Get Fit or Get Fat CEO Iriel Franklin, who had a hand in designing all of her signature line – often coming up with the vision in her head then collaborating with an experienced designer to complete each piece – said the signature hoodies are her favorite new item.

“They just really sum up the whole mission of the brand,” said the 29-year-old Katy businesswoman, adding that the unisex items were both fun, sexy and functional – while getting out the message that people have a choice when it comes to fitness: get fit, or get fat.

According to Franklin, one of the big reasons for her success was Get Fit or Get Fat. What’s now a well-trafficked motivational and instructional health and fitness website supplemented by social media, began as Franklin sharing her journey with both friends and strangers through Instagram. As the pounds dropped off and her social network grew she realized that she had become as much an inspiration to her followers as those who were kind enough to leave nice comments on her latest progress pictures or share her newest healthy recipe.

“Probably one of the biggest catalysts for me is that there were people watching,” she said. “Letting yourself down is one thing, but letting down a community of people who cheer every bit of your progress and feel each setback as much as you would be heartbreaking.”

That’s when she began to build out her site and adding a line of fun fitness-wear to the mix seemed like a natural progression to Franklin who said the purpose of her gear is to motivate and smash the stereotype that losing weight and being fit was only burdensome and boring.

“They’re so many misconceptions out there about being healthy, and believe me I was one of those people who thought that,” she said. “The truth, however, is that if you approach it the right way you can make anything fun. That’s what the Get Fit or Get Fat line is all about, making good choices and looking good doing it."

Get Fit or Get Fat