Sweat. Staph infection. Hospitalisation. Not exactly the dream result of a gym session.
But for Brisbane mum-of-two Lola Wilson, this harrowing experience turned into a six-figure business idea.
Imagine this: you’re lunging through a particularly intense HIIT class, pushing your limits and feeling the familiar burn.
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You grab your towel to wipe away the sweat, ready to conquer the next set.
But what if that towel, instead of being a trusty companion, is harbouring a hidden danger?
This was the reality Lola faced after a routine workout, leading to a staph infection that became a painful wake-up call.
Determined to create a solution and prevent others from going through the same ordeal, Lola embarked on a mission to design the ultimate gym towel.
Enter Jymjunki, the brainchild of a passionate fitness instructor and a mother on a mission.
After years of working as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Lola had witnessed firsthand the emphasis placed on stylish gym attire, while towels were often overlooked or completely forgotten.
Her own health scare highlighted the critical importance of hygiene in fitness environments, inspiring her to create a product that prioritised both safety and style.
Lola poured countless hours into researching and developing Jymjunki, focusing on finding the perfect antibacterial fabric that was not only soft and durable but also aesthetically pleasing.
The result is a $19.95 double-sided towel, with one side designed for wiping down gym equipment and the other for drying off, ensuring no cross-contamination.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, Jymjunki towels are made from recycled water bottles retrieved from the ocean.
Lola personally designed each colourway and pattern, going through over 50 samples before finalising the perfect designs.
Launched in May 2023, Jymjunki quickly gained traction, with over 5000 towels sold in the first year and a remarkable $100,000 in revenue.
The brand’s success caught the attention of retail experts, culminating in winning the Editor’s Choice Award from She-Com.
Jymjunki has also achieved the coveted spot of number one best-selling yoga towel status on Amazon US.
To shop the product for yourself, find it on Amazon Australia here.