cellulite made me want to hide under baggy sweatpants whenever I went to the gym and cover it up with “Oh I just want to swear more”. I knew before I could help others, I had to start loving myself more and truly believe that I am beautiful inside and out. Once my self-love was attained it was time to begin my journey to finding athletic apparel suitable for all shapes and sizes.
You may be wondering what XSPAR stands for.
XSPAR-Xtreme, Speed, Performance, Agility and Resistance! All words that describe the type of workouts I partake in. From sprints to burpees, lunges and squats! I had to ensure that the apparel XSPAR released were durable enough for those XTREME workouts, comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time and fashionable enough to wear to events outside of the gym. I dedicated months to purchasing apparel samples that I would wear to the gym; track meets and everyday events to ensure they were suitable for XSPAR! I put my heart and soul into providing perfect apparel that ANY woman could put on and feel more confident in.
Our slogan – Do what you enjoy, In the apparel you LOVE!
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?
Not at all. Besides jumping headfirst into being an entrepreneur with no clue about budgets, finance nor marketing, a mother to an all-around athlete, I also work full time and still have to find time for a personal life. So, I sometimes struggle with work-life balance and I find myself doubting the choices I’ve made regarding business needs and time management. I am glad that I have people in my corner to keep me levelheaded and in touch with the reality that I am not perfect, but the goal is to keep going!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Next to being a mother, XSPAR is my life, and I’m not saying that because it sounds good. I work out 5 to 6 times a week so majority or my wardrobe consist of athletic apparel; therefore, I am constantly seeking new apparel and testing them out on a weekly basis.
I am known for my weekly workout videos that I post on social media and for the relationship that I have with my son. He is what I am most proud of! Being able to face adversity within the past two years, launch my own brand, and still be labeled “The best mommy ever” means the world to me and warms my heart. He is my reason why.
What sets XSPAR apart from others is being a brand that stemmed from genuinely wanting other women to feel the confident and self-love that I feel when I look myself in the mirror. People underestimate the value of self-love and high vibrations, once you’ve mastered being at peace and loving yourself wholeheartedly you become unstoppable in all aspects in life. That’s something you can’t replace with monetary value.
What does success mean to you?
Success is waking up every day with so much gratitude knowing that I was granted yet another opportunity to continue growing my brand, being a mother to my child, in good health and just being at peace with life. May sound simple, but it means the world to me.
Pricing:
- Sports Bras- $25
- Long Sleeves – $30
- Crop Tops- $26
- Shorts- $28
- Leggings- $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.xspar.com
- Instagram: @xsparapparel
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/105554615515112/
Image Credits
Chaneldesignz
