Meet Kelly Guldbrandsen: Sweat Love Soul

Tell us a little bit about you

I am 35 years old and have been in the fitness industry for 18 years, almost half my life!! Fitness saved me during some pretty dark times through high school and college. I knew I wanted to help others feel the sense of power and love for themselves, just as I had learned through my experiences at the gym. I am a Colorado native who competitively runs stairs on my time off! I raise money for the Lung Association all while pushing my body to its absolute limit! I have been married to the love of my life for 11 years and we have 3 beautiful children. He is also in the fitness industry! He actually owns the gym right next door to my Pilates studio!

Tell us about B. Pilates; why is movement so important?

My dear friend and I teamed up 6 months ago to create what we call a lifestyle boutique. We have both taught Pilates for many years, but we wanted B. to be more than a studio. We wanted it to include everything that we believe can assist in leading you to becoming the best version of you. B. Pilates is next door to Viking Power Fitness (which, as I said above, is owned by my husband as well as my partner’s husband! It’s really a family affair!). We also have B. Ride spinning groups, B. Restored meditation and yoga classes, B. You Pilates classes and private/semi-private sessions. Our B. Home, our home goods shop, and Sweat Love Soul boutique, our clothing line, is in the front of our gym for all our members to enjoy before or after their sessions. It’s truly a magical place where we believe movement heals. Movement is everything to us. It doesn't have to be the hardest effort every time. It’s about loving your body in that moment, moving to release energy, and finding freedom within yourself. The freedom to simply b.

Tell us about your clothing line Sweat Love Soul, what’s unique about it?

My 7 year old daughter, Liv, and I created Sweat Love Soul about 9 months ago. Our vision was to create a clothing line that empowers every human who wears it to simply b. We put so much pressure on ourselves that sometimes all we need is a simple reminder that we are enough. Our messages are subtle, but our meaning is deep. I wanted to create a clothing line that made people feel confident being who they were born to be. Strength, purpose, and love is at our core. Two of my children created their very own designs, for both child and adult shirts, with their personal mantras on them; I AM STRONG, POWERFUL, AND KIND and LOVE IS IN THE AIR xoxo. These are beautiful messages that all children and adults should hear from time to time. Our motto is purposeful: Clothing is meant to be comfortable, worn from day to night. Let what you wear help bring out the humble warrior from within. Strength, purpose and love is at our core. Sometimes, a simple reminder is all we need to feel confident and brave. There is truly nothing more powerful and beautiful than knowing that you are courageous. I believe we are unique, because every piece was created with each of our hearts involved. Not only do we want to impact as many humans as possible with love and empowerment, but we also want to make a difference. A portion of sales goes directly to Children's Hospital Colorado. Eventually, our goal is to be able to give Sweat Love Soul T-shirts to the children at the hospital. My daughter explained the goal well, "I want the kids at the hospital to know that no matter what they are going through, they are strong and they are loved."

What’s the concept of “Warrior capes?”

Through the good times and the bad, we believe our clothing can help bring out the humble warrior from within. My children imagined a "Warrior Cape" in our clothing line. When you wear one, your confidence will allow you to believe in yourself. Every piece that we sell was made with a deep seeded meaning; move your body, love your body, and discover your soul’s purpose, for you are the only one who truly knows what your soul needs.

How do you create your clothing designs?

I wanted soft, comfortable pieces that could be worn from day to night. You can workout and sweat in each piece or you can pair them with jeans for a night out on the town. Being that this is a mother/child company, it is very important to me to have my children’s unique style represented within their pieces as well. We love the vintage wash and subtle earthy tones. Our signature color is a bright yellow, because Liv said it means happiness and sunshine, and there is no one in the world who doesn't love that!

Why Children’s Hospital Colorado?

My daughter has come to know this hospital a lot in her young life. One incident specifically was when Liv was 18 months old. She had a febrile seizure and left me for a bit. After what seemed to be an eternity, she opened her beautiful eyes and gave me a soft smile. If it wasn't for Children’s support and love during these difficult times, I’m not sure where I would be. This hospital means the world to us, and as a thank you, we want to give back as much as we can. We also want to inspire the families at the hospital to believe in their inner strength and love. We want these beautiful souls to never be afraid to LIVe

How does being a mother impact what you do?

I do everything for my children. They give me purpose. I was headed down a dark path before my daughter’s accident. Trauma will do that to you. It may sound crazy, but I think that when Liv had her seizure, she knew what she was doing. I believe she woke me up, and I knew I needed to get help for myself in order to be the best I could be for my children. Liv reminds me daily to LIVe (ironic that that is her name ). She and her brother are the most intelligent, kind, empathetic, deep souls I have ever met. It is truly moving that at such a young age, all they want to do is make a difference in this world. They are so involved with Sweat Love Soul. Weekly, they come and hug me, telling me how proud they are of me and what we are doing together. It’s those moments that get me through just about any self doubt that creeps into my mind. They are truly magic earth angels.

What do you love most about FRÉ’s community + values?

I absolutely LOVE how FRÉ does not discriminate. The idea that every human is beautiful is simply perfection to me. It’s a message that our world needs to hear more often. This company gives back and does good for our world. It is amazing what FRÉ is doing every day, and I am proud to be a part of it.

What’s your favorite FRÉ product and why?

My all time favorite is the I AM LOVE oil. The name and the packaging is my favorite part. The smell is instantly calming after a long day. My skin soaks up all its goodness.

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS:

• Favorite exercise? Stair climbing outdoors
• What comes to mind when you think of FRÉ? Women’s Empowerment
• What are you most excited about in life right now? Creating Sweat Love Soul with my children
• What’s something you’d still love to learn? How to not depend so much on other people’s opinions. To trust my heart
• If you were a hashtag, what would you be? #StrengthPurposeLove
• Who do you admire the most? My daughter Liv
• What is your mantra? Do not let someone’s ugly destroy your beautiful
• What’s the best advice that you’ve ever received in your life? The worst thing you could do is stop trying.
• What is an issue that you wish we spoke about more often? Truly understanding how to find balance...it takes time and you have to give yourself that time.
• What does it mean to be a woman today? It means power. There will always be haters, but there is nothing stronger or more pure than a determined woman’s heart.
• What’s one skincare tip you swear by? Wash your face EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, no matter what!!