Life and Work with Anabelle McLean

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anabelle McLean.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I think my professional story really begins when I was  as a young girl. I was born and raised in Colorado and my parents put my sister and me on skis the moment we could walk. From there, competitive ski racing on an international level defined me through my teens. Being a winter athlete opened my eyes to all outdoor activities. I went to an outdoor education-focused boarding high school, which not only allowed the time for my busy ski training and traveling schedule, but also taught me about backpacking, camping, wilderness safety, environmental stewardship, rock climbing, horseback riding, and water sports.Aside from a very adventure-heavy upbringing, my mom was my entrepreneurial model. She started two businesses when I was young and successfully runs them to this day. For this, I always knew running my own business would no doubt be my own destiny.In college, I studied communication, entrepreneurship, graphic and web design, and lead the school’s sustainable food program. Post-college I worked as a marketing professional for seven years before I knew I had to create my own “thing”.So, what did I do? Within a four-month span, I left a very comfortable job, turned 30, got married, and started a business. That business, Gear Washers, is an amalgamation of my major life identifiers. It’s an eco-friendly, modern and professional washing and re-waterproofing service for your outdoor gear (think ski jackets, sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, etc.).

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
On one hand, I have never been happier than I am now as a business owner. I get to create each day and make each decision. So, in one sense, the journey is great in that I personally feel incredibly liberated and empowered. On the other hand, as a linear thinker and someone who likes clear steps to get from point A to point B, I had to learn very early that a safe and smooth system for starting a business was just plain impossible.To make the journey easier and even more fun I’ve reach out to others for help. I attribute my small and large goal completions to guidance and advice from fellow entrepreneurs; open yourself up to talking with even just one other entrepreneur friend on a regular basis. You’ll pass ideas and boost each other up in ways that can’t happen alone. Especially if that person has a different skillset and works in a different industry than you, you’ll get and give such a valuable perspective.Also, just make yourself available. Set a goal to meet more people in general, to try a new activity or finally do something you were always scared of. Have a “sure! Why not?!” Attitude. As an introvert, I found doing these types of things regularly has just made me more motivated and dynamic in what I do. Plus, you never know when you’ll meet someone integral to your journey, or something will inspire you or influence a cool new direction.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Gear Washers – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
On the surface, Gear Washers is just that, a washing and re-waterproofing service for all your outdoor gear and garments. Deeper than the “what” though, is, of course, the “why”, and I think it sets us apart. I do this because I’m passionate about the outdoors, playing in it and preserving it, and I know others are too. We spend hundreds of dollars on single items of gear, and after a lot of use, those items are still intact but have lost a lot of life. Gear Washers is around to keep your hard-earned investment going strong, so we revive that gear instead of it going into landfills.It would be counteractive to use detergents and waterproofing agents that hurt the environment. So I sought out the most eco and human tissue-friendly product on the market. Water conservation is also a large pillar of the physical work that goes into our washing, and I hope to further that mission by getting involved in water conservation organizations in Colorado and beyond.There aren’t many services that do this type of work. It’s tedious and each piece I wash presents a new challenge. But I’m so proud when a customer tells me they’re not going to buy a new ski jacket this year (for instance) because of how well it turned out because of my service. #wearwhatsthere

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Speaking from the position of building an early-stage small business, I have not experienced strict barriers or definite deterrents as a female entrepreneur. However, it is just plain harder for women to gain recognition, earn respect or be treated with the same authority as men. This happens every day and in small ways. However I think we are at a unique time when women are pooling together and creating communities of support in many realms, whether it be in business and leadership, recreation or activist initiatives. Social media and podcasts are two examples of great mediums where we can consume, contribute and share empowering and uplifting stories and advice. Each of us female leaders need to participate in these arenas and continue messages of encouragement plus offer support for future female leaders.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://gearwashers.com
• Email: anabelle@gearwashers.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/gearwashers/

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