Meet Alana Gillis | Small Business Owner, Shop Pyrros

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

Hi Alana, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand has been the community I’ve found and built along the way. From day one, I’ve been lucky to connect with so many inspiring female small business owners who have become not just peers, but mentors and friends. We’ve been able to share advice, tips, and encouragement through every high and low—and that kind of support has been truly invaluable. In the world of small business, I genuinely believe there’s room for everyone to succeed, and reaching out to connect with others has only opened more doors and made the process feel a lot less lonely. If you’re starting out, don’t be afraid to ask questions, share what you know, and build those relationships—you never know how much you can learn from someone who’s right there in the thick of it with you. Whether it’s fellow founders or the amazing customers who believe in my brand, that sense of connection and shared purpose has been the driving force behind everything I do with Shop Pyrros.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Shop Pyrros is a Pilates grip sock brand created with both function and style in mind. Our debut product is the Slouch Pilates Grip Sock in our signature ivory color—a soft, supportive sock designed to keep you from slipping on the reformer during your Pilates workout, while also being cute and comfortable enough to carry you through the rest of your busy day. As someone who’s constantly on the go, I wanted to design something that worked as hard as I do. Although, I’m most proud of the growing community behind Shop Pyrros. My mission is to help women feel confident before, during, and after their workouts, and to create a space where health, wellness, and movement are celebrated. Right now, we offer the Slouch Pilates Grip Sock for $21, with $5 off your first order using the code HELLOFIVE—and I’m so excited to be launching new styles soon!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting San Diego for a week, I’d make sure they got the full experience—from good vibes to great views. We’d kick things off with a Pilates class at Pilates Republic to get moving and feel energized. For a dose of local culture and fun, we’d catch live music at Panama 66 in Balboa Park—such a great atmosphere surrounded by art and history. No trip would be complete without watching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs—it’s the perfect spot to unwind and take in the beauty of San Diego. We’d spend an afternoon vintage shopping at Sunset Club Vintage in Pacific Beach, one of my favorite hidden gems for finding cool, unique pieces. And when it comes to drinks, I’d take them to Nolita Hall or Camino Riviera—both have amazing cocktails, a great crowd, and a perfect mix of energy and style. San Diego has so much to offer, and these are just a few of the spots that capture the fun, laid-back, and creative spirit of the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge thank you to Blond Brands for helping me bring Shop Pyrros to life. Their direction, creativity, and insight played such a key role in shaping the brand into what it is today. I’m so grateful for their support and couldn’t imagine this journey without them.

Website: https://shoppyrros.com/

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