Community Magazine May 2019

NISSAN - IYAR 5779 MAY 2019 63 A Solid Business Plan and a Catchy Brand Name Six years later, in 2015, Candice was ready to return to her drawing board to continue to make her vision of designing attractive, modest active wear a reality. Candice formulated her business plan in a thoughtful, deliberate, and strategic manner. First, she recognized that she could not build her business single-handedly, and she partnered up with her mom, Jodi. Jodi handles all of Snoga’s marketing. Jodi met with several business consultants who advised her to start small, be patient, really know your customers, and pick yourself up if you make a mistake and learn from it. I’m sure you are wondering how Candice came up with the catchy name Snoga! “We were sitting around at the Shabbat table when my father-in-law said, ‘Snoga, Tzniut Yoga!’ And that’s how Snoga was born. Her signature product, the skirted legging, is referred to as a Snoga! Three years ago Candice’s husband Bobby joined her full-time, and his contribution is immense, taking the business to the next level. “Bobby loved my idea for a skirted legging. It’s a great advantage to a working mother to have your husband as your business partner. I am responsible for design and product development, Bobby heads up production and the day-to-day operations. He taught himself website management, as well as all the technical knowledge needed to build an Amazon presence. My wonderful mom also learned about marketing on her own and brings her positive energy and ingenuity to it. We are a fabulous team!” Snoga’s Appeal Reaches Beyond Our Community Candice’s dream for Snoga was not limited to observant Jewish women. Snoga Activewear has attracted like-minded women from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Having grown up in a fairly sheltered community, Candice thrives on connecting with women from diverse backgrounds and religions. Candice is especially sensitive to women’s needs. What excites her about Snoga? “I love seeing a design on paper come to life, thinking about designs for varied body types, hearing the stories of women from different communities and cultures, and working with my awesome team!” Snoga sells its products wholesale in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.  Its main focus is its online business. Snoga’s philosophy is to grow the brand by providing high quality, stylish products at reasonable prices. Management makes sure to know their customers and obtain feedback. “99.9% of the time we can repair a problem that arises!” Candice asserts. Candice’s secret to success? Working as a team, being organized, communicating as much as you can, and staying laser focused on your goals and responsibilities. Priorities and Challenges Candice is very clear about her priorities and her work-life balance. “My work is not who I want to be. Family comes first. I don’t need to be a hero. I can’t do everything and I can’t be everything to everyone. What I do take on I take on well, and with pride.” Her greatest challenge is being present, andallocatingher timebetween her children’s needs and activities, Snoga, and Shabbat preparations. Candice strives to set herself up for success. For example, she prepared her mishloach manot packages eight weeks in advance! She recognizes that her kids will only be young once, and shewants to enjoy them. Most importantly, Candice tries to stay positive, and avoids beating herself up. She encourages moms to breathe deeply and to understand that if it doesn’t happen today, it will happen tomorrow. She credits her mom for modeling a chilled-out attitude. Passions and Hobbies Candice does not have time for hobbies, but knows what brings her joy. She loves her house, and loves to cook and entertain for Shabbat and holidays. “We have an open-door policy. I love when people are eating in my house.” Her passions are her family and creating Snoga designs for her inspiring customer base. “I still have old fashioned values, and I love what I do at Snoga. That’s the source for my energy.” What’s Next? Snoga is currently expanding its little girls’ product line, and ideas are always in process to grow the brand. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Be goal-oriented, think large but create small goals to achieve, one at a time. Work hard. There is no immediate gratification. Be organized, make lists and schedules, and don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake. “No one knows what they are physically able to do until they do it! I couldn’t have done it without my husband and mom,” Candice concludes. You can connect with Candice at info@ snogaathletics.com . Check out Candice’s amazing designs and athletic wear for women and girls on https://snogaathletics.com/.