Meet the designer creating affordable activewear with motherhood in mind

How Amy's frustration with the activewear industry sparked a brand that puts moms first

Great brands almost always start from a clear vision. When Amy first told me about her idea on a hike back in 2019, every part of me lit up with excitement, believing this was the start of a great brand.

Fun fact: we met in a summer-share on the Jersey Shore, back when we were both living in New York (and well before the MTV show with Snooki and JWoww). Eventually we both moved to LA, Amy had a daughter, and realized there was a lack of affordable, stylish activewear for women’s bodies. Certainly, no one we knew wanted to pay premium prices for see-through leggings. And though I’m not a mom (well, I’m a cat mom) I had a woman’s body that could benefit from more thoughtful design choices than what some of the big brands were putting out.

On that hike, I deeply felt Amy’s passion and recognized the clarity of her vision. From her answers below, I think you’ll recognize that passion too.💥

Also, I have a special subscriber giveaway at the bottom of the post…

Amy built her career as a designer in the women’s fashion industry but always maintained a deep passion for fitness - weightlifting, running, and competing in triathlons. After having her daughter, she kept up her active lifestyle but found that most activewear brands didn’t meet her needs. Popular styles catered to younger consumers, and the functionality didn’t meet the demands of her busier-than-ever schedule. She wanted pants with pockets and compression panels, tops that actually offered support, and at a price that fit her growing family’s budget.

Fortunately, Amy knew there were smarter ways to design clothes for pregnant and postpartum bodies. At 46, she launched MOMSQUAD Clothing, born from her experience as an athlete and a mom. Made with the same premium fabrics and craftsmanship as high-end brands - but without the luxury price - cuts are designed to flatter, adapt to changing bodies, and keep up with every stage of motherhood. Versatile pieces were designed with style and durability in mind, easily transitioning from the gym to lunch to school pickup.

And activewear is just one part of it. The brand is built on support and community, offering local events, expert resources, and real connections for moms.

What sparked your journey?

Two things happened. I was out shopping for myself - one of the rare moments I had to myself without my daughter - and I wanted to get a new workout outfit. I ended up walking out of my favorite store when everything I liked was well over $100, including a tie dye sweatshirt for over $150. Later, I was running on the treadmill at my gym, watching Queer Eye. The Fab 5 were helping a soon-to-be new dad. His supportive wife was hopeful he would step up and be a responsible father and partner and I had to stop. Where was this woman’s Fab 5 - she was the one having the baby?! I was ENRAGED, and the idea of having your own "MOMSQUAD" was born.

“Where was this woman’s Fab 5 - she was the one having the baby?!”

What’s one belief or mindset shift that changed everything for you?

That there is a perfect time to launch a business – nope! There will never be the perfect time. I was 46 with a tween daughter when I launched MOMSQUAD. I launched in May 2020, within the first few months of the pandemic, when most fitness classes and community events were still closed. It was not what I had imagined, but I committed to my vision.

What keeps you going when things get tough?

When I meet a mom who feels like they are not seen – then, she tries my clothes and they make her feel strong and beautiful. One afternoon, I hosted a customer at my home studio - I invited her to come and play "dress up". I picked out an outfit and suggested she just try it. When she had the outfit on, she teared up and said, I never thought clothing like this was made for someone who looks like me. That brought me to tears, she was so surprised by how she looked and that there weas a beautiful set that she could wear even though she wasn’t a size four.

What’s something about your work that people don’t realize, but should?

Fast fashion has people thinking that making clothes is easy, but it’s not!!!! For me to launch a new style, it takes about a year to develop. Every detail has been designed and tested to ensure quality, fit, and function. MOMSQUAD is built to last and is not fast fashion.

Editor’s note: I can confirm that the quality stands the test of time! Please excuse the light flex, but last weekend, I ran the LA Marathon wearing this Uplift sports bra that I’ve owned since 2021, and it’s as supportive as it was four years ago. Also, it didn’t chafe! (That’s not an affiliate link by the way, just my genuine endorsement.)

Join the MOMSQUAD community, and a GIVEAWAY!

Visit the website to shop, or follow on Instagram at @momsquadclothing.

Plus! Leave a comment on this post to win a pair of MOMSQUAD’s Icon Legging, in your choice of color (black, navy, berry). I’ll choose a winner at random on Monday, March 31, 2025 at 12 noon PDT. U.S. only subscribers, please.

Thank you as always for reading! All of the people I’ve profiled so far have been inspiring to me personally. If you know someone who has reignited their life and inspired you, please let me know in the comments. 📣