Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karishma Bali, founder and CEO of Pulse Athletic Apparel, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Pulse Athletic Apparel is disrupting the fit-tech industry with smart apparel to create the healthiest and highest performing athletes. We do this using our patented hydration sensing technology to enable any athlete to intelligently hydrate faster and more precisely than any other company in the world.

Everyone suffers from hydration problems, especially athletes. There are two problems: dehydration and over-hydration.

The stats are:
a.) 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
b.) 96-97% of athletes suffer from hypohydration.
c.) NIH on endurance athletes: “Most runners had experienced performance decrements that they attributed to dehydration. Almost half the runners had sustained symptoms of heat-related illness related to dehydration.”

A runner has been training for the marathon. In the event, their hydration plan is not adequate, and they suffer from overhydration and must be removed from the race. Thousands of dollars and thousands of hours of training were wasted. Not interested in another standalone wearable device… already inundated with technology (heart rate monitor, watch(s), so Pulse is building smart apparel.

The line at the most basic level integrates a Bluetooth-enabled hydration sensor into fitness apparel. Pulse provides athletes with insights into their hydration levels, so they can prevent hydration-related injuries and illnesses while optimizing performance. This line will be on the market in January 2023. Currently, we sell our branded athletic and athleisure apparel.

Tell us about yourself

I have business consulting experience rooted in the startup world within a variety of industries, including agriculture, medical device, healthcare, and technology. I hold graduate degrees in Management and Medical Physiology. And grew up as a competitive athlete, and I'm also an endurance athlete, having run five marathons and counting. Running motivates me to cultivate my passions, and I founded Pulse Athletic Apparel to help others do the same.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Attracting a rockstar team. I knew when launching the company how pivotal it was to become a people-centered platform. Having amazing people from internal strategy to interns to brand ambassadors and thought leaders in our Pulse family has been the greatest accomplishment thus far.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Emotionally removing yourself from the business. Thinking strategically and being able to pivot and change relentlessly.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Trust your gut, and make decisions quickly but effectively.
  2. Eliminate external noise (there will be a lot of it).
  3. Stay aligned with your vision.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://pulseathleticapparel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pulseathleticapparel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulseathleticapparel/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pulseaa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pulseathleticapparel/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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