Lifestyle

Astrofit Is at the Forefront of Innovation

Published

4 years ago

November 11, 2020

In any industry, in order to move forward and keep clients happy, businesses need to innovate. Fitness is no different, and the Canadian brand Astrofit is paving the way for a new fitness reality. “We are heavily focused on innovation. One catalyst that pushed us forward was the pandemic. People found themselves at home, needing to move and feel good. Not only that, but once they were able to leave their homes, they still had to adhere to strict safety guidelines, and we wanted to come up with a way to support them fully,” a member of the Astrofit team says.

Astrofit bets on digitalization. “We digitalized a lot of our workouts and programs, as we believe every fitness brand out there should do, since it allows for extra freedom and flexibility. When you’re able to provide digital resources for people, you’re helping to keep them motivated and holding them accountable, and that’s why they go to the gym in the first place. It’s not only about the movements, but about the community and the support, too,” the Astrofit leadership adds.

It’s natural for Astrofit to gravitate toward innovation. After all, the business is funded and run by the decentralized company TripleOne, where users from across the globe make joint decisions on how and where to invest capital and are constantly seeking to expand and innovate with the help of technology.

Astrofit is currently operating out of two locations in Quebec. During the pandemic, they made plenty of workouts available online in order to keep their community active and healthy. “We want to give people a great balance when it comes to training. Building muscle or losing fat is one thing, and then you’ve got the whole mindset of getting truly fit. We want to provide both to our people,” a team member says.

Astrofit is also playing with the idea of both indoor and outdoor workouts. While traditional gyms only focus on indoor training, the Astrofit team knows that there are plenty of benefits when it comes to outdoor fitness as well. “In the summer, people will get a ton of Vitamin D from the sun, and not only that, but it’s fun to be training out in the open. With the current situation, we’re also able to socially distance better outside, so we’re definitely looking at outdoor workouts, absolutely,” the team member explains.

Each workout at Astrofit is focused on two things: to help the client enjoy the movement and to challenge them to perform better. “We really want to select the best program for you so that you enjoy all of your workouts and they don’t feel like a chore. The plan is for you to become self-motivated and for us to simply guide you toward the best version of yourself,” the Astrofit team member comments.

Here, each client is expertly evaluated by the trainers in order to find the exercises and the training style that works for them. While high-intensity may work for one individual, that’s not necessarily the truth for another, which is why Astrofit’s trainers take the time to review everybody’s goals separately and track them.

For more news, updates, and to see expert tips from Astrofit, follow them on Instagram.

Lifestyle

Kristien Surya Jewelry: A New Standard in Affordable Luxury Jewelry

Published

24 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Kristien Surya Jewelry

Byline: Sarah Kingston-Powell

Kristien Surya Jewelry combines cultural heritage with contemporary design from its Newport Beach headquarters. Launched in November 2023, the brand draws from Western, Indian, Chinese, and Islamic design elements. The signature pieces include the Hamsa hands collection with natural gemstones and the organically shaped Sunyata series, both crafted in sterling silver, solid 14K, and 18K gold.

“Each piece tells a story of cultural connection through carefully selected materials and meaningful symbolism,” says founder Kristien, who bootstrapped the company as its sole angel investor.

Social Impact Through Accessible Pricing

Despite its recent launch, the brand experienced significant early success, reflecting strong consumer interest. With global shipping and plans to expand its reach, Kristien Surya Jewelry is poised to attract an international audience that values culturally meaningful and socially responsible luxury.

While fine jewelry typically commands premium prices, Kristien Surya offers installment payment options and competitive pricing without compromising materials or craftsmanship.

A portion of sales supports the National Pediatric Cancer Association’s Sunshine Project, which develops non-toxic cancer treatments for children. Proceeds also help fund education and fair wage initiatives for women and children facing economic hardships.

Sustainability and Customization Focus

The brand’s ECO-LOVE Program incorporates lab-grown gems alongside natural stones, addressing growing consumer interest in sustainable luxury goods. Market research from McKinsey indicates that 73% of millennials are willing to spend more on sustainable brands.

“We select natural gemstones and crystals not just for aesthetics, but for their unique properties that promote emotional and spiritual well-being,” Sun explains. Customers can personalize their amulets by choosing specific gemstones, creating individual meaning for each piece.

Market Strategy and Growth

Currently serving North America through its e-commerce platform, Kristien Surya plans to expand to additional online marketplaces. “Our goal is more than about selling jewelry—we’re building a brand that celebrates diverse cultural heritage while making fine jewelry accessible to more people,” says Kristien. The company maintains a strong social media presence on Instagram and Facebook to engage with customers and showcase its cultural influences.

Kristien Surya Jewelry sets itself apart with its focus on cultural inspiration, sustainability, and social impact. Leveraging digital platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the brand aims to foster a vibrant online community. Special promotions, such as Blind Box Gifts for early followers, enhance its engagement strategy.

Design Philosophy and Production

Each collection draws inspiration from specific cultural elements: Western philosophical traditions, Indian spirituality, Chinese harmony concepts, and Islamic artistic patterns. The manufacturing process combines traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques to maintain quality while achieving competitive pricing.

The Hamsa hands collection features double gemstone settings—an innovation within its price category. Production standards match luxury specifications: all pieces undergo multiple quality control checks and come with authentication certificates.

Future Developments

Kristien Surya plans to introduce new collections quarterly while maintaining its core design philosophy. The company’s near-term objectives include expanding its online presence and developing additional customization options for customers.

The brand recently began developing partnerships with retail locations in major U.S. cities, though specific details remain private. Current data suggests strong market potential for culturally-inspired fine jewelry at accessible price points, particularly among millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize meaning and value in their purchases.