An Interview With Monica Sanders
… We live in a world where conviction is hard to come by. People are wishy washy. One day they might do this. another day they might do that. We often don’t know their true motivations. But I believe in having a strong foundation, sticking to it, and not wavering on it. Without my moral compass, I don’t know where I’d be. I take pride in the fact that when you look at my website, you can immediately see what my values are. Transcendent Active is a modest, eco-concise brand that believes in wellness. I know that not everyone shares my values, and that’s okay! But I am glad to be able to stand up for what I believe in and provide for people who also care about what I care about.
As ‘slow fashion’ grows in popularity, more fashion companies are jumping on the bandwagon. Renewable consumption has been gaining popularity for a while, as people recognize its importance, and many fashion companies want to be a part of this change. In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders in the fashion industry to discuss why they are embracing slow fashion and renewable consumption. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Aja Cohen of Transcendent Active.
Transcendent Active is a groundbreaking brand that seamlessly merges style, functionality, and a profound commitment to sustainability. With a passion for both fashion and the environment, Transcendent Active crafts high-quality activewear using eco-friendly materials, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint throughout the production process. By embracing sustainable practices, this brand sets itself apart, empowering individuals to make conscious choices without compromising on performance or style.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?
Being active was always a really big thing in my house. My mom is my biggest inspiration when it comes to my business and health choices. She switched careers later in life and became a personal trainer. She now runs a successful training business and has fun staying physically fit! My passion for fashion has been a part of me since middle school. In my sixth-grade home economics class, we were given the task of sewing boxer shorts. I refused to wear such a hideous look! Instead, I decided to make a dress! It was a geometric neo print with a black feather boa at the hem. I’m not sure which was more hideous — my dress or the boxer shorts, but that’s what sparked my interest in fashion. From that point on, it was my dream to work in the industry. Through much hard work and dedication, I graduated with a BFA in Fashion Design from Pratt Institute, and I was so lucky to be able to work for brands like Fila, Champion, and Converse. Those places taught me so much about what goes into creating a big brand, but I was also seeing the awful effect of fast fashion. At that same time, I had completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training and that opened my mind to the powers of wellness and mindfulness. Everything I was learning at that time, along with my strong ties to my new-found faith, Judaism, were the driving forces that led to the creation of Transcendent Active. I had the desire to blend everything that I had learned and valued to create a fashionable, sustainable modest activewear collection.
Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?
I learned how to sew when I was in middle school, and it just took off. I was making different outfits for dances, parties, and then I did costumes for high school plays. I was very involved in the arts program at my high school. During summers, I studied fashion at a high school program at FIT [The Fashion Institute of Technology]. I took classes like business of fashion and a drawing class and the following summer, I enrolled in a fine arts program at The School of Visual Arts. After my portfolio was complete, I applied to Pratt Institute [in Brooklyn] and graduated in 2005. From there on, I worked in fashion for the next 15 years. Through that time, I converted to Judaism, got married, had 3 children, became a 200-hour certified yoga teacher, and moved back to the suburbs. I began noticing women in my neighborhood wearing dressing modestly when they worked out. It quickly sparked my interest, and I knew I could blend all of my talents to create something that I thought was functional and fashionable for my new neighbors.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Covid! I started designing and conceptualizing Transcendent Active in the summer of 2019. Development was going quickly all the fall and winter and then bam! Covid hit. I went from being a budding entrepreneur to being a full-time mom of 3. It really halted my dream, but at the same time, strengthened it. I was able to make the most of the time together with my family and not think so hard about the idea of starting the brand. It’s not to say I gave up on it, but I was able to be present with my kids and that was what I needed most. Then my old colleague reached out and told me about a factory that was open in LA. I quickly shipped my fabric to the West Coast and placed my first order. It was so exciting and felt like the perfect time to start!
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Having a strong mentor, balancing work and play, and keeping up with your connections. To me, the most important one and the one I want to talk more about is having a strong mentor.
I am really grateful to have worked in the fashion industry before starting my own business. From having worked at big brands such as Champion, Converse, and Fila, I was able to make some really amazing connections along the way. It was at one of my first jobs designing activewear, that I made a strong connection with my boss. We still speak all the time, and he is always so great at offering advice. It wasn’t a love-at-first-sight work relationship, however. When I started working for him, he really pushed me. I got to work early and stayed very late. He taught me everything I know about color theory, activewear design, and how to analyze your numbers. Even though I am a designer, at the end of the day, it’s all about the numbers. After a few years of working under him, he brought me aside and told me he was moving on to a new job. I was devastated and cried my eyes out right there. He told me that he had full confidence in me to step up and take the lead. He pushed me like no other boss had done before and he believed in I don’t think I’d have made it this far and still be as happy as I am, and without my happiness, what’s the point?
