We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Milliken and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When my father was diagnosed with type II Diabetes, I became very passionate about health & wellbeing. As I learned more about the condition, I recognized that type II Diabetes is a preventable chronic condition. I learned that almost 80% of all chronic conditions, and the symptoms, are preventable. With this new understanding, I decided to earn a Masters degree in Public Health with a focus on Health Education and Corporate Health Management. I have now been working in Corporate Health Management for almost 10 years. In addition, I earned my personal training certification to assist others in the community to build an active and fit lifestyle.

My love for the field of health management, and my love for being in the gym, lead me to become Fiercely Built. I started my company Fiercely Built Apparel in August of 2018. My thought process for starting this company was to provide all women, no matter their shape, size and/or lifestyle, the motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle, while looking cute and sexy in the process! Being a black woman in the fitness industry, I wanted to show ALL women, no matter their race, a healthy lifestyle can be achieved and maintained.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Fiercely Built Apparel is proudly a black woman owned fitness apparel line. What truly sets this company apart from the others, is how much we listen to what our customers really want. We send out customer feedback surveys through email and text often. We want happy and satisfied customers.

Because the customer base is so important, I am so excited to be currently seeking to build out my executive committee that will consist of some of my most valued customers and other ladies in the fitness industry. Currently, my committee is made of a Social Media Coordinator and Fiercely Built Ambassador Coordinator. I am seeking a marketing coordinator and community engagement associate.

It has not been easy to get where I am today, but it is truly a new experience daily. I feel like there is always something new to learn about growing this company.

What I want the world to know about this brand is that it is highly motivated. My goal is to give women and the community the encouragement to be Fiercely Built in their everyday lives not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in the city will have to be parks and places where I can sit outdoors and have a glass of wine or listen to a live band. One of my favorite parks is Memorial Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my Mom and Dad who try each day to stay on top of their health, to maintain an active lifestyle and for showing me love and support in all my life’s efforts. They are the true MVPs.

As I mentioned, my father is a Type II Diabetic. He and I regularly speak about his condition, how to manage it and check his numbers. Through him, I know no matter what life throws my way, I will mange it and deal with it in the best way I know how.

My mother previously owned a Curves Women’s Fitness facility in Kentucky. I watched her take her franchise from very few members, to community recognition, successful community events and a thriving gym. She encouraged me to never give up – no matter how hard entrepreneurship is- Keep Trying!

Also, I want to give a HUGH shoutout to my Fiercely Built Apparel customers and supporters. Without them, this company would be nothing. Thank you to all my customers and future customers. Your support means so much to me! Thank you.

Website: Fiercelybuilt.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/erindoriah ,as well as, www.instagram.com/fiercelybuiltapparel

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-milliken-mph-ches-90b34052/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fiercelybuiltapparel

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.