“For a company that started in a pop-up trailer selling clothes by the beach, we have come such a long way,” said Kara Fitzgerald of Vuori. The employee team is small at Vuori, but it allows the company to stay involved with the community and give back through hosting activities.

Writer: Travis Poulin

Vuori, manufacturer of performance activewear for the outdoor lifestyle, is on a mission not only to produce quality clothing, but also to connect the unique community of Encinitas, CA through yoga, art and the iconic surfing culture.

Pro skateboarder Chris Miller and Joe Kudla founded Vuori when they were unable to find performance clothing suitable for their lifestyles. The two also wanted to match their brand with the unique community that is Encinitas – thriving off the active outdoor lifestyle and an emerging art scene. Vuori is a Finnish word meaning mountain – a brand name Miller and Kudla found appropriate for the feeling when one reaches the top of a mountain.

“For a company that started in a pop-up trailer selling clothes by the beach, we have come such a long way,” said Kara Fitzgerald of Vuori. The employee team is small at Vuori, but it allows the company to stay involved with the community and give back through hosting activities. Their flagship store, located in downtown Encinitas, hosts free weekly yoga and crossfit classes along with monthly art shows and local fundraisers. “It is fulfilling to be connected to our customers and our community,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald cited the growing number of men that began practicing yoga and are now a large part of Vuori’s clientele. She said the rise in popularity in yoga over the last decade has shaped both the idea for founding Vuori and the yoga community that exists in Encinitas.

“It’s amazing that we are such a small team in a small community, but we are doing such big things right now. We are all excited for what the future holds for Vuori,” Fitzgerald said.

Vuori currently has 11 employees between their flagship store and their office, which located behind the store. Fitzgerald said the company has grown substantially over the last few years and more growth is expected. Vuori can be found in many REI stores, and will soon be stocked in all of the stores.

Photos courtesy Vuori