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
I am immensely proud of what sets our brand apart from the competition. There are many things that make us different, but the main thing is that we are committed to offering modest activewear options. In a world where the more skin shown is better, we opt out. We value what’s inside. What’s behind the person wearing it. Through this commitment, we hope to empower women to activate their true potential and for people to look deeper into their souls.
We have also made a steadfast commitment to sustainability and genuinely care about the future of our planet. Our dedication to the environment is at the core of everything we do. From the very beginning, we set out to create a brand that not only delivers exceptional activewear but also prioritizes ethical and eco-friendly practices. We carefully select materials that are not only high-performance but also sustainable, using recycled fabrics, organic cotton, and innovative eco-friendly textiles. Our entire production process is also designed to minimize our carbon footprint. From utilizing energy-efficient manufacturing techniques to reducing waste and implementing recycling programs, we ensure that every step we take is conscious and eco-friendly. What truly sets Transcendent Active apart, however, is our unwavering dedication to transparency. We believe in fostering a genuine connection with our customers. I personally see each of my customers as a friend and I really do want the best for each one of them. I genuinely want to get to know each one of them because they are the only reason, I can continue doing what I love. My customers know that they can reach out to me if they have a problem and I’ll do my best to fix it. My Instagram DMs are full of conversations with customers, not only about TA, but about life. Transcendent Active is different because we care and want to have a deep real relationship!
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my favorite quotes is “activate your higher power”. I started Transcendent Active because I noticed that I wasn’t finding modest activewear that was right for me. I wasn’t feeling comfortable doing what I loved, which meant there were definitely other people feeling the same way. When I launched the All Day Active skirt in 2020, I saw just how right I was. I was getting so many amazing reviews and people were telling me that they finally felt comfortable exercising anywhere they wanted in the clothes they felt most comfortable in. I believe that starting this company was me activating my higher power. I was, and still am, able to do and create what can make the world a better place and that is me activating my higher power. I challenge all of my customers to activate their higher power every day because I know that they are capable. They don’t need to start a business to do it, all you need to do is take one small step in the right direction. It can be as small as taking a few mindful minutes. I challenge you to activate your higher power and see what good you can do. Small steps create big change!
Who is your fashion hero or heroine? Why?
My mom. Not only do I get pretty much all the clothes in my closet from her except Transcendent Active, she introduced me to personal style. I always pushed the fashion limits growing up and expressed my creativity through my style. Lots of mothers might have encouraged a more mainstream look, but not mine. She was proud of my out-of-the-box aesthetic and even helped up the ante. Style isn’t about the latest trends. It’s how you make things work for you and how you shine in doing so. She taught me how to mix and match pieces, showed me what to wear with what, and always how to have fun with fashion no matter your age. She also stressed buying less, but better pieces. She believes in quality over quantity and has taught me to believe the same. I think this can be a hard concept for a younger person because generally, younger people don’t have enough to fund their fashion style. However, I realized early from my mom that when you buy things that last, you’re doing everyone a service. Even your own wallet.
Why did you decide to create and use a sustainable business model for your fashion brand?
Working in the fashion industry, with experience at Fila, Converse, and Champion, I’ve become acutely aware of the devastating impact of fast fashion on the environment. The relentless cycle of mass production, rapid consumption, and disposal has taken a toll that cannot be ignored. Witnessing the alarming levels of waste and pollution generated by fast fashion deeply troubled me. From the excessive water usage and chemical pollution during textile production to the enormous amounts of clothing ending up in landfills, it became clear that a change was desperately needed. Driven by a passion for sustainability and a desire to make a positive difference, I decided to start Transcendent Active. I wanted to create a brand that not only offered exceptional activewear but also addressed the harmful effects of fast fashion head-on. Transcendent Active was born out of the belief that fashion can and should be a force for good. I made a commitment to source eco-friendly materials, such as recycled fabrics and organic fibers, to minimize our carbon footprint. By choosing sustainable materials, we reduce the strain on natural resources and help prevent the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. I wanted Transcendent Active to challenge the throwaway culture that fast fashion promotes. Instead of disposable trends, I focused on designing timeless pieces that prioritize durability and versatility. By encouraging customers to invest in quality, long-lasting activewear, we aim to reduce the demand for constant consumption and the subsequent waste it generates. Having witnessed firsthand the exploitative labor practices prevalent in the fashion industry, I was determined to create a brand that championed ethical manufacturing. At Transcendent Active, we prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions for all individuals involved in our supply chain. By doing so, we strive to empower workers and promote social responsibility within the industry. I wanted to provide an alternative to these big fast fashion brands that aligned with my values and offered consumers a conscious choice. Through Transcendent Active, I hope to inspire others to join the sustainable fashion movement, where style and ethics coexist, and together, we can make a positive impact on the planet we call home.
