The Blogilates brand — founded by Cassey Ho ’09 and later joined by her husband Sam Livits ’08 as chief operating officer — launched an apparel line in Target last month. The new products expand on the weights, resistance bands, and other gear that have been on shelves since 2021 with a prominent display.
“It was the biggest order we ever fulfilled,” Ho said. “Target really believed in the product and put us at the front of the store. That is rare and not offered to a lot of different people or brands.”
The fresh clothing takes their Popflex line and redesigns it for affordability. Shoppers can expect familiar versions of tried and true favorites, like the Ballerina Skort popularized by Taylor Swift.
It took a year of hard work to make the deal a reality, and it is a testament to how far the couple has come. Livits said they didn’t hire their first employee until roughly 2015; before 2019, they didn’t have more than 10. Now, they have 28 full-time employees along with 40-50 contractors. As they grow, Ho can focus more on the creative fashion side of the fitness industry, which has always been the dream.
“It's about creating something for me and for women's bodies that is not only functional but beautiful and makes you feel beautiful,” Ho said. “I love it. I've always sketched. Ever since I was a kid, I have been making Halloween costumes and prom dresses — I have to express my creativity through designing clothes.”
Part of the success comes from listening to clients on social media. Ho is personally behind the Blogilates account, and she takes in feedback constantly, often incorporating it into designs as she creates outfits.
“By listening to our customers, we make them feel heard, and they see that, and they appreciate it.”
However, they have to be cognizant of not focusing on negative comments and know when to step away. Livits, who studied business at Whittier, said one of the biggest lessons they’ve learned over the years is to balance hard work with time for themselves.
“Every week we're like, ‘Oh, next week we'll have a little more time,’ but the reality is, there's never going to be more time,” Livits said. “Finding time for yourself in the moment is really important.”
Ho has also learned to take chances, as evidenced by her switch from pursuing a biology degree and career in medicine to launching a YouTube channel. She said Whittier gave her mentorship from professors and the necessary soft skills to be an entrepreneur. Her advice to Poets echoes that journey.
“If you want to do something, just do it,” Ho said. “What's holding you back? Just go. If you fail, then you know you have to try harder, or, you know that maybe this wasn't the right path. But if it works out, keep doing more of it.”
“If you think of every mistake or failure as a learning opportunity, then you're never really failing, you're getting somewhere further along,” Livits added.
Have a good story idea? Share it with us.
