The Realities Of Being A Gen Z Founder In The Wellness Industry

I really struggled academically at school. I never felt like I was good at anything, which massively affected my confidence. That also meant I had no desire to carry on with sixth form or university. Instead, I went straight into work, but I quickly realised a 9–5 wasn’t going to fulfil me. That’s when I decided to take the leap and start my own business at 20, and I am so grateful that I did because it challenges me every single day but that also means I get to learn something new everyday the feedback from customers is what keeps me going and knowing our product will forever help people in their fitness journey is more than fulfilling.

For me, movement has always been that one thing I come back to. When I was younger, it was tennis, dance, even diving, and now it’s the gym and Pilates. No matter what stage of life I’ve been in: exams, lockdown, or starting my first job, it’s the thing that’s kept me steady and motivated. So it simply felt natural that my business would revolve around it. When you work within something you genuinely enjoy and can lean on through the highs and lows, that’s what will actually keep you going. So if you’re looking to take your own leap of faith, my advice would be to find your version of that.

I also felt (and still feel) that wellness was shifting away from being this huge trend, and more towards something personal and realistic. People my age aren’t just chasing quick fixes anymore. We care about practices that actually support us day-to-day, whether that’s movement, meditation, or just slowing down. Pilates has become such a big part of that because it’s gentle but still really effective, and it’s something you can actually keep up with long term.

So I, alongside my business partner and pilates instructor Emma Mahama, launched Hausformer, a folding reformer you can use at home. The aim was to take something that’s often seen as quite exclusive and make it possible for people to do at home in a really simple, stylish, space-friendly way. 9 months post launch and I can confidently say we have met this aim. Nothing quite beats seeing an idea that was once in your notes app to be in someone’s home.

We wanted to create a product that could easily be built into any routine (even those who never feel like they have enough time) while also challenging the misconceptions about Pilates. A big one is that Pilates is only for a certain type of person, often women, or people who are already really flexible: in reality, it’s for everyone, and it can be adapted to any level or ability. Another is that Pilates isn't a quick fix, lots of people expect instant results, but the real benefits come from consistency over time, building strength, balance, and resilience in a way that actually lasts. And a third is that Pilates (and wellness in general) isn’t just physical, people often see it as a workout, but it’s just as much about your mind and nervous system. Pilates teaches you to slow down, connect with your body, and that side of it can be just as transformative as the physical results. So, being able to help people experience for themselves that Pilates is about progress and presence, not perfection and to see those misconceptions fade through Hausformer, is something that brings me real joy.

A key factor is , if I want something done, I want it done yesterday. That drive has been a huge part of Hausformer’s success. I call the business my baby because I’ve poured so much time and energy into it, and I’ve already learned so much along the way. Another major factor has been my relationship with my stepdad who’s also an entrepreneur. His encouragement and wisdom has played a huge role in helping me believe in myself and my ability to build a business. He's always raised me to take risks and reminded me that you never know what's possible unless you try, a mindset that’s definitely shaped who I am today. Having a strong support system and people who genuinely believe in you makes all the difference.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned, especially starting so young, is the importance of being what I call a “sponge” a young sponge. It means being able to absorb information quickly and learn on the go. As a young female business owner, I get a lot of advice from older people, some of it incredibly valuable, some not so much. The key is knowing how to take it all in, filter it, and apply what works for you. My advice to others my age who want to start something is simple: write your idea down and talk about it. You never know who might be able to help. For example, I was chatting with my family friends recently, and she mentioned her neighbour who had years of experience in fitness equipment manufacturing. We arranged a call, and in fifteen minutes, I learned what would have taken me months on my own.

Finally, don’t be afraid to send that DM or reach out to collaborate. We’re lucky to live in the age of social media, if you see a brand you like or think you could help in some way, send them a message. Whether it turns into a business opportunity or just a great connection, you’ll never know unless you take that first step.