Bootstrap Empire Book vs. The Mat Strap: Which Accessory?
By Wearable Weights & Design-Forward Fitness Accessories – Bala | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Bala Bootstrap Empire Book and The Mat Strap to decide which accessory fits your needs: business building or easier mat transport.
Quick answer
Choose the Bootstrap Empire Book if you want to learn how to build a brand from scratch; pick The Mat Strap if you need a practical way to carry your yoga or fitness mat.
Different purposes, different value
The Bootstrap Empire Book and The Mat Strap serve completely different functions, so your choice depends on what you need right now. The book is a business playbook for aspiring entrepreneurs, while the strap is a simple carry aid for your fitness mat.
Neither is a better accessory overall—they just solve different problems. If you're looking for a product that directly enhances your workout, the strap is the obvious pick. If you're more interested in the business behind fitness gear, the book delivers that knowledge.
What you get with each
The Bootstrap Empire Book by Natalie Holloway, co-founder of Bala, is a start-to-finish guide covering pitching, budgeting, marketing, and hiring. It's a resource for turning a business idea into a $100M brand.
The Mat Strap is a stretchy, supportive strap designed to help you carry your yoga or fitness mat without straining your back. It comes in several subtle colors and focuses purely on convenience and comfort.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Purpose: The Bootstrap Empire Book is for learning business strategy; The Mat Strap is for physical convenience.
- Use case: Book: reading and reference. Strap: daily mat transport.
- Audience: Book: entrepreneurs, founders, or anyone interested in brand building. Strap: yoga, Pilates, or fitness practitioners who carry a mat.
Product facts
- Bootstrap Empire Book: The Bala Blueprint for Building a $100M Brand from the Ground Up, by Natalie Holloway, co-founder of Bala. This book gives you a step-by-step system for launching and scaling a business, not just fitness advice.
Bootstrap Empire Book - The Mat Strap: Stretchy construction allows for a comfortable fit around your rolled mat; supportive design helps distribute weight while carrying. It makes transporting your mat easier and reduces back strain, so you're more likely to bring your mat to class.
The Mat Strap
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Entrepreneurs and aspiring founders who want a practical business playbook from a real brand builder
- Readers who prefer a start-to-finish guide over scattered online advice
Not for
- Anyone who needs a tool to simplify mat carrying or reduce back strain during transport
