This Fitness Brand Prioritizes Design and Function

How do your mornings set you up for success, and does your routine shift when you're traveling?

Sleep is a priority for me, especially with three small children, so my mornings vary depending on how well we sleep the night before.

No two mornings are identical, but I’ve learned to adapt. I try to incorporate movement into my mornings, even if it’s just ten minutes of stretching or deep breathing. It helps me feel grounded and ready to tackle the day.

What inspired the creation of Bala, and how did you know it was the right moment to start?

Bala was conceived during a yoga session while traveling in Asia with my husband. Halfway through the class, we started brainstorming ways to make it more engaging and enjoyable.

We noticed a gap in the market where fitness equipment often felt either overly masculine or strictly utilitarian. There was a lack of products that were both functional and fun.

It wasn't about waiting for the "perfect" time; it was a matter of following the inspiration we felt in that moment. Bala began as an idea scribbled on a napkin, and the rest is history!

What past experiences helped you as you built Bala, and what lessons did you learn along the way?

My background in advertising was particularly useful, especially in shaping Bala’s branding and communication. But, hands down, most of the learning came through real-life experience. Growing a product-focused business is an intense exercise in resilience.

From mastering manufacturing logistics to connecting with a community, every day has been a unique educational experience.

How do you differentiate Bala from competitors, and what are the foundational principles of the brand?

At Bala, our philosophy is centered around making movement enjoyable and fun.

Our mission is to create fitness equipment that’s beautiful and functional, enhancing both how you move and how you feel about exercising.

We understand that while fitness is significant, it shouldn’t exclusively define your life.

What are the core values that drive Bala?

Bala is rooted in creativity, inclusivity, intentionality, and joy. These values are infused into every aspect of what we do, whether it’s through our product designs or partnerships.

Our goal is to ensure people feel connected, uplifted, and inspired by the brand.

What approach did you take with funding and investment, and what advice would you offer others looking to build a brand?

We started with a scrappy approach. Appearing on Shark Tank was a game-changer for us—not only for securing funding but also for increasing our visibility.

My advice to founders would be to understand your numbers inside out, know your audience deeply, and only partner with investors who share and support your vision.

What do you look for in partnerships?

We seek partners who align with our values of creativity, wellness, and authenticity. The most exciting collaborations are often the unexpected ones.

For instance, our partnership with PUCCI was bold, playful, and truly unique. We love collaborations that surprise and spark joy in ways people don’t anticipate.

The Bala product line includes highly aesthetic color choices. How important were design and functionality in shaping your brand identity?

From the very start, Bala has been driven by design. We've always considered ourselves a design-focused fitness brand and approached our products with the same care as a fashion or interiors brand.

While we’ve refined our offerings over time based on customer feedback, standard colors like Sea, Sage, Charcoal, Blush, and Sand have become signature elements of the brand.

How do you ensure quality while scaling?

We work very closely with our manufacturing partners and have an internal team dedicated to maintaining product quality. Growing at a sustainable pace allows us to maintain the trust we’ve built with our community. For us, quality isn’t negotiable.

How do you keep up with the rapidly changing social media landscape?

We avoid chasing every trend and instead focus on staying connected to our community. Trends and algorithms change frequently, but authenticity and intentionality remain constant. By listening to our audience, we adapt where it makes sense while staying true to our brand.

Has being based in Los Angeles impacted your brand’s growth?

Los Angeles has been a huge advantage. The city’s wellness culture and creative scene have opened up opportunities to collaborate with amazing partners, studios, and talent.

That said, we are mindful of creating a brand that resonates globally, beyond the LA bubble.

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Keep working hard and trusting your instincts. You’re on the right track, and all your efforts will eventually pay off, leading you to the life and career you dream of.

Self-care is essential. What do you do to be kind to yourself during tough times?

With three kids, self-care often means giving myself permission to pause. Movement is one of my main ways to recharge, whether it’s through a short stretch session, a walk, or just taking five minutes for stillness.

I’ve learned that taking the time to rest is just as important as showing up. Looking after myself makes me more present in every role I play—as a mother, wife, and founder.

It’s all about finding grace in the balancing act.

Source: emirateswoman

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.