Teri Levy

Teri Levy is the founder of RUKSTR (formerly RUKR), a bootstrapped fitness brand creating weighted vests and backpacks designed specifically for women's bodies. Based in Los Angeles, Levy launched the company in June 2024 after discovering rucking—walking with a weighted pack—and realizing existing gear was too bulky, uncomfortable, or designed for men. Her mantra, "Women are not small men!" drives RUKSTR's design-led approach, with products like the RUKSTR Element vest and RUKSTR Plus backpack contoured for female proportions. Before founding RUKSTR, Levy was a national-level sprinter in college and has been a lifelong runner. She built a career as a growth marker and creative ad strategist in e-commerce and digital marketing, specializing in omnichannel campaigns and revenue growth. A USC graduate, Levy combines her marketing expertise with personal experience to build a brand that's seen sales triple between January and August 2025. RUKSTR's mission is to empower women through rucking to build strength, confidence, and bone density—turning everyday walks into powerful workouts without the gym.