“You come for the pants, you stay for the people.” If you ask around our office and in our stores, you will quickly find that this statement rings true 99% of the time (the other 1% likely came for the people in the first place). We sat down with Laurel and Carlson at our Store Support Centre to learn more about their unique journeys at lululemon, the numerous roles they've had and some epic goals they've crushed this year.

how did you find lululemon?

laurel:

I first found lululemon when I was 18 and training for my first marathon. My lululemon outfit of Groove Shorts and a Deep-V Tank was my race outfit and reward for successfully completing my training (we only designed for yoga at the time). I started working for lululemon as a part-time educator at our Robson street store while finishing my university degree and pursuing triathlon. I honestly applied at every location we had in the area. Needless to say, I loved it, found my people, my product and my stride and never left.

carlson:

Seven years ago, a buddy of mine from a senior Management Business Course in university was looking for extra hands at the Calgary Southcentre store where he was the Assistant Manager.  I finished my degree requirements a semester early so I had time.  I like clothes, I did yoga, I pumped iron and loved to laugh so I said "Hell, why not!?”. It's been a match made in heaven ever since.

what job(s) have you had with lululemon?

laurel:

I’ve been an Educator, Keyleader, Facilities Coordinator, on a contract for special projects and I now find myself blissfully situated in Leadership and Development as a Project Specialist (read: ninja).

carlson:

I've been an Educator, Key Leader, Allocator for Mens, then Accessories, then New Store Openings/E-commerce/Australia/ivivva, Men's Merchandise Associate  and now, I'm the Men's Product Storyteller.

how do you like to sweat?

laurel:

Running is my passion, my moving meditation and the way I like to see the world. I balance it with yoga, especially an extra sweaty power class, though slow and gentle yoga has its place in my heart too. I like to mix it up with swimming, dancing, epic adventure and cruising on my ridiculously heavy purple cruiser bike (with handlebar tassels).

carlson:

Sweat once a day – I truly take this line in the manifesto to heart! I yogs, I pilates, I bike, I cycle, I run, I circuit, I snowboard, I ski, I skate ski, I kayak, I trek, I hike… and I sorta swim.

what's an epic goal you've crushed while at lululemon?

laurel:

I was training to be an elite athlete and had a goal to compete in Olympic and Ironman distance triathlons at a competitive level. I applied for elite status, got it and brought myself to that level, which was such a neat place to be. Once I accomplished that goal, I realized that it wasn't what made me happy. Making it to that point, acknowledging that it wasn't what I wanted and having the tools to be completely okay with it was an important milestone for me.

carlson:

Finished top 25% in my age category in the Whistler GranFondo –yeah baby.

Want to make your mark on the world with us? Tune in on Facebook and Twitter for our Ask a Talent Magnet: LIVE on Wednesday, October 17th at 12:00pm PST. 

Elise, Manager of Leadership Development

We love people at lululemon. Why do we love Elise? She knows balance is a choice. She speaks as candidly about her breakdown (and breakthrough) as she does about the puppy dog calendar she gave Andy, her first love. That's pretty balanced too, if you ask us.

meet elise

want more?

• Witness our Communications Specialist's tap moves. Julia's got skills.
• Find balance on your yoga mat. Ambassador Kinndli shares tips on arm balances.
• Get in on the fun at lululemon and make your mark on the world.

Balance is something we are always working on mastering. If Elise's story is any indication, it's possible for everyone. How do you choose balance in your life?

what is a goal you achieved that you're proud of?

Raising two amazing girls (with Brian’s help of course).

what is something unique or surprising about you?

I am fascinated by airplanes.  I love to watch them fly and the sounds they make…probably why I really enjoy living in Richmond.

what is one of your biggest passions?

Hockey – I am a die hard Canuck fan since I grew up in Vancouver and have a older brother.  I secretly dreamed of becoming the first women NHL coach when I was younger….

what is the scariest thing you've ever done?

Snorkeled for the first time last year and loved it!  I am extremely claustrophobic – I can swim great – but sticking my head underwater while figuring out how to blow in that tube made me a bit crazy at first

what is your favourite way to sweat?

Right now it’s the 30min Hit – but a great game of tennis is an amazing way to spend the afternoon!

Each Monday we introduce people from all over the company to you. Who do you want to meet next?

Last Monday we met Jurgen from recruiting. Today, start off your week by meeting Katie from our accessories design team.

what is something unique or surprising about you?

I have a twin brother. He's massive -- think ‘Shrek’-like proportions. Not sure how we survived a womb together, but that might explain why we were 6 weeks early.

where is your favourite place in the world?

Anywhere there’s a yoga mat--too cliché? How about New York. Hands down. I feel oddly comforted the minute I get into the city and can smell the nut vendors.

what is your favourite way to sweat?

Hot yoga. Preferably a heated vinyasa flow class. Any time, any place, I’m there. Nothing feels better than dripping buckets.

what gets you up in the morning?

My cat, appropriately named ‘Skurvy’. He likes to wake me up at 5 am by licking my eyelids. It was cute the first time.

a goal you've achieved that you're proud of?

