In 2020, during Covid's first lockdown,
Faye Mantis had just moved here from Australia with a young family.
During many late nights up with a new baby,
Faye - like many before her - turned to social media
to make those dark hours bearable.
But she didn’t just scroll, she researched.
What she found seemed like a gap in the market;
consciously, sustainable activewear made of plastic bottles[!].
This is how Avenue Athletica was born.
Faye Mantis had just moved here from Australia with a young family.
During many late nights up with a new baby,
Faye - like many before her - turned to social media
to make those dark hours bearable.
But she didn’t just scroll, she researched.
What she found seemed like a gap in the market;
consciously, sustainable activewear made of plastic bottles[!].
This is how Avenue Athletica was born.
Tell us in our own words what caught your attention and why, because it’s how your second business found its beginning?
I had previously started The Dress Edit, an Instagram page dedicated to the latest dress trends. The concept was simple, yet a chance for me to explore building a social media profile. It was also a way to give my brain a break from solely mum duties. I think this really was the push to take the plunge and launch an activewear business. Although they seemed like polar opposites, it was something I had always wanted to do. Whether having a career or with my children I was often wearing activewear, running errands or squeezing in a class. I knew I wanted to start the brand but it wasn't until the concept began to evolve into one of sustainability that it took flight. There was certainly no ah ha moment, it was just collectively observing and educating myself on a subject. Why can’t a pair of leggings be made from recycled plastic, and still have the same comfort and functionality? Australian living in the UK licensing with a company based in America and sells globally. Proof that social media can be positive?
I think social media for business, especially a small business is key. Social media gave my brand a platform to grow from my own home and rejoin the workforce on my own flexible terms, whilst still being available for my children. Being a global platform it has the potential to expand your customer base exponentially and allow for collaborations and partnerships, which gives you greater scope when you begin selling from home. It is the link to your online shop. |
But not everything that shines is gold. What are the downsides of social media? I know that those things are also important to you and need mentioning. We are a generation that tends to overshare on social media which of course can have a dangerous impact on people’s confidence and self esteem. A perceived perfection. I don't know how we find a balance but I hope families or schools educate young people on the realities as well as the benefits. What’s the most important thing for you? My family. I wouldn't be me without them. My husband, my children and immediate family, they are my people, my biggest supporters and vice versa. How important is the environment [not just trees and ocean but also friends, surroundings, workplace, city etc] for our wellness and health? I think we are all interlinked, your happiness affects how you interact with the environment, and the environment can affect our happiness. I think it is important to find that time for yourself, to reset or pause when you need to, to continue to try and find your balance and to surround yourself with what brings happiness to your life (big or small), because happy people care and are open-minded. |
This interview is part of a bigger series around support for women, women in business and helping young people be more confident, make better choices by showcasing role models like yourself. One of the big things missing in people today - in our opinion is confidence - how can we change that?
We will always have our own internal dialogue, our internal voice, that gives us our ability to question and reason, yet at the same time it allows for self doubt to creep in. I would say going back to advice given to me growing up, find out what makes you happy, where your interests lie, you no longer have to aim for only a handful of careers, there are a lot more opportunities to create success in whatever your vocation is. Another positive about social media is you can find people who have similar vocational interests and reach out to those people for guidance or advice. Don't keep your dialogue solely internal, as you will find you are probably your worst critic. We believe that kids learn everything at home. You have 2 young boys. What example or what life do you want to show them? My husband and I both want to prepare our children the best we can for what life might throw at them, how to be resilient when you fail, how to stand up for yourself, how to voice your opinion, how important it is to be kind, the importance of working hard for what they want, how to manage feelings of disappointment, I could go on but the life skills they will need and the experiences we can share are a privilege we have as their parents. It is also important to us as a family to have a sense of the bigger picture, to travel and have exposure to different people and cultures, acceptance and understanding. Can we have it all, life and work/life balance, success, money and family time? I think it depends on your priorities, what is important to you. I have friends who choose to dedicate themselves to their children fulltime and that is the most undervalued and underappreciated job there is, and I admire them. My priority will always be my children and family, but I still like to set personal goals. |
What’s your time management trick to stay on top of the busy schedule of a mom and person who runs two businesses? How and when do you find time for yourself?
