KALI SANDOVAL, MANAGER & COMMUNITY LEAD AT LULULEMON
Originally from Lima, Peru, Kali Sandoval came to the U.S. to play Division I college tennis and ended up with a business career that also feeds her mind, body, and soul. The 29-year-old manager and community lead of Lululemon’s uber-successful Indy location has a passion for wellness and bringing people together. Read on as Kali tells us about how her well-balanced life fuels her connections in Indianapolis, her athletic mindset, and the power of hard work instilled in her by her father.
Maven superpower: People developer: I love to recognize other people’s strengths and help them develop and grow.
What does your job encompass?
I’ve been lucky enough to experience different development opportunities–from retail management, visual merchandising, and financial overview of a thriving store, to being a community leader, event curator, and relationship builder.
How did your career at Lululemon start?
I started five years ago as a part-time educator. I applied because I was new to Indy and wanted to meet people.
How does your job keep you connected to the Indianapolis community?
Part of my job is being on the sales floor. Honestly, that is one of my favorite parts! I get to learn about people, the reason that brings them to the store, what they like, what inspires them…I’ve met some outstanding people this way.
What are some good habits you’ve added to your daily routine?
I recently started journaling again. This practice allows me to process my thoughts and get grounded on what really matters to me.
What is a bad bad habit you’ve gotten rid of?
Mindless shopping. Before I make a purchase, I ask myself: “Is this something I really want? Am I buying this out of impulse?” I’m shocked at the impact that has made in my life in the past two months.
How do you manage stress at work?
Due to being an athlete my whole life, I enjoy fast-paced environments. With that being said, I like to take care of myself during demanding times by making sure I work out, drink plenty of water, and make time to be alone at home. I enjoy solitary time; it’s how I recharge my batteries.
Do you have a favorite wellness trend or products you always use?
I am SO BAD at self-care routines—goals for 2020! I like to visit my chiropractor once a month, I always keep some almonds for a healthy snack, I take vitamin D and B12, and drinking plenty of water makes a huge difference on my energy levels.
“Due to being an athlete my whole life, I enjoy fast-paced environments. With that being said, I like to take care of myself during demanding times by making sure I work out, drink plenty of water, and make time to be alone at home. I enjoy solitary time; it’s how I recharge my batteries.“
What does lunch at work look like?
I usually bring my lunch to work. I take my lunch in our break area, where I get to connect with other team members and catch up. I am currently leading a fundraising team for Habitat for Humanity and recently joined the Young Professional Board so I usually utilize my mid-day downtime to stay updated and connected.
What is your favorite workout?
I love high-intensity workouts and hot vinyasa. My top two places are SHRED415 and The Yoga Studio in Carmel. I’m very lucky to have those two amazing places in my neighborhood
What is your current favorite Lululemon item?
Wunder Train pants! If you have the Align pants but have been waiting for something that feels as comfortable and can be worn during your high-intensity workouts, for a coffee date, or just out and about..THIS IS IT!
Who inspires you?
My biggest inspiration is my dad. He grew up in extreme poverty and was able to support his mom and siblings, join the military at 16, and become an international professional soccer player. He went against the status quo by raising me with a different mentality to what the standards are in South America. He always taught me that all people are equal, that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard, that dreams are achieved by putting in consistent work, and that real love is unconditional and starts from within. My favorite quote from dad is, “The train of opportunity always comes. Your job is to be ready at the station when it does. Stay ready.”
Lenie Tsakonas is a regular Indy Maven contributor.
Want to be featured as a Maven to Know? Sign up for our Membership Program—we’d love to have you! See all the Maven to Know features we’ve shared so far.