‘I am in a committed relationship with a handsome hunk of a man by November 2010." Oh wait, wrong goal.

‘I maintain a consistent blog by December 2010’. I’ll be heading up a weekly designer-based blog entry on our lululemon blog and can also be found blogging on Saturdays at www.vancouveryogareview.com

Interested in possibilities on the design team? Check out our careers page: http://www.lululemon.com/careers, and if you have any design questions be sure to ask away!

Jurgen tearing it up on the trails!

what is one of your biggest passions?

My biggest passion is being outside. Whether I am hiking with my family, or riding the trails, I love being out outdoors! I’m only inside to update my Facebook status.

where is your favourite place in the world?

My favourite place in the world is Vancouver, BC… my home town (wooo hoooo!). I have traveled to a lot of different places around the world but I have to say the people, scenery and lifestyle is at its best here. Vancouver living means beach side to mountains in 20 mins. There are no shortage of activities to keep you outdoors, whether its hiking the Grind, running the seawall, or paddling in the ocean.

a goal you’ve achieved that you’re proud of?

Last year I completed my first 100km trail race just outside San Francisco. It was a lofty goal, and quite a bit further than distances I had completed in the past. I spent 5 months following a pretty intensive plan over the winter logging some big miles in the rain. The race day threw me a few curve balls but I was happy with my race and completed my goal in 13 and half hours. It was my most difficult athletic accomplishment to date but the goals keep getting bigger now that I’ve completed this one.

what gets you up in the morning?

Literally, my children. I have two great boys. One two-year-old and one three-month-old. Waking up and playing with my kids is my favourite thing in the world. By 10am on a Saturday I feel like I need to take a nap! I can barely keep up with my two-year-old. Every day they are both learning something new and it makes me appreciate my great life.

what is your favourite way to sweat?

My roots are in mountain biking and trail running. I grew up racing my mountain bike and switched over to running in the past years. Combining my love for the outdoors and passion for sweating, I am in my element doing what I love most! Throw in some mud and rain and you have a perfect outing.

how does your role elevate lululemon?

I recruit and help hire some of the most amazing talent around! Each and every person who joins lululemon brings a new level of energy and inspires their surroundings to make us even better at what we do. I feel privileged to be one of the people here who can share the lululemon story with the world. If you love living in greatness and want to elevate the world… call me!

If you don't have Jurgen's number, head over to our careers section to view job opportunities, and apply online!

Jurgen's picks:

• Run: Motion Pullover
• Smash Jacket
• Run: Response Short

Lesia's gonna shake things up, one email at a time!

what is your favourite way to sweat?

Oh, that’s easy, yoga and running. I am really loving hot yoga right now especially. I love the good sweat you get from hot yoga. I always feel so much better after a class, cleansed, relaxed and alive! I used to run a lot as well and I’m working towards running again, I just have to get my iPod updated with some good tunes and hit the pavement.

Lesia yoga-ing at the beach recently

what gets you up in the morning?

My two and a half year old daughter Taylor! I’m convinced that child is part rooster! She’s up early and ready to party! Sometimes we do a little yoga in the morning (tree pose and downward dog are her faves) and sometimes it’s all about cuddles on the couch while we watch Yo Gabba Gabba (and I caffeinate!).

The best alarm clock ever.

what is the best place you've travelled to?

I’ve been really fortunate over the past four years to have lived in London, England and Santa Monica, California. While living in London especially, my husband and I took full advantage of the opportunity to explore Europe while we were there – Barcelona, Spain for the long weekend? Yes, please! I really love London for so many reasons from the architecture and history to the fashion and culture, that city is so alive! But California stole my heart! There is something about those endless summer nights, the laid back vibe and the smell of Banana Boat sun block in the air! I love SoCal and I can’t get over it.

Lesia and her family!

what do you love about lululemon?

What I love about lululemon is hard to put into words. It’s more of a feeling really. I’m sure you’ve felt it. It’s that vibe you get when you walk into a lululemon store, take an in-store yoga class or get in on a conversation on Facebook, it’s the feeling of being a part of a like-minded, inspiring community.

how does your role elevate lululemon?

My role elevates lululemon because it allows me the incredible opportunity to share this amazing brand with the online universe. If you can’t get to one of our stores we can still keep you in the loop (and inspired) via our email newsletters and our website. I see the Email Specialist role as a huge opportunity to deliver this great brand and all things luon straight to your inbox! (If you’re reading this and you don’t get our weekly email newsletter you’re missing out! Sign up here for our online shopping emails and I’ll make sure you’re kept up-to-date on the latest and greatest at lululemon.com!)

Interested in possibilities with lululemon? Check out our careers page here.

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.

what gets me up in the morning?

What gets me up in the morning is knowing that I’m heading in to work with amazing people who are doing what they love. Everything I’m doing at lululemon contributes to getting me ready to achieve my goal of owning a leadership facility with my husband. It’s incredible to do work that contributes to my future each and every day.

why do I love working at lululemon?

