Plum Announces Winner of the 5th Annual Promote Positivity Leo Design Contest
Plum is pleased to announce the winner of the 5th Annual Promote Positivity Leo Design Contest, Ava Molina! Each year, Plum opens its leo design contest up for gymnasts across the country and invites them to share their creativity and skills with us to help create a new leo to be featured in an upcoming collection. This year’s theme was Rock Your Cause, and we asked applicants to submit designs inspired by rock n’ roll and their favorite charities. The winning design is called Fireball, and a portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
We chatted with this year’s winner to learn more about her design and what it means to have her creativity shine in a future collection.
Q: Congratulations on winning this year’s competition! What was your first reaction when you found out your design was chosen?
A: I was thrilled and so excited to take the next steps. My friends and family had watched me design the leo and were so happy to see me succeed!
Q: Tell us a little bit about you - what makes you, YOU?!!!
A: Here are a few things I love and enjoy:
- My faith, family, and the team around me
- I coach compulsory Levels 3 and 4, as well as Xcel Gold. I love my job and these girls so much, and they have brought me a new passion in gymnastics: teaching!
- Baking
- Art
- Violin and music
- Spending time outside
Q: Tell us about your journey with Great Lakes Gymnastics!
A: I started at Great Lakes when I was just three years old and am now competing at Level 9. My teammates are a huge reason why I love gymnastics because they inspire me, love having fun, and love me unconditionally. This will be my seventh year with my coach, Shanon whom I’ve grown incredibly close with over the years. I’m so grateful to have her in my life, as she always stood by me and helped me succeed as a gymnast and as a person.
Q: How did you hear about the Promote Positivity Leo Design Contest?
A: I saw it on Instagram one day, and as I always tell my friends, I never pass up a good competition. An hour or two of work can have amazing outcomes!
Q: Your leo turned out beautifully! Have you always been interested in art and design?
A: I have always loved art and jumped at the chance to design my leotard! It felt like a professional, new experience, and a chance to be unique!
Q: As you know, a portion of the proceeds from your leo with go towards the cause of your choice. Can you tell us more about the organization you chose and why?
A: I chose St. Jude because I feel so blessed to live the life I do while many children struggle daily. I believe donating to this cause truly changes these families’ lives, and I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to contribute to something so valuable.
Q: FIREBALL is a strong name - what else would you like conveyed about the inspiration behind your leo design?
A: The design represents fiery gymnasts who show both power & grace, but it also represents my team. Our favorite song for years has been "Fireball" by Pitbull, so the name of the leotard was an easy decision.
Q: What excites you the most about being this year’s winner?
A: My friends in my training group have decided to purchase the leo for themselves when it is released, which is going to be so cool! It’s nice to know that they are proud of me. Also, watching the design process unfold and working with the Plum team is fascinating. They have been supportive and kind to me during my time with them. It’s a surreal experience because Plum has been my favorite leotard brand for years!
Keep an eye out for Ava’s design in an upcoming Plum collection!