My family immigrated to the UK with nothing when I was 5. Now I run a fitness empire that made $70 million last year.

There were teething issues, and we learned a lot, but I really wanted to create something to help women get into strength training because I hadn’t had that. What strength training does for your mind and body is profound; it’s so empowering.

In April 2022 we decided to rebrand as EvolveYou because I decided I didn’t like the name Tone and Sculpt. It was good for SEO but contradicted our message and ethos, which is that strength training is about more than just how your body looks.

Being pregnant with my first child has shown me just how much my body is out of my control, and so if you’re constantly chasing aesthetics, you’re never going to be happy. I’m not as lean, muscular, or strong as I used to be, I’ve got way more jiggly bits than I did, but I have never felt more confident.

I used my savings to launch my gym wear brand

With EvolveYou making good money, I was able to save a lot and launch my clothing brand, Oner Active.

I also want to make a difference to younger girls and teens so launched a school initiative called Project Power.

I’ve hosted workshops in schools highlighting the importance of physical activity and have donated £270,000 ($355,000) of products to roughly 3,000 schoolgirls — I was seeing a lot who didn’t have sports bras and so would run with their hands over their chests.

People underestimate me

Being a young female entrepreneur has pros and cons. I know I experience “pretty privilege,” but I try to use that to benefit others, whether that’s through the schools initiative or the jobs that my businesses offer. I’m not using privilege to get a free drink.

But on the other hand, I’ve had countless incidents of people dismissing me. I used to get really offended and feel I had to prove myself, but now I care less about other people’s opinions.

Even if you don’t believe in me, I’m still going to do it. I believe in me.

My advice to anyone starting a business is that it’s OK if people don’t believe in you provided you do. The biggest advantage you have is the fact that people underestimate you, because then you constantly surprise them.