To introduce our newest store in NYC to the world, we asked Kate, New York local and assistant manager at our East 66th store, to tell us how to get our sweat on in the Meatpacking District. Using our manifesto as inspiration, she's created a list of the 7 best places you need to know about the next time you visit New York.

a 7-step guide to elevate the world

Have you ever sat down and written out those specific axioms that get you out of bed in the morning to help you elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness?

I tried on a few of my favourite manifesto lines and applied them to a day spent in one of my favourite communities in the world, the Meatpacking District in New York City. A neighbourhood known for its transformation from meatpacking warehouses, to a host for underground nightlife, to its current post as a hub for high-end fashion shops and exclusive nightclubs, Meatpacking will also become home to a new lululemon athletica store, set to open March 8, 2013.

At Studio 216 classes are capped at 6 yogis

1. drink as much fresh water as you can. water flushes unwanted toxins from your body and keeps your brain sharp.

Ever tried alkaline water? Alkaline water is loaded with antioxidants that help hydrate cells. By supplying a greater amount of oxygen to your body, this water supports your organ and muscles function. Organic Avenue provides this purified beverage on tap and uses it in the majority of its juices.

2. practice yoga so you can remain active in physical sports as you age.

Our ambassador & studio owner, Nicole

Yoga 216 is where you’ll find owner, instructor, and Meatpacking ambassador Nicole Katz. This white crystal chandelier lit studio, nestled beneath the High Line, caps classes to 6 mats, enabling Nicole (and the studios other amazing instructors) the ability to focus on the goal of neutral alignment and a pain-free practice for students.

3. what you do to the earth you do to yourself

The High Line is an elevated greenway that transports you into a natural paradise juxtaposed with amazing views of the downtown skyline and Hudson River. This recycled railway is a great inspiration for seeking sustainability in daily life.

4. breathe deeply and appreciate the moment. living in the moment could be the meaning of life

Meditation has many inward and outward benefits. Taking time for quiet and still meditation supplies one with a greater ability to live in the present. My first step in setting a meditation practice is finding a meditation station. I found mine at the Dream Downtown, in the hotel’s secluded outdoor courtyard.

Meditation stations are tucked away if you know where to find them

5. creativity is maximized when you are living in the moment

Being in the midst of art inspires creativity and brings gratitude and wonder. Street art and the many galleries in Meatpacking host many sources of inspiration, be it for your next artistic endeavor or wardrobe of choice for your next workout.

Inspire your inner artist as you walk around

6. a daily dose of athletic-induced endorphins gives you the power to make better decisions, helps you be at peace with yourself, and offsets stress

Layla Luciano can be found at Barry’s Bootcamp in NYC. A sassy instructor and Meatpacking ambassador, Layla knows how to motivate her classes. Layla’s continuously changing workouts send my body into “shock”. Her workouts short and intense segments of strength training and interval cardiovascular routines challenge me to exceed my perceived limits.

7. friends are more important than money

After a long day of sweating, soaking up inspiration, and appreciating life, I’m ready to share my experiences with those that matter most to me, especially over expensive fancy cocktails. At the Top of the Standard at the Standard Hotel drinks at sunset offer stunning views of the city.

To learn more about manifestos to live by, join us in welcoming lululemon Meatpacking to New York’s most fashionable neighbourhood on March 8, 2013.

Kate

Tom

Jill

Gina

Jessica

Imagine waking up one day and finally paying attention to that voice in your head that’s been telling you “this isn’t right”. After a stressful eleven years in the finance industry, Lincoln Square store educator, Jill, called it quits on her 9-5 to pursue a healthier and happier life. Watch her video and read on to learn a little more about this inspiring gal.

I highly recommend Hal Higdon's book for first time marathoners as I used it last year for my first marathon. The book has a wide variety of training schedules for all different levels.

I absolutely love the Nike+ app on my iPhone because I can share my runs through Twitter and Facebook!

Hands down the most comfortable bra to run in. Fits perfectly, chafe-resistent and moisture wicking!

They were giving these babies out at the SeaWheeze and I fell in love with them. Plant-based, delicious, easy to digest for optimal energy and HEALTHY.

I never leave for a run during the day without my sunglasses. I love being incognito to get into my zen mode.

I never know where I am going to end up in the city... so I always carry my Metrocard just in case I get carried away and end up in Brooklyn!

