We had the good fortune of connecting with Karan Ramchandani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had a borderline annoying obsession and interest with fitness. It started with youth sports, which then progressed into team sports during Middle School and High School. This is when I was first introduced to weight training and physical fitness. It is also when I decided to seek out “idols” within the industry to begin following and mirroring my routines after. As I became more experienced, I began recording and posting clips of my workouts which garnered some interest amongst my friends and followers. This is what prompted me down the path of personal training and coaching. While doing so, it was very important to me that I look the part, not only in my physique, but in my clothing as well. After years of following and supporting so many apparel companies such as GymShark and Alphalete, I decided to dabble with the idea of starting my own clothing line. Fast forward to 2020, and I was let go from my corporate job due to COVID-19. Once I realized how unfulfilled I was, and how much free time I had as a result of this life change, that is when the simple “what if” idea turned into what it is now, Transcend Fitness.

What should our readers know about your business?
Transcend Fitness is a premium athleisure wear and lifestyle brand that is designed to promote comfort and confidence both in and out of the gym. We are an apparel company, but we are also a mantra. We stand to define not only who you are, but what you are capable of becoming. I think our mantra is very fitting not just for fitness enthusiasts, but anyone, because this year has forced so many people to adapt and consider alternate paths in life that would never be “safe” enough otherwise. What makes our brand unique is that not only are we minority owned, but we are a small business that is fighting against all odds during a very tough 2020. Getting to where we are today was definitely not easy, but it was challenging in a very enjoyable way. It allowed me to bring a passion to life, it allowed me to channel all of my mental capacity into one project, and it allowed me to learn again…something that stopped once I lost my job. My biggest takeaway during this process was that you can’t rush the process. Quality takes time, details take time, and it’s better to perfect your craft rather than rush to market. I want the world to know about Transcend Fitness because in this day and age, we are a very influenced people, but it is important to remember that YOU become the best version of YOURself…mentally, physically, and emotionally. As our slogan says, “Rise Above. Go Beyond.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas has plenty to offer, not only in the food and social scene, but for the outdoorsy activities as well. If my best friend were visiting for a week, I would definitely take them to the Waterproof bar at The Statler hotel. The rooftop views and vibes are immaculate. Also on that list would be the Virgin Hotel for the same exact reason. Outdoor wise we would definitely spend some time at the Katy Trail, White Rock Lake, or Addison Circle Park. I’m a junkie for some good Tex Mex, so EBAR, Mesero, and Gloria’s are definitely a few of my go-to spots. However, Delucca Gaucho, Musume, Avanti, The Henry, and DDongggo TX are strong on my list as well. Lastly, I love a good rooftop or patio for a Sunday Funday, so I’m sure our weekend would entail us visiting some of my favorites such as Stirr, Bowen House, Bottled Blonde, or the hotels I mentioned earlier.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family for their undying love and support, my loved ones and friends for their creative contributions, our athletes for constantly showing up for the brand, and my special boy – Simba – for being the best old pup a man could ask for.

Website: https://transcendfitnessofficial.com/password
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transcendfitnessofficial/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transcendfitnessofficial

Image Credits
Damon Martin (@onetakev)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.