I love working at lululemon because the environment is challenging and supportive. I know that I can try new things and if I fail the people around me will be there to give me feedback, support me in trying again and believe in me. I can take risks and innovate in a safe, fun environment.

I love my work as Head of Leadership Development because I get to work with people who are taking themselves on in a big way. I am honoured to learn from them and to contribute to them being greater than they thought they could be. One of my coaches told me to “teach what I want to learn most” and I am able to do that every day. I’m convinced I have the best job in the world!

how does my role in leadership development elevate lululemon?

My team and I are committed to people seeing how through choice they can be great in their lives. We create workshops and programs for people to develop in both their professional skill and their personal lives. We know that if people are achieving goals, taking care of themselves and are always developing, our business will flourish! When people are able to see that through taking personal responsibility they can create anything they want for their lives, they see that they have the power to change the world.

Do you love developing, coaching and inspiring others? Check out some of the upcoming possibilities in leadership development on our careers page.

lululemon recently opened in Wayne, PA! The artwork above was created for their opening and is featured on our homepage this week.

lululemon stores

naperville, illinois

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/naperville/naperville
Become a fan of lululemon Naperville on Facebook

minneapolis, minnesota

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/minneapolis/westend
Become a fan of lululemon Shops at West End on Facebook

st. louis, missouri

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/stlouis/plazafrontenac
Become a fan of lululemon Plaza Frontenac on Facebook

wayne, pennsylvania

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/wayne/wayne
Become a fan of lululemon Wayne on Facebook

lululemon showrooms

A lululemon showroom is a cozier version of a retail store with a limited selection of products. Showrooms are only open part of the week so that we can be out in the community meeting our neighbours and participating in local yoga and fitness classes.

tucson, arizona

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/tucson/tucsonshowroom

carmel, california

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/carmel/carmelshowroom
Become a fan of lululemon Carmel Showroom on Facebook

malibu, california

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/malibu/malibushowroom
Become a fan of lululemon Malibu on Facebook

boca raton, florida

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/bocaraton/bocaratonshowroom
Become a fan of lululemon Boca Raton Showroom on Facebook

sarasota, florida

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/sarasota/sarasotashowroom

boise, idaho

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/boise/boiseshowroom
Become a fan on Facebook

newburyport, massachusetts

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/newburyport/newburyportshowroom
Become a fan of lululemon Newburyport Showroom on Facebook

summit, new jersey

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/summit/summit_showroom

rye, new york

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/rye/ryeshowroom
Become a fan of lululemon Rye Showroom on Facebook

charlotte, north carolina

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/charlotte/charlotte_showroom
Become a fan of lululemon Charlotte Showroom on Facebook

wilmington, north carolina

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/wilmington/wilmingtonshowroom
Become a fan of lululemon Wilmington Showroom on Facebook

cleveland, ohio

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/cleveland/clevelandshowroom
Become a fan of lululemon Cleveland Showroom on Facebook

bend, oregon

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/bend/bendshowroom
Become a fan of lululemon Bend on Facebook

fort worth, texas

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/fortworth/fortworthshowroom
Become a fan of lululemon Fort Worth Showroom on Facebook

burlington, vermont

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/burlingtonvt/burlingtonvtshowroom
Become a fan of lululemon Burlington Showroom on Facebook

lynnwood, washington

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/lynnwood/lynnwoodshowroom

milwaukee, wisconsin

Hours and location: http://www.lululemon.com/milwaukee/milwaukeeshowroom
Become a fan of lululemon Milwaukee Showroom on Facebook

want to join the team?

Search our careers section for openings at our new stores and showrooms, or visit the store's info page (listed above) to learn more!

complimentary yoga

Learn more about lululemon and the gift of yoga at every location on this page: http://www.lululemon.com/giftofyoga. See you in class!

Inside The Studio, lululemon's newest strategic sales partner

Let’s back up a bit. Wondering what strategic sales is? Strategic sales partners are yoga, Pilates, fitness, Bar Method, Dailey Method, spas and other various fitness and health studios that we've partnered with. They give our guests access to our products right where they sweat. Many of our strategic sales partners are in regions where lululemon stores and showrooms haven't yet opened up.

Back to our newest strategic sales partner: meet Ann Asquith, founder of The Studio.

Ann with a Pilates student. P.S. Spot the manifesto!

A former bank manager, at age 50 Ann was introduced to Pilates. Immediately she was hooked, and in less than three years she was teaching locally. This past September, Ann made a total career change when she decided to ditch her business suits for stretchy pants, and opened her very own studio: sharing her love for Pilates with the world. This past February, she added lululemon apparel through our strategic sales program out of The Studio, which is staffed by the children of her students. How’s that for building community!?

Faded Zap and Senorita Pink: how to brighten up the Yukon Winter!

Ann's passion: Pilates.

We are thrilled to be a part of the Whitehorse community through Ann’s studio. If you’re interested in trying Pilates, visit the web page of your local store to find the closest facility (under "local resources"), or let one of our superstar educators tell you about their favourite place to practice. To find your nearest strategic sales partner, visit "Other lululemon locations" under the store finder at: http://lululemon.com/stores/