I love how these stay in place and are moisture wicking. It basically doesn't feel like I am wearing anything at all!

This balm is all natural and vegan too!

Absolutely a must when running long distances so you don't get all chafed and sore.

Ah-mazing. I have a lot of hair and this headband keeps my hair and sweat off my face.

I love this medal as a reminder of crossing that finish line in the beautiful city of Vancouver. I was so proud to run that race as a part of the lululemon family.

This guy takes on mile after mile with his best buddy at his side – I mean look at that furry face, could you leave Tom behind? Watch the video and read below to learn more about this dynamic running duo featuring our Soho store ambassador, Tom Cripps and his canine sidekick, Footyboots.

I wore them for about eight years. I don't wear them anymore. I made myself a guinea pig for running form and quickly realized that orthotics don't make the problem go away they just move the weakness elsewhere. With proper running form I now run farther, faster, more frequently and injury-free.

Sweat vs Silver.

Not mine. Belongs to Footyboots. He is at his happiest when playing with the frisbee and when he is happy that means no humans are in immediate danger of his crushing look of disapproval.

The novelty moustache is for me to wear when Footyboots is upset with me. He can't recognize me when I'm wearing it. Something about being colorblind…

Light as air. Yeah yeah.

Used to massage knots out of my legs, namely my left lower IT band. Grrr…

Clearly I don't like complex stories…

A couple of ultra-marathon mementos. (Ed's note: Psh. No big deal...)

If one thing is certain about Kate, it’s that she’s hardcore and badass (no fake sweat was added in the filming of this video).  A yoga teacher, spin instructor and Union Square ambassador – Kate is an inspiration. Check out some of her favourite things and learn a few fun facts about her.

I love these shoes for two reasons:
1) They remind me of our Atlanta Flywheel opening – I received them as a gift from a Flywheel fan and, more importantly...
2) They’re the best running shoes I’ve ever put on my feet. Too bad I found them late in my running career, I’m pretty sure I could’ve won several of the races I was in! I love the color and the brightness – can’t help but look down and smile!

I certainly don’t lose socks on purpose – it just happens, but I take the same amount of care for these socks as I do my favorite pair of jeans. They’re the perfect thickness and height around the ankle – the colors and designs are pretty fun too!

What started as a functional tool for teaching quickly turned into a fashion item for spin enthusiasts. The Flywheel bandana is a staple in my teaching wardrobe – I tie my headset into the bandana so it doesn’t move when I teach, plus it keeps my hair tucked out of the way, absorbs my sweat and looks pretty badass!

Originally from Texas, I’m a huge Texas Longhorn fan. I love wearing this hat – of course it keeps the sun out of my eyes, blocks the sweat and holds the hair back but this particular hat reminds me of home and it never fails – every time I wear this hat I’ll run into a fellow Texan or get the UT sign. It’s an instant smile!

I easily own 20 of these tanks, the teal one happens to be one of my favorites. It’s the universal tank in my opinion, perfect for running, yoga and FlyBarre. And it has the perfect scoop neckline – easily doubles as a casual tank under a jacket or sweater with jeans!

I love the simplicity of this bra – it’s the perfect amount of coverage and support for teaching and taking various classes. The straps are nearly invisible and I love the combination of the Flow Y bra and the Cool Racerback – I’m normally in basic colors but love the pop of a bright orange, yellow or pink bra under a solid racerback tank

I wear stud earrings and sometimes a watch but other than that I can’t stand jewelry— Except for these fair-trade bracelets! They were a Christmas present from a client last year – they’re actually made out of recycled flip-flops. I can sweat in them, shower in them and they’re just a fun addition to my otherwise pale white wrist.

The very first Gospel of Sweat happened last Friday in New York City at the Riverside Church. Over 800 yogis, dancers, riders, and runners, came together to dig deeper into the inspiration behind our perspiration - a testament to the cultural shift that is taking place across the globe. We celebrated spirituality, community, and the personal journey that is our practice.

