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

Hi Angel, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking has been a fundamental part of my career and personal growth. I view risk as an opportunity to step beyond the conventional boundaries and achieve something transformative. My approach involves carefully evaluating the potential benefits against the drawbacks, ensuring that any risk I take is calculated and aligns with my long-term goals.

One pivotal risk in my career was founding my own activewear brand, ICONI. Despite the saturated market, I recognized a gap in inclusivity and performance in existing activewear offerings. Launching a startup in such a competitive industry was a significant risk, but I was driven by the potential to make a substantial impact. This decision came after I experienced firsthand the limitations of the current market products, which sparked my mission to create clothing that empowers all individuals to feel confident and supported in their fitness journeys.

Another example of taking a calculated risk was during my service as a Captain in the United States Air Force, where I led intelligence efforts in Afghanistan. I stepped into a role that was three ranks higher than my position—a challenge that not only tested my skills and resilience but also significantly contributed to my leadership and strategic thinking capabilities.

These experiences have taught me that taking risks, when done thoughtfully, can lead to profound professional and personal rewards. They’ve helped me develop resilience and adaptability, which are crucial for navigating uncertainty in any area of life.

Image description

What should our readers know about your business?
ICONI is an activewear brand that stands out by championing inclusivity, empowerment, and motivation in everything we do. Our unique designs emphasize body positivity, offering a size range from XS to 4XL, with each product thoughtfully crafted to help customers feel confident, motivated, and supported on their fitness journeys. What sets us apart is our commitment to giving back, reinforcing our belief in making an impact beyond just fitness.

Our story started with a vision to create activewear that’s supportive, stylish, and not see-through. We’ve had some incredible highlights along the way, like being included in Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2020. But this journey hasn’t been without challenges. Building ICONI required navigating financial constraints, establishing efficient supply chains, and finding our voice in a competitive market. Our success comes down to resilience, adaptability, and staying true to our mission despite obstacles.

One of the greatest lessons we’ve learned is the power of community—our supporters have played a crucial role in helping us refine our brand and stay motivated. From customer feedback that informs product improvements to our diverse team’s collective creativity, we’ve seen that involving the community helps us create something far greater than what we could achieve alone.

What I want the world to know is that ICONI is more than just activewear; it’s a movement for inclusivity and empowerment. We aim to inspire confidence and help people feel seen, regardless of where they are in their fitness journey. Our story is still unfolding, but we’re proud to be a brand that prioritizes diversity and believes in uplifting others.

Image description

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I were to take my best friend on a memorable tour of Denver, I’d start our day with a lively breakfast at Snooze. Next, we’d head to Red Rocks for a morning hike. After working up an appetite, we’d go to Mister Oso for lunch. Following lunch, we’d explore Denver’s rich art scene. We’d visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver to engage with modern art, then make our way to the Denver Art Museum to appreciate a diverse range of artistic expressions from different cultures and periods. To end the day, we’d grab some ice cream at Sweet Cow.

Image description

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?
I strongly believe that no one achieves success in isolation—it’s truly a collective effort. One individual I must highlight is Karen Landim, our COO at ICONI. Karen has been instrumental in refining our operations and steering our business strategies toward sustainable growth. Her extensive experience in the activewear industry and her ability to navigate the complexities of retail operations have been invaluable.

Karen’s foresight in recognizing market trends and her dedication to our brand ethos have allowed us to innovate continuously and remain competitive. Her mentorship has not only strengthened our business but also enriched our team’s skills and cohesion.

Website: https://www.iconi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iconileggings

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iconileggings

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iconileggings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iconileggings

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceoangelj

Image description

Image description

Image Credits
K’Darre Ravenell

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado 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.