What is your role at lululemon?

I am a Showroom Manager in beautiful downtown San Diego.

Tell us about your community:

Downtown is the cultural center of San Diego. We have a really great mix of athletes, young professionals, people in the military, students and tourists. We have yogis, crossfitters, dancers, runners, cyclists, mixed martial artists and Olympic kayakers. People here are some of the most friendly I've ever met. I guess it's difficult not to be happy when it's sunny 360 days a year

How did you come to lululemon?

I worked in Los Angeles marketing for network television shows until I burned out. I took a year off and got certified to teach yoga then traveled around the world with my sister before settling in San Diego. I knew of and loved lululemon from my LA days and was surprised to find there wasn't a store here. I found the posting for a showroom manager on lululemon.com soon after I moved here. The timing was perfect! I was lucky enough to be hired to open a showroom in Del Mar, lululemon's entry into the San Diego market. The whole thing was fate really.

What is the difference between a showroom and a store?

Showrooms were originally created to go into communities where lululemon stores were not around. They operate similarly to our stores in many ways but one major difference is that we have limited hours in order to maximize our time in the community. I believe there is no better venue than a showroom to interact with our community and truly gain a sense of what they want and where they want it. The showroom setting is generally very intimate and has that neighborhood vibe where our guests feel comfortable kicking off their shoes and staying awhile.

What's a typical Wednesday like for you?

Wednesdays are different each week but they always start out with our store manager call where all the stores and showrooms in our region get to touch base. Lots of learning and sharing happens on that call! Wednesdays include a class (or two!) so that I'm always becoming more of an expert in our community, connecting with the most amazing teachers, trainers, athletes and studios in our neighborhood. Community and people development are how I spend most of my days.

How do you usually sweat once a day?

Yoga is definitely my preferred form of exercise/stress relief though I took my first hip hop class a couple weeks ago and I'm hooked! Also, I work up quite a sweat chasing after my very active 11-month-old daughter but I can't think of anything more fun!

What’s one activity/fitness trend that you’ve been dying to try?

I have two: Zumba and Kettle Bells.

Why do you have the best job in the world?

I love creating something where there was nothing but opportunity before. I love working with amazing people every day, fellow educators and all the outstanding members of our community. I am so fortunate to have a job that embraces balance so that I can be present for my family and raise our daughter. I have so much fun at work that I'd probably do it even if I didn't get paid.

What piece of advice do you have for future showroom managers?

Be flexible and open to anything! Most importantly, take ownership of whatever you do... showrooms provide unbelievable opportunities for resourcefulness and creativity.

What makes your showroom unique?

This is the second showroom I've managed in San Diego and they each had very different personalities. The first time around we were the only gig in town. Now there are two stores in the area so we have to work even harder to create our individual showroom culture and not stand in the shadow of the stores. Our mission continues to be to attract new guests, educate them on our culture and bring the lululemon love.

Sidewalk yoga! All part of a day's work at the San Diego showroom.

Do you think you are one of the three rock stars managers that can lead a team in Madison, WI, Cincinnati, OH or Birmingham, AL? Browse some of the cool locations where we will be opening showrooms!

Recently the Biggest Loser teamed up with Tri California to complete an Olympic distance triathlon. Eileen Swanson, a lululemon ambassador and educator at our Walnut Creek store, and her husband had the amazing opportunity to work as the Biggest Loser's coaches for this race! Read about their experiences below:

Reid and I were honored to have the amazing opportunity to change the lives of 16 inspiring individuals (Biggest Loser finalists and winners from the past 7 seasons) by coaching them to be able to complete the San Francisco Triathlon on July 12th. We sent them each a training plan to get ready for this race in 6 weeks. Not much time, but we knew they could do it!

The day before the triathlon, Reid and I did a walk-through of the course with all the athletes. This was so much fun. I love answering question from first-time athletes. They were all so excited, it was refreshing. Each and every former BL contestant we met was super friendly, sweet, and eager to listen and learn.

After the walk-through we were off to a media lunch at Joe’s Grill in the city. It was a delicious lunch and great time to get to know each other better. I sat with Heba & Ed (finalists season 6), Coleen (season 5), Ali (winner season 5), Pete (at home winner season 4), Suzy (2nd place season 2) and Holly (finalist season 4). It was interesting and inspiring to hear how each individual ended up on the TV show and to hear how motivated they were to compete in a triathlon.

The triathlon morning came quicker than expected for all. Reid and I helped each athlete get set up in the transition area, worked on their bikes, helped put on wetsuits and gave some last minute advice. Whoa, there was some serious energy in the transition area. We all had an amazing time watching these newbies get ready for an experience of a lifetime!

The swim start was unreal. I was brought to tears watching all of these athletes giving each other high fives in the water, screaming with joy, and seeing the happiness written all over their faces.

The run was an incredible sight to watch. Heba, Ed, Matt, Pete, Bernie, Blaine, Coleen and Dane looked strong and were always so happy to be out there on the run course and loved the cheers from everyone. Nothing explains this better than some pics of those big smiles. The best part of this amazing weekend was watching each one of these amazing individuals cross the finish line with so much joy! Incredible! It was an absolutely surreal moment. We, as coaches, could not have asked for a better fairytale ending. Congratulations to all Biggest Losers! You truly are inspiring, amazing individuals. Anything really is possible. Keep it going…