Watch a video recap of the event here:

sweat seekers united

There were many elements that went into creating the Gospel of Sweat. The space was magical; built in 1927, the architecture of this church in Harlem looks like it was plucked out of a European city. The crowd’s energy was contagious, and you could tell this diverse mixture of sweat-seeking New Yorkers bring their practices into all aspects of their lives. The ingredient that converted the Gospel from an event into a transformational experience was the incredible line-up of influential leaders: Suzanne Sterling, Schuyler Grant, Kay Kay Clivio, Melanie Griffith, Alan Finger, Gabrielle Bernstein, Kerri Kelly, Elena Brower, and MC Jeff Krasno. It was like being in the best yoga-spin-meditation class that you could ever imagine.

a recap of the night

Suzanne gave us all goose bumps as she sang songs of freedom in her powerfully angelic voice.

In reflecting upon her “calling” to be a yoga teacher, Schuyler told us of how she discovered that one’s calling is not something decided for you, but rather your choice to honor who you are.

Kay Kay shared the turning point where “getting a good workout” turns into something more.

With the same passion she inspires us with during a hard climb, Melanie brought us on a timeline of her life from lawyer, to mom, to teacher, to cancer survivor, to “mind-body-cardio” warrior.

Alan, a literal lifetime-yogi, guided us through the meditation that has allowed him to find calm inside, no matter what is occurring in the outside world.

Gabby enrolled a whole new troop of “spirit junkies” as she described how the moment that life brings us to our knees - the moment we know we have to change - is the greatest gift we can experience.

Kerri Kelly engaged us in her dedication to yoga-activism via Off the Mat Into the World and challenged us to empower ourselves as a community through voting.

Elena Brower shared how her biggest life lesson through yoga thus far is that we are the one’s responsible for the environment of our minds.

there is only one teacher

The common theme that kept re-emerging as each speaker took the podium was that though they are all teachers who have the ability to impact many, there is only one teacher that ultimately will change your life: you.

What is your Gospel of Sweat?

Are sweat sessions the new church? Read on as Erin from our Union Square store in New York talks about the growing movement we're calling the Gospel of Sweat. And if you're in NYC, join us at the Riverside Church September 7th to explore this topic more.

a connection to something bigger

It was six months into living in New York City during a Daft Punk themed spin class that my sweat turned spiritual. The instructor was an angel by the name of Clare Veronica Walsh, and it was at that moment that I tapped into a strength that I had never experienced. As athletes, yogis, and dancers we all have a moment when we realize that our practice is our connection to something bigger than ourselves. This greater idea of community also provides a connection to something that lives within us, and a new responsibility to honour it.

In today’s culture, more and more people are building metaphorical sanctuaries on their spin bikes, temples on their mats, and churches within the walls of their dance studio. Times that were once reserved for religious service attendance, are now reserved with equal dedication for yoga and fitness classes. This kind of spiritual practice is highly individual in that the power is not in the search for answers, but in the recognition that we already have them. Whether through chaturangas or sprints, grande jetes or push-ups, we are peeling something very physical and mental away to tap into the core of our spiritual being. We pray through our pores, period.

join us

On September 7th at the Riverside Church in NYC, we will host the first ">Gospel of Sweat, which is a night of inspiration and intellectual discussion around how what many view as a healthy lifestyle or fitness activity contributes to the spiritual wealth of our community and culture. Led by some of the most influential leaders in the yoga, dance, and fitness worlds, they will “preach to the choir” in a TED-style panel talk. Leave your mats and spin shoes at home and join us for a night of discovery, learning and fun next Friday night!

leaders
Jeff Krasno, founder of the Wanderlust Festival
Schuyler Grant, yoga teacher, founder of Kula Yoga
Alan Finger, yoga teacher, founder of ISHTA Yoga
Elena Brower, yoga teacher, founder of VIRA Yoga and the Art of Attention
Kerri Kelly, yoga teacher, Executive Director of Off the Mat Into the World
Melanie Griffith, spin instructor, SoulCycle
Kay Kay Clivio, yoga teacher, Pure Yoga
Suzanne Sterling, musician and yoga teacher, Off the Mat Into the World
Gabrielle Bernstein, author of Spirit Junkie

If you're in New York, come join the conversation on September 7th. You can RSVP to rsvp@aocnetwork.com and receive any updates on the Facebook event page. If you can't make it in person, we'll be sharing a recap here on the blog.

