We caught up with Monique Purcell, founder of Movement Mecca, an online boutique of over 20 Australian activewear brands.
Describe Movement Mecca in a few words:
A curated collection of local boutique Australian activewear brands.
What motivated you to start Movement Mecca?
I have always wanted to have my own business and be my own boss. My parents were small business owners so it was always around me when growing up, so I always felt that was going to be my path. I took a big risk and left my cushy HR corporate gig to create something of my own.
Movement Mecca originally came out of my love for CrossFit. I began to realise that when following a strict exercise routine, exercising every day, you really go through a lot of activewear.
It became boring wearing the same stuff every day, and the same things as other people so I started searching for up and coming brands! That search opened my eyes to all the amazing stuff that was being made locally.
I found myself buying from a heap of different websites which got a little overwhelming and time consuming, so I thought, “wouldn’t it be great if there was a single site where you could buy all this awesome stuf?””
From that, Movement Mecca was born, designed as a one-stop for lovers of local Australian boutique brands.
What do you love about wearing activewear?
If I could wear activewear every day I would…I even wear adidas shirts to bed most nights, I am that obsessed! Nothing makes me happier than finding a brand that is amazing quality and fit because it makes me feel strong, confident and like I can conquer anything! Athleisure is a whole style on its own now and I think thats because of the growing popularity of wearing activewear to places other than the gym. This excites me!
Can you tell me about Lifestyle Mecca?
I am so excited about Lifestyle Mecca….it is an idea I had exactly a year ago and it has taken me this long to actually make the decision to go for it. Since opening Movement Mecca I have become extremely passionate about supporting local businesses because I know how hard it is to not only start a business but then grow and run a successful small business. It takes hard work every single day. It requires dedication, sacrifice, taking risks and regularly being outside of your comfort zone.
Our quarterly pop up shopping events will showcase a curated collection of local fashion, home and health businesses providing locals an opportunity to support local. I truly believe that small businesses can me more successful working together than working in isolation and these pop-up events are a way for small business owners to work together to promote their amazing products and wares to the masses.
Our first pop up is on Saturday 4 November In West End – https://www.facebook.com/events/139984229920616
What’s your favourite way of keeping fit?
I like variety or else I tend to get a bit bored. At the moment I go to F45 (functional fitness) classes 5 days a week, play social touch football and try to schedule in a couple of long walks with friends and my husband. It’s a great way to get some additional exercise in that is low impact on the body and allows you to catch up with friends at the same time!
Do you have any favourite must-have fitness accessories or tools?
To be honest, my must-haves are my gym buddies! Without them, I would find it super hard to stay motivated. They are the ones that get me out of bed every morning at 5 am to workout!
What’s been your proudest moment?
My proudest moment was probably when I introduced myself to a random friend of a friend and I mentioned Movement Mecca and he said “oh yeah I’ve heard of Movement Mecca, my girlfriend raves about your store”. For me that was a proud moment because it meant that I had created something that was known and loved beyond my family and friend network. That was a super cool moment.
Who or what inspires you?
I like to surround myself with like minded people and connect with a lot of small business owners because they all inspire me daily. Some days I’m lacking energy but then I read something or speak to someone and they give me the inspiration and motivation I need to keep pushing. I also feel an obligation to the designers of the brands we stock to make Movement Mecca as big as ever. They are another source of inspiration and motivation for me.
Do you have any plans for the future?
Lots of plans! Movement Mecca has already evolved so much since day 1 and I am so proud of where it is right now but I have a lot of plans for next year. Continuing to bring new local brands into the store, expand our accessories range to be more ‘lifestyle’ focussed, some exciting collaborations with other local businesses, continue to grow and foster a supportive team and source an amazing location to set up Movement Mecca’s first HQ which will allow customers to schedule in one on one shopping experiences! These are probably the top 5!
To buy some activewear or find out more visit the Movement Mecca website.
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