With so many incredible local businesses on the Gold Coast, one begins to wonder: how did they all come to be? In our series, ‘The story behind…’, we chat with local founders and owners about how their business started, their biggest learnings and their tips for other self-starters.
This time, we caught up with Alana Clarkson, founder of Idea Athletic. Not only that, but we got to try out the InvisiSweat fabric. Read on for our review and our chat with Alana.
When did the idea for your business first come about? And how?
Idea Athletic was born from a personal experience that left me both embarrassed and motivated. After finishing a sweaty HIIT workout, I made a quick stop at the supermarket. As I was leaving, I dropped some items and noticed people at a nearby café staring at me.
When I looked down, I realised I had awkward sweat marks in my crotch and inner thigh area that made it look like I had wet myself—despite wearing dark grey tights! I was mortified.
When I got home, I immediately went online to find activewear that could prevent this from happening again, I could envision so clearly what it was that I wanted to buy for myself, but I couldn’t find anything. After searching everywhere, I realised that the type of activewear I was looking for simply didn’t exist.
It was then that I realised that there was a huge gap in the market for functional, solution-driven gear. That’s when I began my journey to create it, not just for myself, but for other women as well.
Where did you start?
I started really small. I spent months researching before taking any concrete steps. It was a slow and careful process, and I took it one step at a time until I figured out how to bring my idea to life in the right way.
What were some of the challenges you faced in the beginning? How did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was that I didn’t come from a design or textiles background – I actually come from finance and recruitment, so it was a completely different world for me!
Learning the terminology, understanding how to negotiate with suppliers and building a reliable supply chain were some of the toughest hurdles I had to overcome in the beginning. It was a steep learning curve, but essential to bringing my idea to life.
What has been your biggest learning since starting the business?
Embrace the fact that you’ll be constantly pivoting. When I started, I had a clear plan of how everything was going to unfold – but it didn’t go that way at all. Whether it was with design, failed samples that didn’t pass the sweat test or manufacturing, things didn’t go as expected.
If I hadn’t learned early on that flexibility and adaptation are key, I might have been discouraged by the many challenges I faced and given up.
And what about your biggest ‘I’ve made it’ moment?
Honestly, I don’t really think in terms of ‘making it.’ I believe that if you ever reach a point where you think, ‘I’ve made it,’ you risk becoming complacent, and that’s something I want to avoid.
Also, what does ‘making it’ even mean? I’m not sure how to define that for myself. But what I do know – and what never fails to give me a buzz – is when customers buy from Idea Athletic and love our InvisiSweat technology as much as I do. When they take the time to reach out and share their positive experiences, that’s the greatest feeling. It’s what really drives me.
What does a working day in your life look like?
Juggling, juggling, juggling – that’s what it looks like, haha!
In addition to running Idea Athletic, I also co-run a recruitment business, which we’ve had for over a decade. I still see it as my ‘day job,’ and I’m passionate about it because it ties into my finance background.
Every day, I’m balancing both businesses so I am definitely wearing multiple hats. And as a mum to two girls, life is definitely chaotic but incredibly rewarding. I usually work from 9am to 4pm at my desk, then shift into ‘taxi driver mode’ for my daughters’ after-school activities. After that, I often squeeze in another hour of work in the evening. I feel very fortunate to work from home and have the flexibility to tailor my hours around my lifestyle and family.
What do you love about the Gold Coast community, especially as a business owner?
Having been born and raised in Sydney and moving to the Gold Coast in 2018, I’ve noticed a big difference between life in a city and here.
People are so much friendlier and really take the time to get to know you. It’s such a lovely change. And once they find out you have a business, I’ve had so many people refer Idea Athletic gear to their friends. It’s incredibly supportive. I love it.
So, where to next? What’s in the pipeline for your business?
Summer is my busiest season, especially from January to April. The heat is in full swing, and so is people’s motivation to get outside, get fit, and enjoy it – only to discover sweat marks in places they don’t want them!
I’m gearing up for this period by placing my largest production order yet, which is both nerve-wracking and exciting. Along with that, I’m also dropping some new pieces, so it’s exciting times ahead for Idea Athletic.
What is your biggest tip for local business owners?
Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. Cut out negative influences and focus on what truly matters to you. In business, you’ll inevitably encounter people who aren’t kind or may bring negativity, but the key is to stay true to yourself. Accept that obstacles and mistakes are part of the journey, and just keep going.
Make sure you have positive influences around you, and if you need a reset, take advantage of the incredible beaches here on the Gold Coast. A quick swim and some vitamin sea can do wonders for your soul. It’s the perfect way to remind yourself who you are and what you’re working towards, whatever that looks like.
What happened when the scout team tried Idea Athletic…
Our first thought: Even if these don’t reduce our sweat patches, they’re seriously soft. Slipping them on proved they were comfortable, too. But would they feel as good after a workout?
Pilates class done, and the answer was yes. They didn’t even feel moist – so much so that they were re-worn that afternoon for a beach walk. And again the next morning, for a run. No sweat marks, no damp patches, nothing – not even in the dreaded cleavage area. In fact, if not for the social stigma, they could have been worn a fourth time. We’re sold.