On May 17^th 2012, it’s your sports bra’s time to shine…

the itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie bikini fear
Last May, as summer was approaching, I was overwhelmed by my annual beachwear anxiety. You know, that moment when you realize bikini season is right around the corner. Usually, I’m filled with dread but this particular year, there was a fire inside of me to change how I felt about myself. As a fitness instructor, I needed to own up to my role as a leader so I encouraged my riders to step out of their own comfort zones by facing a fear. I set a private, personal goal for myself to face my biggest fear of revealing my midriff. Why was this so scary? What was I trying to hide? I challenged myself to teach one of my SoulCycle classes wearing only a sports bra. When the class was over and I was still wearing my lame, gold jacket (yes, this class was Rihanna-themed), I was not only disappointed in myself but I felt like I had let down those riders who looked to me as someone who practices what she preaches.

s

the midriff movement
At that moment, I realized that I could not face this challenge alone, I needed the support of my peers. The only way I was going to be able to overcome my biggest fear was if an entire class would join me by riding in their sports bras too. A simple, personal goal quickly turned into a small movement when two of my personal heroes, NBC'S The Biggest Loser Season 11 finalists Olivia Ward and Hannah Curlee got on board. On July 29, 2011 we bared it all in a class and stories from women across the country  who participated in their own mini Sports Bra Challenges came pouring in.

turn your dreams into plans
That July, I became an ambassador for the lululemon Union Square store. Through a goal coaching session (which includes the terrifying task of writing down my goals and discussing them) it became clear to me that I was not through with The Sports Bra Challenge. I wanted to continue to challenge, support and help women and men all over the country feel comfortable in their bodies and to embrace who they are. I decided that I was going to recreate The Sports Bra Challenge on a much larger scale and make it more accessible to people all over the country. That’s when my dream started to become a reality.

putting a spin on it
What started out as an event quickly turned into a foundation. In January 2012, I created S.E.A.K. Foundation; a non-profit organization that empowers people to be confident in who they are through educational programs and events focused on physical and emotional health. The Sports Bra Challenge is now an event that provides the funding for SEAK to implement after-school programs for teenage girls in New York City to develop their sense of self-esteem and self-worth.

the 2012 sports bra challenge
On Thursday, May 17, SEAK Foundation presents The Sports Bra Challenge 2012. This one-day outdoor fitness event will consist of two large-scale SoulCycle classes, a Vinyasa Yoga class and a (free, kids-only) signature Pound Class through Crunch Fitness. All proceeds from the event will benefit City of Hope's Positive Image Center and SEAK Foundation.

Come one, come all and get ready to grin and bare it. Registration for the event starts today!

There are some things (like keeping up with latest and greatest everything) that New Yorkers just do best. Before we go barreling into the boroughs, we asked Soho Keyleader, Natalie, for her can’t miss picks for the upcoming New York Yoga Journal Conference. Now if only we can get her to hail us a cab…

top 5 must-dos at the new york yoga journal conference

5. the marketplace
The marketplace will be open and free to the public all weekend. There’s tons of amazing health, wellness and yoga brands setting up shop with the coolest stuff in the industry. Need a new photo for your Facebook timeline? Check out our complimentary photo booth where you can strike a pose with yogi and photographer, Andrew Dolgin.

4. get bendy with backbends
Channel your inner acrobat! Check out Effortless Backbends with Rodney Yee & Colleen Saidman Yee on Saturday at 8am. After nearly memorizing the Power Yoga DVD, I’m dying to hear Rodney ask me to, “stand in mountain pose”. This dynamic duo will not disappoint!

3. create a life you love
Nothing like a little goal setting to light the fire under your asana. Join us for our complimentary workshop, Create a Life You Love, on Sunday at 1:45pm. Create a vision, set some big hairy audacious goals and start living your best life.

2. i spy with my little (third) eye
Now that your vision has been set, put your practice into motion and learn to trust your inner knowing. Don’t miss Seane Corn in Yoga for Inner Visioning on Sunday at 3:30pm.

1. get your dance on
If you can only make it to one thing this conference, let it be this Friday night event! The amazing Elena Brower and Dana Flynn will co-lead a yoga class set to the beats of DJ Drez. As if yoga and sweet tunes aren’t enough to seal the deal, the class will turn into a yoga trance dance session led by Shiva Rea. (Editors note: We can’t say so for sure but if it’s anything like our own yoga rave it’s certainly an event not to be missed!)

the details

yoga journal conference new york
April 12 - 16, 2012
Hilton New York
New York, NY

Four days, 45 master teachers, over 100 classes and so much awesomeness. We’ll be live tweeting, instagramming and blogging from YJNYC all weekend. What are you most looking forward to at this year’s conference?