What are three things we should all know about “slow fashion”?
There are three crucial aspects of “slow fashion” that I believe everyone should know. First, slow fashion emphasizes the importance of quality and durability. Unlike fast fashion, which promotes disposable trends, slow fashion focuses on creating timeless pieces that are made to last. At Transcendent Active, we embody this principle by designing high-quality activewear that not only withstands rigorous workouts but also maintains its style and functionality over time.
Secondly, slow fashion advocates for ethical and transparent manufacturing practices. It prioritizes fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for the people involved in the production process. We are committed to ethical manufacturing here at Transcendent Active and proudly produce our sustainable activewear in the USA. We work closely with factories in Downtown Los Angeles to ensure clean and safe work environments for our talented employees.
Lastly, slow fashion aims to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of the fashion industry. It encourages sustainable sourcing of materials and promotes recycling and upcycling practices. We embody this by utilizing recycled polyester (rPET) made from melted-down plastic water bottles in our activewear production. By giving these bottles a new life and diverting them from landfills, we contribute to the reduction of plastic waste.
Can you please explain how it can be fashionable to buy less, wait a little longer, or even repair clothing?
Have you ever looked back at a picture of yourself and thought “I can’t believe I let myself wear that”? Those moments should be enough to let you know that you probably shouldn’t hop on every trend. If that’s not enough, I’ve got plenty of other reasons. When you buy fewer items, you have the opportunity to invest in quality pieces that truly align with your personal style and values. By focusing on timeless designs and durable materials, like our sustainable activewear, you ensure that your wardrobe stands the test of time. In the world of fast fashion, trends come and go at an alarming rate. However, waiting a little longer before making a purchase allows you to assess whether a particular style truly resonates with you. This patience helps you avoid impulsive buys that may end up forgotten in the back of your closet after a few wears. Repairing and maintaining your clothing not only extends its lifespan but also adds a touch of individuality and character to your style. Whether it’s fixing a small tear, replacing a button, or altering the fit, these actions demonstrate a commitment to sustainability while adding a personalized touch to your garments. If you need any more reasons, or even tips on ways to keep a sustainable closet, check out our blog on our website!
Thank you for all that. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Slow Fashion Brand”.
1 . Patience.
Patience in every sense of the word. The moment you finalize a design you are going to want it in your hands, but that’s not how it works. First, you are going to have to wait for a sample to be produced, then once you finally get that sample after some crazy shipping mishap that always happens, you learn what needs to be changed in your design. Hopefully, you won’t need to go through too many samples, but it’ll be a while before you finally get the product right. Then you start production and hope that nothing bad happens and you meet your deadlines. Once it finally ships, things start to get rolling. But the waiting is not over. Sometimes you have to wait for orders too. There’s no point in dwelling on it because you know the orders will come in soon, but patience is still key. Then once you get your orders and you ship them out, there’s still waiting for feedback and reviews. Thankfully I have the best customers who always let me know what they think. So much of the time there is so much good, but problems will happen with shipping or sizing that will require more patience. The rest of my patience, if there’s any left, goes toward waiting for people to find TA through social media or anything else we do to get out there. I love what I do, and I am so happy and proud of how far we have come, but patience is definitely key.
2 . Success looks different in sustainability
So many times in fashion, I’ve seen brands and companies jump on the bandwagon. They look like they are standing for something, but then as soon as the next agenda comes around, they are onto that as well. Not me. It might be my East Coast personality. It might be my Italian-Jewish-straight-talking upbringing, but what you see is what you get. I care deeply about creating a sustainable brand. People tell me time and time again about how I’d be making more money if I just made it overseas or sold it on Amazon. NO. Not happening. I value what I do, who makes my product, and the planet that I am so fortunate to live on and pass down to my children.
3 . Less is more.
People don’t need to have sooo many product choices. There are these rapid micro-trends that make people believe that they need to buy everything on the market, but that is not the case. I firmly believe in quality over quantity. Get things that will last forever rather than one season. I’m sure that everyone can look into their closet at this very moment and pick out something that they haven’t worn in over a year because they bought it when it was “in”. If you buy things because they’re worth it and it fits your personal style, I’m sure you’ll wear them for as long as you can. And when you can’t wear it anymore, try to fix it! I try to make my pieces the best they can be so they can be those quality over quantity purchases.
