MAAREE's 5th Anniversary: A Tale of Resilience, Triumphs, and Female Empowerment

Dear MAAREE community,

As I sit down to write this post, it's hard to believe that five incredible years have passed since we launched our first collection. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with highs, lows, and countless moments of gratitude. On our 5th-anniversary milestone on December 6, 2023, I'm filled with amazement and a deep sense of appreciation for the incredible community that has supported MAAREE from the very beginning.

Why is it a Big Milestone?

Reaching the 5-year milestone is an exceptional achievement for MAAREE, underscoring the brand's resilience and commitment to its mission of empowering women. In the challenging landscape of entrepreneurship, where many startups face formidable obstacles, the fact that MAAREE has not only persevered but thrived is truly noteworthy. According to the Small Business Administration, about 20% of small businesses fail during the first two years of being open, 45% during the first five years, and 65% during the first 10 years.

Not only that, according to BBC, the number of companies going bust this year is on track to be the highest since the depths of the financial crisis in 2009.

So we must be remember where we've come from, appreciate how far we've come so far and remind ourselves that others have not been as fortunate during this difficult period.

The Highs: A Journey of Triumph

One of the most fulfilling aspects of our journey has been the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on women's sports. This year, we proudly sponsored the entire Volleyball Women's Super League, a moment that stands as a testament to our commitment to women supporting women. By sponsoring elite women's sports teams, we've not only contributed to the growth of women's sports but also showcased our dedication to providing the support needed for women to excel in their athletic pursuits.

Reaching almost 30,000 orders is a milestone we celebrate with immense pride. Each order represents a woman who has chosen MAAREE to accompany her on her fitness journey. Your trust in our products fuels our passion to continue innovating and providing top-notch sportswear that empowers you to achieve your goals.

Our community's support is further reflected in the nearly 1,200 customer reviews we've received, with an impressive average score of 4.6. These reviews are a source of motivation and a testament to the positive impact MAAREE has had on your lives. Reading your stories and experiences warms my heart and reinforces our mission to break down barriers and empower women to live their fierce and powerful lives confidently.

The Lows: Navigating Challenges with Resilience

The past five years have not been without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented obstacles, especially in the realm of supply chain struggles. Yet, despite these challenges, our team worked tirelessly to overcome hurdles and ensure that MAAREE continued to be a source of support for women in their fitness journeys.

Additionally, the ongoing cost of living crisis has posed challenges that resonate with many of us. However, these difficulties have only strengthened our resolve to continue providing affordable, high-quality sportswear that doesn't compromise on support and performance.

Reflecting on the Journey

As I look back on the journey, I'm amazed at how far we've come. From the initial vision of addressing the lack of proper sports bra solutions to sponsoring major sports leagues, MAAREE has evolved into a community-driven brand that empowers women worldwide. The journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but the unwavering support of our community has been a constant source of inspiration. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to you all.

On a Personal Level

This year has brought me another milestone, but on a personal level. This year I got married! It was the best day ever and an even more perfect day that I could ever imagine. To marry my best friend and the most supportive and uplifting man I've ever know has been an absolute dream come true. To also have him involved in MAAREE also has just been an extra bonus too, as we get to share this wonderful journey together and with the rest of our amazing team.

Secondly, I have been fortunate enough to be accepted on the Goldman Sachs 10ksb Program to help grow the company. I have been honoured to receive this wonderful opportunity, not only as they identified MAAREE as a company that has a potential high growth but that I can receive incredibly helpful training and support to help lead and grow my company. With MAAREE being my first ever business venture and with no mentors in the area in my family or network I am very excited to undertake this opportunity.

Expressing Gratitude

On this momentous occasion, I want to express my deepest gratitude to every member of the MAAREE community. Your support, feedback, and stories have been the driving force behind our success. As we celebrate our 5th anniversary, we look forward to the future with excitement, eager to continue supporting women in their pursuit of empowerment, confidence, and achieving their full potential.

Our New Product Launch

To celebrate our 5th Anniversary we have launched a brand new product: the Uplift Oversized Hoodie! With its strong design lines, it is inspired by the female warriors we are surrounded by every day. So I wanted it to reflect the strength and power we women have and show in every waking hour in this product.

MAAREE Oversized Uplift Hoodie

Although I often speak about my experience in sports bra testing, I want MAAREE to provide a whole range of supportive sportswear for women, beyond just sports bras. I am so proud of this hoodie (and if you follow us on Instagram, you know I have been living in it in the last 6 months) and so I think it's the perfect item to launch for this milestone and where we are heading next.

Looking Ahead: Inspiring Female Entrepreneurs

In the spirit of celebrating our journey, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and inspire aspiring female entrepreneurs and small businesses. The path may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. To those dreaming of launching their own ventures, I encourage you to persevere, stay true to your vision, and, most importantly, surround yourself with a supportive community.

In conclusion, the past five years have been a remarkable journey for MAAREE. As we mark this 5th-anniversary milestone, I'm filled with gratitude for the incredible community that has made it all possible. Here's to many more years of supporting women, breaking down barriers, and empowering each other to live our fiercest and most powerful lives.

Here's to reaching out 10-year anniversary,

Mari Thomas-Welland
Founder, MAAREE