NYC educators busting out a yoga pose on Wall Street after our earnings call last month!

julie - eastern us training manager

why do you have the most amazing job?

I love my job because it’s people first, and then we see the financial results again and again. Travelling around talking to people about their goals and helping them feel comfortable and confident in their job gets me up every day. I also think our product ROCKS so that helps.

how has working at lululemon made a difference in your life?

I’m more self-aware then I have ever been because of the tools offered at lululemon (Brian Tracy, Landmark, goal setting). Self awareness brings peace of mind. Peace of mind allows me to let go of my worries and create a future based on what’s possible, not what happened. Thank you lululemon!

what is your big hairy audacious goal?

My big hairy audacious goal was to move to New York City – and I just made it happen! I simply shared it with everyone around me and when my dream job finally opened up, I got it. Just one of many goals I have achieved while working with lululemon. It’s not ‘work’ – it’s a community of people standing for you and your goals, so long as you’re committed by giving back and never accepting anything less than greatness in your life. Guess it’s time to set a new hairy audacious goal. Hmmm....

monique - store manager of union square nyc

how did you come to lululemon?

I had a career as a project manager in technology and was looking for a part time job so I could have social interactions with real live people - I loved yoga and the website and lululemon at the time was opening the first store on the East Coast of the USA!

why do you have the most amazing job?

lululemon attracts people - employees, athletes, loyal fans - who are committed to creating incredible lives. Sometimes they are aware of it, sometimes they aren't, but they find themselves drawn to our stores and our educators. They read our manifesto, wear our clothing, take classes at our stores, hang out with our team. They find themselves running marathons or enrolling in yoga teacher training. Sometimes they work for us. In small steps or large leaps they take on their lives, transform their relationships, set goals, and create new futures.

Every day is different. In the stores, we have to rise to each day's unique set of challenges. My intellectual side gets to analyze numbers. My creative side gets to dream up events and windows and rewards for my team. My passionate side gets to have meaningful conversations every day. For every side I have, it finds expression. What more could I ask for?

Each day in the stores is unique!

how has working at lululemon made a difference in your life?

I've made close friends with people I have worked with, become a yoga teacher, moved to a new city - and I discovered I've grown up. And yet I feel younger at heart than ever before. Younger, and lighter.  None of that would have happened without being inspired, challenged, and motivated daily by the people I work with. I have so many role models that I learn from every time I am in their presence. And I've never worked harder or had more fun at the same time.

what is your big hairy audacious goal?

I am a self-supporting artist!

cara - regional manager nyc

how did you come to lululemon?

I kept going into the Victoria, British Columbia store and was in awe of how cool the people were and I never wanted to leave, plus I was in love with my black stretchy pants that I would never take off. I began working part-time as an educator while completing my Master’s degree and then absolutely had to be a part of company as the culture totally resonated with who I am.

why do you have the most amazing job?

I get to wake up every single day and work with the most amazing people on the planet. They constantly inspire me, push my limits and truly stand for greatness. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to live and experience the coolest places in the US, Boston and now, NYC. I am still pinching myself that I live in NYC. Lastly, I love who I meet everyday in the store and in the community. It is so cool to hear about people’s goals and just get to know who comes into our store and how we can help them. Ultimately, I feel I make a difference everyday in someone’s life. What could be better than that?!

how has working at lululemon made a difference in your life?

I am a better person, a better daughter a better sister, a better friend, a better wife, and a better leader. Personal development and goal setting have demonstrated that anything is possible and that you can love every single second of your life.

Cara on a stroll in the Big Apple

what is your big hairy audacious goal?

I am the CEO of lululemon athletica.

Learning about these amazing ladies stories inspired me -- not only to plan my next vacation to NYC, but also to embrace the possibilities and open doors surrounding me. If you find yourself attracted to greatness don’t miss your dream job and explore some of the possibilities waiting for you on the lululemon careers page.

My alarm went off at 5am. I jumped into my jog skirt and headed to New York City with a group of friends for the Nike Half Marathon. Start time: 7:30am. You’d think with 16,000 runners there would be chaos, but the beautiful spring weather in along with the enthusiastic community of runners made for a harmonious event.

