More Than a Body: The Faith-Based Fitness Brand Redefining Women's Apparel with Maryori Jones
Ken Baden welcomes Maryori Jones, the 30-year-old Latina founder behind Ave Sportwear — a faith-rooted women's athletic clothing brand. Maryori unpacks the deeply personal origin story of her brand, which stands for Agua Viva Empire, reflecting her Christian faith and her belief that women are more than their outward appearance. The conversation covers Maryori's journey from a childhood split between Honduras and Mexico, where she was hustling to earn money at age 6, to becoming a military spouse, a mother of two, and now a full-time entrepreneur. She opens up about the identity crisis many women face after having children, the toll postpartum takes on a woman's body and mind, and how her faith in Christ became the anchor that helped her rediscover herself — ultimately inspiring her to create a clothing brand that embraces women of every shape and body type. Ken and Maryori also dig into the immigrant hustle mentality, generational hunger, the dangers of social media comparison, and why first-generation Americans tend to see opportunity differently than those born into it. As Maryori's family prepares to relocate to Chicago due to her husband's military assignment, she's focused on expanding Ave nationally while staying rooted in her faith and mission.
The Kitchen Table · Maryori Jones, Ken Baden
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Show Notes
Guest: Maryori Jones | Founder, Ave Sportwear
Host: Ken Baden | CEO/Owner, Baden Consulting & Potomac Custom Remodeling
Podcast: The Kitchen Table Podcast | thekitchentablepodcast.net
Key Takeaways:
- Ave stands for Agua Viva Empire — a faith-first brand for women of all body types
- The brand was born from Maryori's postpartum experience and the loss of identity many mothers face after childbirth
- She grew up between Honduras and Mexico and was selling fruit to help her family at age 6 — entrepreneurship has always been in her DNA
- Ave is strictly women's athletic apparel, designed to serve all body types and life stages
- She is also building a hair product line alongside Ave Sportwear
- Maryori and her husband (active military) are relocating to the Chicago area soon — Ave will continue to grow online
- Social media comparison is a real issue for women — Ave is a counter-cultural brand encouraging women to love themselves from the inside out
- First-generation immigrants often carry a stronger hunger and appreciation for opportunity in America
- Both Ken and Maryori connect over rebuilding their lives and how hitting rock bottom removes the fear of failure
Resources Mentioned:
- Ave Sportwear: avesportwear.us
- State & Liberty (men's athletic-fit clothing, mentioned by Ken)
- Good Vibes Only (another clothing brand in the TKT circle)