lee was inspired by nike, adidas and columbia sportswear and she decided to make gear for fighters who participate in boxing, kickboxing and krav maga that mark a contrast from the neon shiny options seen on the market place today which meant no bubble gum pink gloves or spandex. >> these women deserve their -- their athleticism deserved that is saying you deserve a product just as good as mens. >> she took that message nationwide in 2015 first on kick starter and now on the web and in a handful of local gyms and so far they have raised over $500,000 in product and they retail from $50 to $120. >> and we wanted to design what the modern day female rocky would look like and that was the inspiration behind our sportswear line. >> and despite the fiercely athletics industry, the community has rallied around her and the brand message. >> there is also a strong community of fostering local artisans and local businesses. >> we saw that a lot in my recent trip to portland. the small businesses there, especial thon athletics were supported in the city thanks to the active and healthy lifestyle

. >> reporter: keeth smart developed his sportswear product while at columbia businessar school.o happens to be a former professional fencer who won silver at the beijing olympics. smart launched his company last year with the help of $150,000 in crowd-funding. but, he says, it's still hard to get the word out. >> we know that once we show this product to people, they'll love it, but getting it out there is a big challenge for most entrepreneurs.rs >> reporter: christina tamer knows well the challenges that student entrepreneurs face. she's a program officer with venture well. >> first of all, they're young, so they have a tougher timeso being taken seriously.o so having our support in terms of, you know, having someone tor bounce ideas off of, check their assumptions, look through their materials, and be a coach and a mentor. >> reporter: for their part, the kinnos team is moving full steam ahead with "highlight," which they've been field-testing in west africa. we caught up with them in new york as they were making a new batch in a columbia university engineering lab.in they al