I’ve only been working for lululemon for three weeks but was determined to seek out other colleagues that I’d heard were running. I scanned a blur of people clad in spandex and running shorts milling around a wall of porta-johns. Thousands of runners, yet impossible to miss was a cluster of Leader of the Track checkered running skirts. I recognized Kristin, who was with Melissa, Christine, and Cara. We embraced the competitive yet unified spirit of the race day and shared a mini pep talk before heading to the corrals.

Marguerite (in the middle), with Melissa, Christine, Cara, and Kristin

I’m happy to report that everyone in the photo achieved their goal time, and I reached my personal best to date at 1:53. My jog skirt was a home run and the prospect of celebratory mimosas with my friends an inspiration!

I may have missed Val’s class for a race, but you can bet I’ll be back practicing tomorrow with a new appreciation for the benefits of a vinyasa flow class to soothe my race muscles. With my race goal achieved, my next quest is to educate my fellow runners on the benefits of a restorative post-race practice -- even if it’s just a few downward dogs and a nice long savasana.

About Marguerite, the author of this post: I am the Assistant Manager for the soon-to-be-open lululemon Summit, NJ showroom. I have been with lululemon for 3 weeks and have loved every minute of it! I have many years of marketing experience with a focus on and passion for sports and fitness. My husband Jim and I have two beautiful kids: Teresa and Henry. They are my inspiration!

When she moved here in 2005, Jocelyn's intention was to spend three months getting the core fusion program off the ground at Exhale Spa. She was the lead core fusion teacher and teacher trainer in Chicago, and she met our regional community leader, Brooke Johnson, at one of her classes. At that time no one in Chicago had really heard of lululemon. Brooke recognized Jocelyn as one of the best instructors in Chicago and product tested her a pink ujjayi tank and black groove pants. It didn’t take long before Jocelyn was hooked and decided to be one of the first ambassadors for the first lululemon store to open in Chicago on Halsted Street.

The year Jocelyn was an ambassador was a fundamental year in her development. She attended meet and greet events with other lululemon ambassadors, and participated in a function show, modeling some new luon at an art gallery where she broke out into booty dancing in front of the whole crowd!

Last year Jocelyn had a five-year goal to open her own fitness and dance studio, but she was forced to take action in early 2009. With help from her husband Ron, she made it all happen in only three months! Akemi Fitness Method opened this March in Evanston, the closest suburb north of the city of Chicago.

Akemi means “bright and beautiful” in the Japanese language, and it is an exact description of Jocelyn’s personality. She chose to name her business Akemi Fitness Method because she believes that "all people are bright and beautiful, and that is something [she] wants them to recognize."

The classes at Akemi were inspired by the Lotte Berk Method, which combines core exercises, dance, weights, Pilates and yoga. With classes like Akemi Barre, Abs, Arms & Booty, and Akemi Cardio Sport, Jocelyn teaches us to tone and sculpt our booties to the hottest jams. All of the educators on my team in Evanston consider ourselves lucky to be so close to Akemi. Jocelyn’s classes are always a blast, and we're constantly inspired by her immense beauty and joyfulness.

Check out her amazing studio here: http://www.akemifitness.com/index.php

This guest post was co-written by Becky and Tricia, a dynamic duo in NYC! Becky (aka Becks) is the store manager at lululemon Lincoln Square, and Trish is the assistant manager.

7:30 a.m.: We start our day by grabbing a cup of coffee and then walk to the Lincoln Square store to begin to roll out the game-day plan. Opening the store together in the morning remains one of our favorite parts of the job.

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: The 1st round of product walk-throughs with our growing team begins. Courtney, the new showroom manager from Orlando, joins the team this morning to experience the day in the life of a New York manager.

9:30 a.m. – 10: a.m.: Product walk-through concludes and the seven-person team works to open the store. Before the clock strikes 10, we come together for the morning meeting. Goals are stated, sections are assigned and we’re off to the races!

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: The Thursday morning party has begun with quite a storm. It is the first cold, rainy day in New York City and our guests are coming in looking for warmth and listening to Dave Matthews Band on Pandora.

10:30 a.m.: We make a last minute purchase for our class with Nalini Method Ambassador Rupa Mehta.

