Sophomore Maria Sartin, Founder of Uncontainable, shared her experience in starting a business while balancing school and life commitments. Sartin is a Concordia international student from New Zealand. 

Q: Growing up in New Zealand, how did you feel when you first moved to California for school? 

A: It was great! I have always wanted to come to America and run track at a university. I also wanted a good education. Coming to California topped it all off as I can go to the beaches. The people in California are also friendly and nice. 

Q: When did you come up with your idea for your startup? 

A: I’ve always wanted to create my own activewear business. My friend and I wanted to start one at 15. But we lived so far away it was hard to keep everything together. During COVID I had a lot of time to think and I thought, “Why not!” I struggled with the limits that I put on myself and I wanted to create a business that would help other women overcome their struggles. 

Q: After finding your idea, what was your mission for Uncontainable?

A: The mission is to empower women and have them believe in themselves and put the false limits they set behind them. I want to help them reach their full potential. 

Q: On your website uncontainable.co.nz, you express that your brand makes women aware that the only limits which exist are in their minds. Can you explain how your brand helps women achieve positive attitudes about their self image?

A: So with Uncontainable, I wanted to make it more than an active wear brand. I wanted the women to feel confident when they wear Uncontainable. I work with women who share their stories about their struggles and how they want to overcome them to become stronger. 

Q:  How do you advertise your business? Where can people find your products?

A: At the moment, I only sell out of New Zealand so I mainly use social media and word of mouth. I am planning on using influencers in the future to promote my business. I am looking to find influencers/ ambassadors in both the United States and New Zealand. 

People can find my products online through my website https://www.uncontainable.co.nz/ and I will be creating an American website in the next month. You can also message me on my instagram account and you can place an order through me.  

Q: You mentioned a few weeks ago that you are releasing a shop in the United States next month. Can you explain your plans for the new shop? 

A: I am creating an online shop for the United States and will find ambassadors to promote and sell my products. The reason why I could not start my business in the United States earlier, is because as a track athlete, the NCAA rules did not allow me to promote Uncontainable because of monetizing the name, image and likeness. Now I can use myself and others to promote my products.  

Q: What are your main goals for your business moving forward? 

A: Main goal is to empower other women and give them the opportunity to reach their potential. I want to focus on the New Zealand and American markets currently because I understand the culture. After college, I want my business to go more international. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business? 

A: Go for it! If you have an idea, it is never too early to start. If you have a passion, following that will be worth it. 

Tags: business, community, women's athletics

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