Today we’d like to introduce you to Darryl Bigelow.
Hi Darryl, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I wanted to start my own fitness brand for women to spread a positive message, instill in them that their body doesn’t define them, and to try to continuously lift them up. This all came into fruition as I left out the building of my then 9-5 with tears in my eyes because my passion was taking over body to build a brand better than my job. With no backup plan and crazy faith, I prayed and asked God to instill wisdom and strength for me so I am able to serve and add value to people’s lives. So I went to think about who I can reach out to in a time of much need, and the first person I called was my mother.
My mother instilled in me confidence my whole life. Because of her, and how she changed my life as a man, I started my company to uplift and support women. Growing up I was bullied and struggled with confidence. It was my mother who showed me how to find my voice. Women are the foundation of a community. Women are behind all great things. It’s my mission to make sure they have support. They’re empowered. They feel good in the skin you are in. I owe it all to my mother.
A Walking Vibe is a motivational fitness and wellness brand. We always continue the conversation to inspire people at its forefront. Changing their minds and implementing actions to have healthier mental health. I will make it my mission to leave a lasting impact on everyone I come across to let them know that there are no wrong paths in life and no such thing as failure.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Entrepreneurship is very risky and you take risks every day not knowing what is going to happen. I had to bet on myself and recognize that at the end of the day I do have a purpose to change lives and that’s exactly what I am going to do! This has not been the smoothest transition. Building relationships is essential in this business by fostering impactful people that may come into your life.
My first struggle was to connect with social media influencers to wear A Walking Vibe fitness apparel. By getting a random DM by a stranger isn’t too appealing after reaching out to over 1oo people with no reply. I felt discouraged by being left on reading after people looked at the messages as I look at a room full of inventory. I decided to reach out to friends who already work out and show all aspects of a “walking vibe”. They were more receptive to wearing it and making it look good!
Another struggle I still currently have actually showing my face and talking more about the brand. I am passionate about this and I need to let the world know. So I will be more intentional about that area of my business. Talking on camera makes me a lil uncomfortable, however, it’s not about me. I am building a community of people to inspire and empower each other. Nobody will support you more than yourself!
With all the mistakes and struggles I have gone through and will continue to have, there will be no progress made if I didn’t go through the storm. We don’t know what we can accomplish until we fall down a couple of times. But continuing to get up and going in your purpose will is so much more satisfying.
As you know, we’re big fans of A Walking Vibe. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
A Walking Vibe’s mission is to inspire our customers to get active, feel confident, and strong; ultimately, to become a ” walking vibe.” A “walking vibe” is an emotional state that exudes positive energy. Building a community of people who are empowered to lift each other up is the ultimate goal in this event. We host wellness and fitness events all over our city Charlotte, NC. From yoga events to fitness and wellness celebrations, we connect everyone together for one goal.
When we are not hosting gatherings, we sell fitness apparel. Our product allows women to understand that their body is not the end-all be-all. The confidence that they have inside of them is ready to show out and take over. Each product is designed to help with tummy control and the high-waisted fitness sets help you sweat and bring comfort to your workout!
Each fitness set comes with either an inspiring note or a task to go and commit to its goals. We want to make sure that are consumers are not only getting the most out of our product but action steps and empowering messages to keep them inspired.
We separate ourselves from the competition wellness events we have every month here in Charlotte, NC. We plan to expand to other cities which will soon become a tour, and have other fitness trainers educate them on the importance of exercising.
Our brand is based on many attributes that contribute to our brand’s success is our proper positioning to our audience. We strive to be in front of our consumers soon as they wake up and start their day. They will get a boost of inspiration from the start and plans to commit to their goals, whatever they may be.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in Connecticut it wasn’t always sunny days. There were some storms I had to go through, whether it was connecting with kids my age, protecting myself from bullies, and top it all, school (which I hated the most). I always had a knack of finding something to do to keep my mind creative and most of the time it was channeled through sports. Basketball was the only sport I connected with and grew a love for. All of my aggression towards anything in my life I left it on the court.
I was VERY sensitive and emotional back then as a kid and sometimes, looking back asked myself why? I had a strong mother that raised me and my father did the best he could with what he had. I always knew that there was hope for me and I was always told to keep my head up and it was only temporary. With that confidence instilled in me I knew that I had to change my environment.
When I was 12, I moved to Charlotte and being in a new state and city, I was excited about the endless things I could do. From karate, and basketball camps, and connecting with positive individuals. But the first thing I wanted to do was look fly, so I needed money to impress the honeys. I adopted an entrepreneurial mindset at an early age by mowing lawns, washing cars, and shoveling snow out of driveways when it was cold. I always took heed in the marketing aspect by making cool business cards and flyers for my services.
Overall my childhood was amazing! With good and bad, I learned to adapt to every situation and turn it a benefit for me. As I continue to grow, I will use the experience to shape the outcome of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.awalkingvibe.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/a.walkingvibe
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/a.walkingvibe
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/awalkingvibe
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/channel/UCSi3oB2izeXZoapbAfHJ…
