Thirty Eight. / Contributor Thirty Three: Anjni Singh, Kali Active
On Diversity in the Fitness World, Bala Bands, and Funky Roller Skates and '90s Jams.
Hey, everybody. Well, we’ve officially hit the last full month of summer. I hope you all are finding various road trips (and plane trips, if you’re making the moves) and finding some time to enjoy the great outdoors, whether it’s nature, a pool, a beach, or something in between.
Also, you may have noticed you haven’t seen any personal editions from here in a while. Don’t worry; later this month, expect more from there when I finally get some time to write again.
And, as always, come join our Slack group, Le Slack, if you’re looking for more Le Cinq content!
The authors who share my love of boxing continue! I’ve known this brand and this incredible founder for a few years now, and in the world of boxing equipment, it’s a bit of a Wild West mentality, especially as it’s clouded between casual boxers, those who spar, and those who jump into fights every now and then (like yours truly). Of course, there’s the full-time fighters, but what’s exciting about this author’s brand is that she built one that truly connects everyone.
Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Anjni Singh.
Enjoy!
Hello, my name is Anjni. I’m obsessed with design and product. I’ve designed for a skate brand, shoe brand, various apparel brands and used to call Jay-Z my boss (fun times). I am the founder of Kali Active, a premium fight brand for the modern fitness market. I’m currently in LA via NYC.
A fun fact: Here’s two:
I won a design contest with Nordstrom for a Rebecca Minkoff project and used that momentum to help launch my brand.
After launching Kali Active, I was approached to help open a gym called Rumble Boxing in Chelsea which was one of the biggest/craziest projects I think I’ve ever done.
What are you currently working on?
Professionally, there’s two things I’m working on:
For Kali Active, I’m working on expanding the brand to be more inclusive and “at home workout” friendly. With the fitness market being in the current state, I’m trying to see how we can help our customers transition to this new normal.
Secondly, look out for my new site/blog. I’ll be sharing some resources and stories of what I’ve learned while building my brand over the years. I’ll be focusing on design, product and planning. I think it could be helpful to a lot of people who are launching product based businesses right now and need help navigating their launch.
Personally (quarantine hobby), I’m getting back into sketching and painting. It’s my version of meditating and it keeps me creative. You can follow the art progress on Instagram.
(My creative brain has a hard time shutting off…)
What are you currently excited about?
Excited to have the NBA back! I’ve really enjoyed watching all this bubble prep and content. Hope to see the Bucks and Lakers in the finals.
It’s so interesting to see how the league is adjusting to our current reality. It’s like watching a real time experiment where everyone is embracing the variables.
What’s a story or article that you're currently thinking about?
I read a lot about the topic of diversity within the fitness and active brand industries. As a South Asian-American founder, I’ve noticed a lack of diversity at conferences or classes, so the topic of representation when it comes to ownership is super important right now.
I am so glad that Black instructors like Tunde from Peloton used their voices to highlight Black Lives matter and the core message of the movement.
We need more representation and more minority voices in a lot of industries.
What’s a product you’re currently obsessed with?
I just got the Bala weighted bangles. My brand is doing some collaborative content with them. Bala Bangles are such a great alternative to regular weights and they look so sleek on. So far they have been great. I just got them so I’ll keep you all posted on the results. Excited to try some cardio kickboxing classes with them on.
Leg day is going to burn!
Wild Card: What’s an item you can’t shake your mind off of?
Roller skates! I just got on TikTok and the roller skating videos are giving me equal parts FOMO and nostalgia. I just want funky roller skates and skate to some 90’s jams in the summer! I hear TikTok has made roller skates so popular that it's kind of hard to get a pair right now.
Wish me luck on finding them!
(Editor’s Note: If anyone has any roller skate suggestions, please send them to Anjni!)
~ C O L O P H O N ~
Please send all feedback, both positive and negative, to sumeetshahwork@gmail.com as this project continues to evolve.
Interested in contributing an edition? Email me at sumeetshahwork@gmail.com!
Looking for more Le Cinq content? Join our Slack community!
Want more great things to read? Follow my Flipboard Magazine, #Reads_Feeds.
Did this get forwarded to you by a friend? Please consider subscribing below!