Business Person of the Week: Erin Douglass

What got you started in your profession?

Well I wanted to be a designer from day one but it is like a fairy tale.

My dad was a children's clothing manufacture rep so I grew up with new

designer samples and success stories. My parents wanted me to get a

business degree instead of going to school for designing which has been a

great payoff. It just took me a little longer to find my true passion which

is designing.

I was in a male dominated field selling complex software loving the

relationship with the clients and the art of the deal, amazing money - but

still felt I had not really found my true passion. I was good at the art of

the deal relationship building etc... but always felt something was missing.

The birth of my son executed huge struggles internally with mom vs. career

war in my head. I began to wonder what having it all meant to me...was it

just money? Could I really have it all? I struggled leaving my child with

a nanny. I was at the top of game and struggled with getting on a plane 2-3

days a week. So at a President's Club trip for top performers I sat on the

beach thinking of what else could I do? I loved Pilates and thought the clothing

market was under serviced so I put together proto- types of clothing got

feed back and people loved my stuff! So I juggled both jobs for 1 year

almost killing my self knowing that once I switched I could be the mom I

wanted to be and have my dream of designing come to life! The line has come

a long way and I have learned so much about manufacturing. So today our

line of Luxurious, affordable and chic pilates yoga or anytime clothing.

Now I can really have it all! I still have guilt when we are so busy but I

crank down when I can and devote 100% to my son. I never miss school events

volunteer, play dates etc... We have office space that is perfect for him to

come and have his own space. Now that he is 5 it is so much easier and he

is going to be a great VP of sales some day! My son has sale and

entrepreneurial skills in his blood.

What do you want others to know about you?

I love clothing and designing! It is more to me about the finished product

and how much people like my line. I even love if someone wants me to change

something- I thrive on feedback positive or negative. It is the only way to

know if you are hitting the mark or not. I guess that I really care about

the client and about the experience with my clothing. I get many emails

that are emotional about struggles with cancer one of my web clients has

cancer and she has been wearing my line in the hospital and her daughter

wrote us to purchase more and we sent out a get well package for her on us

just to brighten up her day... You think we are just making clothing but I

realized that sometimes people need a pick me up and I just overwhelmed with

how much our line keeps people going in a good time or bad. The cotton is

so soft and the inspiring messages that mean something.

I am also so proud of producing in the USA. It was really meaningful to me

and when I visited where I do my manufacturing it really hit me on how

important this is. They work under great conditions eco friendly plant

etc... But shaking there hands and understanding manufacturing towns rely on

these plants for jobs etc many 4th generations etc- I was so touched and

feel my sense of patriotism and how important it is to support our own

country.

What do you like and dislike about your community?

I love being able to design for the fitness and wellness industry. The

buyers are wonderful and clients are top notch. I really love the clients I

serve. They are patient even things don't go as planned...

I absolutely love the fitness and wellness community that I sell to. I

love establishing partnerships with my clients vendors employees etc- we all

need to succeed in a tough economy and support each other! I love also

supporting women and this industry allows me to do that! There is so much

talent out there.

What's your most memorable moment in life?

I have a few but the most finally meeting the man I would spend the rest of

my life with and the birth of my son. I am really simple at heart. I love

family and teaching my son how to do things that will help him in life.

Expressing him self being moral and kind little guy. I love being a mom. I

put being a good wife and mom up there as my greatest achievements that are

on going life time projects

For Business things have been impact being at the top of my game etc.

selling software winning trips and awards. But seeing my company grow,

magazine articles and having a brand that people love and come back to buy

again and again is really amazing. I am proud to have my own business and

able to make the right decisions and have people love my line as much as I

do!

What are your hobbies?

I love to run I get to think about things and inspired by things... Pilates

I have to practice at least 3 days a week. Golf and skiing I love too...but

I am big homebody love entertaining at home cooking with my husband, kids

and friends and family... I do love traveling because it opens you up to so

many ideas and inspirations!

Our website is www.wepilates.com our phone is 225-769-2211 or visit our showroom reps:

we pilates main office

7330 Highland Road Suite 126

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

Ph: (225) 769-6298

Fax: (866) 718-8209

Email: info@wepilates.com

Contact for these states and surrounding areas: AL, DC, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN,

VA, WV

Sales Representative: Nancy LeClaire

Ph: (704) 905-5487

Email: coolrepnel@aol.com

Showroom location for TX and surrounding areas:

Sales Representative: The Coffs Showroom

Ph: (214) 630-9787

Email: thecoffs@sbcglobal.net showroom location for CA, CO, WA, OR, AZ

and surrounding areas:

Sales Representative: Juliyn Taylor Showroom

Ph: (310) 246-1675

Email: jt632003@yahoo.com