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.: Nalini Class with Rupa. The Nalini Method is an intense full-body workout that includes a focus on your best assets: abs, ass and arms.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Apres class, Trish and Courtney grab a quick lunch and are back to the store while Becks and Rena meet with Rupa and Liz Eustace (Regional Community Guru) to discuss Rupa’s leadership in the New York City Recreation Center renovations and lululemon’s involvement and continued partnership.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Leadership meeting focusing on community initiatives leading up to the New York Marathon and finalizing finishing touches on our Charitable Giving Day next Tuesday, October 20th.

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: We bang it out on the floor.

3:00 p.m.: Becks has an interview with a key leader from the St. Louis Showroom who is pursuing her goals of moving to New York City and would like to continue growing with lululemon.

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: We meet to discuss the next quarterly sales plan next weeks’ schedule including the Halloween window installation.

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Spin class with the city-wide lululemon supporting team at Soul Cycle – East with new instructor Sherman.

Inspired by these managers? The New York region is full of amazing opportunities and are looking for goal driven people to join the team! Think you have what it takes? Check it out: http://tbe.taleo.net/NA1/ats/careers/searchResults.jsp?org=LULU&cws=1?cid=blog

What is your lululemon story? How did you find out about us and get started at lululemon?

I first heard of lululemon my freshman year in college. Nathalie, my friend and teammate (and who now works for lululemon!), was wearing a pair of Groove pants and I was amazed by how great they looked on her!

It was not until much later that I really learned about lululemon. After I graduated from college, my husband and I moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. About the same time that we arrived, lululemon opened a showroom there. Through the showroom I learned about not only about the great products, but more importantly the values and the lifestyle that lululemon promotes. I knew I wanted to be involved with lululemon from that point on!

We moved to New York City a month ago. Before we moved, I was already scouting out jobs on lululemon’s website. One week after I arrived, I applied for a job at lululemon and I got it!

What was the interview process like?

I applied online on a Tuesday and by Thursday morning I got a call from one of the key leaders at the store inviting me to a group interview. The morning of the group interview I was quite nervous because working for lululemon is what I wanted to do for the past year.

The group interview was casual and friendly. We sat down on some yoga mats and started by introducing ourselves and were asked to describe our accomplishments, goals, and values.

After the interview we were informed that they would call us later on if we made it for a second interview. The day went by and I was next to my phone waiting for that call to happen. It was getting late and my hopes were almost gone until a call came in from an unknown number. I answered and I was informed that I was selected to go back in. I was so happy! The second interview was much shorter and it was one on one. At the end of the interview they offered me the job and I accepted it right on the spot!

Now that you’ve got the gig – what are you doing?

I am an educator! I educate our guests and the community about the features and benefits of our products, values, and what lululemon is all about! I also get to find something amazing about every guest and engage in great conversations. Being an educator is something that brings happiness into my life. There is nothing better than helping our guests find what they are looking for and making their day.

What is your favourite part about working at lululemon SoHo?

My favourite part about working at the lululemon Soho store is the dynamics of our team. It is just an amazing group of young people who help each other to be great in and out of the store!
Also, the Soho store is unique in that many tourists from all over the world visit the store each day. Being from Argentina allows me to use my Spanish on a daily basis and communicate with our Spanish speaking guests. I love that I can communicate with them and make them feel at home! There is nothing better than seeing their faces when they learn all about lululemon and ask if lululemon is coming to their country!

What is the best part of your day at lululemon?

I am not sure that there is one single best part. I wake up each morning excited to go to work and I do not want to leave when my shift is over…so I would have to say that the whole day is the best part!

Do you have an athletic background?

Yes, I do! I was an elite gymnast at the age of 11 and member of the Argentinean national team for 8 years. Gymnastics took me all over the world competing in the Pan-American Games, World Championships, and many other competitions. When I was 19, I moved to the United States where I attended the University of Iowa on a full scholarship and was a member of the gymnastics team. Now, I am a certified yoga instructor and an exercise maniac!

What do you do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my amazing husband. We love going for long walks in the city and drinking coffee. If I am not spending time with him, I am out in the community taking fitness and yoga classes with Meghan (our community leader) and some of the other Soho girls.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about my family, friends, and building relationships! I believe that happiness is found in those amazing relationships that we create every single day.

What is your 5 year goal?

I have three goals I want to accomplish in 5 years:

1 - Be a store manager of one of the lululemon stores in New York City.
2 - Be a certified prenatal yoga instructor
3 - Have a solid plan of how to introduce lululemon to Argentina!