How a Brockton woman built a successful active-lifestyle fashion biz from YouTube

BROCKTON − One woman's passion for fitness during COVID led to the launch of an active lifestyle fashion brand, Cynply Evolve.

Like many people, Cynthia Viruet, 24, had plenty of time on her hands during the 2020 quarantine.

As a senior at Stonehill College, she spent a lot of time working out in her living room and posting to social media.

"I've always been a fan of working out ever since I was 16 years old. It's a good way to relieve stress," Viruet said.

Not only does exercise support mindfulness, she said, but it also builds confidence.

When Viruet buys new workout gear, it motivates her to attend a gym session or circuits in the living room.There is something about wearing a new outfit that makes you feel sexy, confident and ready for anything, she said.

"Why not create this feeling for other females?" she said.

With that exact thought in her mind, Cynply Evolve became real and started selling leggings, rompers, jackets, sports bras, sweat belts, booty bands, water bottles and gym bags.

"I learned how to build a workout business from YouTube, and I would search up how to start an activewear line and learn from people with their own successful businesses," Viruet said.

Here's what $1.2M buys in Bridgewater5-bedroom home with gourmet kitchen and 'resort-style' pool

"I always knew in the back of my mind working for someone else was not an ideal situation for me. So being my own boss has always been my energy," she said.

From the videos, the entrepreneur learned how to speak to vendors, inquire about materials and order samples.

But the work did not stop. Viruet had to test the durability of her clothes through vigorous exercise and find ways to market them widely.

"My activewear isn't just for the gym. It's to run errands, go out for drinks with the girls or lounge around at home," she said.

How violent is Brockton? We compared it to 8 other cities to get the real answer.

"This isn't just an activewear brand but a lifestyle brand," she said. "You can wear my clothes to fit any casual occasion."

The idea behind the marketing is to fit every woman's busy life, which begins with finding models and creating shoots to tell a story.

Viruet contacted photographers and booked studio time to show the world what she's been working on during the pandemic.

The business was a significant investment that came out of her own pocket, which was a substantial financial risk, especially during a time when businesses were frequently failing.

As the first entrepreneur in the family, starting a business required time and unlimited dedication.

Viruet had many late nights and early mornings, but it was all worth it, she said.

"You don't have to come from a family of entrepreneurs to become one," Viruet said.

She said she was able to quit her full-time job and focus solely on building her brand.

"Entrepreneurship is not an easy road, but there are free resources all around to help achieve your goals. All you have to do is put your mind to something and actually do it," Viruet said.

She said she hopes to expand the business and influence other female entrepreneurs to explore their creative capacity while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Enterprise staff reporter Alisha Saint-Ciel can be reached by email at stciela@gannett.com. You can follow her on Twitter at @alishaspeakss and Instagram at Alishaatv.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton: Cynthia Viruet founded Cynply Evolve workout gear business