Women -are natural multitaskers, which doesn't mean we aren't exhausted at the end of the day. I personally have my targeted goals for the day and sometimes I get through them and other days I don’t and that's ok. Time for myself has changed as a parent and I appreciate the opportunity to take a class during the week or take a 30min coffee with a friend, a meal with my husband even if it is scheduled. But even a 30 mins break, can make you a much more patient and present parent. What advice do you have for young people out there? Have a go, you have one life, and yes you might fail but you will be ok and regret is worse. How do you keep your mindset on the bright side of life? For me there is a huge link between my health and my happiness. I love getting outside (of course in Avenue Athletica) and going for a walk, doing a class, eating well, and being social and most importantly spending time with my boys and my family. If you had to or could do it all over again [life, career, etc] - would you change anything… and why? I just turned 40 and facing a new decade I thought about this recently. Honestly no regrets and everything I want to do I am doing, I am giving it a go and will see where it takes me. Life is not a straight line and being flexible keeps it interesting. |
Finish this sentence:
“Life is… a privilege” “Success is… how you define it” “Happiness is… a frame of mind” |
Hobby?
Pilates Fav drink? A glass of red wine Fav food? Japanese Fav place? I love travelling in Europe and Africa, but flying into Sydney and looking out of the plane window as you pass the Sydney Opera House is always magical. Fav human being? My Husband When was the last time you went on holiday and where? Dartmoor National Park in the UK and it was spectacular Liverpool or Everton? Liverpool Tea or coffee? Tea Cats or dogs? Both Muffin or donut? Neither |
You’re hosting a dinner party and you can invite 6 people [dead or alive]. Who gets the invite and why?
I would choose people who inspire me, whom I am in awe of, and whom I would want to sit and listen to and learn from. I could add many more to this list but I will choose an intimate number of 6. Barack Obama (I think it is rare to find an inspirational leader that connects globally), Jacinda Arden (she inspires me how she juggles it all), Malala Yousafzai (someone who defines the human spirit), Antonio Guterres (Head of United Nations whose knowledge about Human Rights would be fascinating), Sir David Attenborough (for his love, knowledge and respect for our planet) and her Majesty the Queen. What's the thing you're the proudest out of everything you have done/accomplished so far? My children, far beyond anything else. I am lucky to be their mummy. How is the world a better place because you’re here? I hope I bring happiness to those around me in my immediate world, my family and friends and in the greater sense I hope I am able to continue making small differences. What’s the next big thing for Faye Mantis? Professionally Avenue Athletica will continue to grow its range, followers and brand visibility. Personally my family will continue to explore the world and travel, ticking off our bucket list. |
Avenue Athletica came out of the need to create ethically made, sustainable athleisure wear whilst not compromising on quality. Activewear that is comfortable enough that you can wear day to day, whether on a school run, lounging at home, going for a run, taking a yoga or pilates class, whilst still being sustainable.
Avenue Athletica activewear uses high quality fabrics with recycled performance fibre, made by REPREVE®, for the majority of their production. The high-quality fibres are made from recycled materials, including post-consumer plastic bottles and pre-consumer waste. Each pair of leggings uses plastic from approximately 13 bottles that were destined for landfill or possibly our ocean.
In addition the brand promotes conscious choices. This includes our brand ideology, based on consumer demand rather than bulk orders and in turn minimising waste. Each collection will run limited numbers with more frequent drops to adapt to order and customer demand.
Avenue Athletica activewear uses high quality fabrics with recycled performance fibre, made by REPREVE®, for the majority of their production. The high-quality fibres are made from recycled materials, including post-consumer plastic bottles and pre-consumer waste. Each pair of leggings uses plastic from approximately 13 bottles that were destined for landfill or possibly our ocean.
In addition the brand promotes conscious choices. This includes our brand ideology, based on consumer demand rather than bulk orders and in turn minimising waste. Each collection will run limited numbers with more frequent drops to adapt to order and customer demand.
DROP US A LINE
for pr, advertising, features, suggestions, promotion, or just to say hi...
|
amanda@amandamosspr.co.uk
david@lifestylemonthly.co.uk |
phone |
+44 7916 332 469
+44 79000 46 766 |
address |
1523 Market St
Suite 100 |