Two students took a class assignment to start a new business and found a way to unite their passion for fitness and their southern pride. Chandlor Mullins and Dylan Nordby are now capitalizing on an unfilled niche in the world of fitness wear — workout clothes that make people look strong and southern. The business is the product of a semester-long project in Bartleby Entrepreneurship at Elizabethton High School.

Southern Strength Apparel is a weight lifting brand designed to make people look and feel southern while working out. Flannel is sewn into the sleeves, so at the gym, the shirt may stretch, but the flannel will not, making arm muscles look bigger.

“We both grew up in the south wearing flannel shirts, but you can never wear flannel in the summer because it’s too hot,” said Mullins. “We both love working out, so we decided to combine workout clothes and flannel, so you have that southern feel but can be comfortable when you’re lifting.”

They have produced a line of men’s shirts and are now working on their women’s designs. He said the process of planning in launching the business in only about four months was no easy one. Their first production plan failed, and they had to partner with a new printer and someone to sew the flannel. They went through the process of creating a strategy, acquiring an EIN, negotiating prices, developing a logo, promoting the business in person to local groups, and presenting it to the class’s board for critique.

Beyond creating a business and launching a new brand and products, he said they both improved their public speaking and organizational skills. “This helped me see how much it means to be good at public speaking,” he said. “Teachers brought in local business people, and we presented our businesses to them. They critiqued us, and while it’s hard to know something you’ve worked on can be better, it helped us be better people to learn how to take criticism and improve.”

They are developing their web and social media presence, but can currently be reached for orders or with questions at southernstrengthapparel@gmail.com. Mullins and Nordby thanked their partners Doe Valley Printing, Star Fitness, and student Slade Nakoff.

Bartleby at EHS invites the public to attend an interactive event on Thursday, May 17, at T. A. Dugger Jr. High School Auditorium called Pitch Night. The event is set to start at 7 p.m.

Students from all five new Bartleby Entrepreneurship businesses will give their pitches to an audience of sharks, who will provide feedback in return. The goal is for local businesses and colleges to see the great work taking place and in addition to business advice, to offer internship and job opportunities and invitations to universities.