4 . Connection is key.
I am proud to say I know every person who touches Transcendent Active. From the factory side all the way to the person buying it. When I am in LA visiting our factories, I spend time getting to know the people who so tirelessly bring our product to life. Afterward, when I am back in New Jersey, we stay connected through calls and texts and I know that from visiting them in LA, our relationship has gotten stronger. So many times, when I worked in fast-fashion, I didn’t know the people making the product. I couldn’t just give them a ring to see what was going on. By having built such strong relationships, it has made everything easier. And that’s the thing with connections. People want to feel seen and heard and when they do, they feel valued and appreciated and the working relationship benefits greatly. I know we make the best product out there because I know the people who made it and know how much they care. I am truly in a partnership with them and wouldn’t be where I am today without my LA factories. As for my customer relationships, I see each customer as a friend. We follow each other on social media, I reach out and ask them what they think of their purchase, and a lot of the time we all talk about our lives. I pride myself on being a relatable friend to my customers, not merely a retailer. In today’s day and age, people are not looking to buy ‘stuff.’ They are looking to build relationships through the things they buy. People want to know the face behind the brand, and I love showing them that side. I recently started offering one-on-one calls with customers to simply talk. Last week, I went on a morning Facetime walk with a customer from Illinois. She told me about how she wore our All Day Active Skirt to her son’s football game. She was so excited that the color matched the team color so perfectly. She went on to tell me about her kids and family and her upcoming summer trips. It was awesome to connect with her like this! Most companies get orders and just see the person’s name. Not me! I get an order and think, “Oh I know her! I know this and this. We chatted. She sent me a picture.” It’s great! Bringing Transcendent to life keeps happening even after I ship the orders. I love it!
5 . Let your values shine through.
We live in a world where conviction is hard to come by. People are wishy washy. One day they might do this. another day they might do that. We often don’t know their true motivations. But I believe in having a strong foundation, sticking to it, and not wavering on it. Without my moral compass, I don’t know where I’d be. I take pride in the fact that when you look at my website, you can immediately see what my values are. Transcendent Active is a modest, eco-concise brand that believes in wellness. I know that not everyone shares my values, and that’s okay! But I am glad to be able to stand up for what I believe in and provide for people who also care about what I care about.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
My movement would be called “Small steps lead to big change.” Transcendent Active’s main goal is to teach people the importance of sustainability through fashion. The fact that Transcendent is made in America from recycled materials is a plus for my customers, but it is not the main selling point. They love the fabric, the fit, the fact that it is modest, and the way the garments wash. Being sustainable is just an added bonus. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times customers have said to me that they don’t do a lot to help the planet, but buying Transcendent makes them feel like they are doing their small part. That’s amazing!!!! I am not the most eco-conscious person either, but I believe that doing even 1 small step can lead to big change. When I go on my runs, which I do so very often, I always pick a few pieces of trash. I take a picture of that and post it hoping to encourage others to do the same. It can be as simple as that. We all have the power to make a difference in the world. It doesn’t have to be some big grandiose endeavor. It’s all about making that one small step towards creating a better future. And hopefully, that one small step will snowball into big things for others and yourself as well.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Feel free to follow us on all social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube)!
www.instagram.com/transcendent_active/
www.facebook.com/TranscendentActive
www.tiktok.com/@transcendentactive
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYfwltzxk8tsuVzKI562VuA
https://www.pinterest.com/transcendentactive/
Just look up Transcendent Active and I’m sure you’ll find my smiling face. And if you’re not on social media, you are more than welcome to find our website https://transcendentactive.com and see our amazing products, check out our blog, or just learn more about me and Transcendent Active!
Thank you for all the work that Last Mile Food Rescue is doing. I’m excited to see where you are next year and five years from now. Perhaps we’ll talk again.
About the Interviewer: Monica Sanders JD, LL.M, is the founder of “The Undivide Project”, an organization dedicated to creating climate resilience in underserved communities using good tech and the power of the Internet. She holds faculty roles at the Georgetown University Law Center and the Tulane University Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy. Professor Sanders also serves on several UN agency working groups. As an attorney, Monica has held senior roles in all three branches of government, private industry, and nonprofits. In her previous life, she was a journalist for seven years and the recipient of several awards, including an Emmy. Now the New Orleans native spends her time in solidarity with and championing change for those on the frontlines of climate change and digital divestment. Learn more about how to join her at: www.theundivideproject.org.
Aja Cohen Of Transcendent Active On Why They Are Embracing Slow Fashion and Renewable Consumption was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.