Ally

Introduction

I’m Ally, a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Bristol. I’m the Founder of Avo Activewear, the UK’s first sportswear brand specialising in activewear for women 5’3″ and under. If you’re on the shorter side like me, we’ve got you covered! I’m 5’1” and have always loved staying active, but I used to struggle big time with finding workout clothes that fit properly; leggings that are too long, tops that don’t sit right etc. It was frustrating enough to push me into starting my own brand back in 2018.

Alongside running Avo, I’m also a new mum to my 12-month-old baby boy, Bowe, so life is a bit of a juggling act right now. There’s been many times where I’ve packed orders with Bowe strapped to me and I’m often seen cramming in emails during his nap times. It’s chaotic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Importance of Health and Activity

Health and physical activity are very important to me. Staying active keeps me grounded, gives me energy, and is a massive mood booster. Especially now that I have a toddler to chase around, having an hour to myself a few times a week to exercise is essential for my sanity! It’s my time to recharge, clear my mind, and come back to my role as a mum and business owner with more focus and patience.

I think everyone can benefit from finding a way to stay active that works for them, whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run, or even just taking a walk in the park. 

My journey with Avo really stems from my passion for fitness. I’ve always believed that if you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’re more likely to stay committed to your fitness goals. Personally, I’ve noticed that when I’m active, I’m more focused, less stressed, and overall just happier. And what’s been really rewarding is hearing from Avo’s customers who share how our clothes have helped them feel more confident and comfortable during their workouts. It’s amazing to think that something as simple as the right pair of leggings can make such a difference in someone’s life.

Importance of Opportunities for Women and Girls

I can’t stress enough how important it is for women and girls to have opportunities to be active. Physical activity is empowering – it’s about more than just staying in shape; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a sense of community. Unfortunately, women and girls often face barriers that can make it harder for them to participate in physical activities. These barriers can be anything from not feeling welcome in certain spaces, to not having the right equipment, or, in the case of petite women like me, not having clothing that fits properly. I love how “Bristol Girls Can” is working to remove the barriers that women and girls face when it comes to fitness, whether it’s about body confidence, time, or cost.

That’s one of the main reasons I started Avo. I wanted to remove at least one of those barriers by providing activewear that’s designed specifically for petite women. It’s been incredible to see how this has helped women in our community feel more confident and more willing to get out there and be active. We’ve had so many customers tell us that they feel like they can focus on their workouts instead of worrying about their outfits. That’s the kind of impact I’m really proud of!

The Role of Community and Support

Community support is such a game-changer when it comes to staying active and maintaining overall well-being. At Avo, we’ve built an amazing community around our brand, especially on social media where we have an organic following of more than 14,000 women. Women share their fitness journeys and just generally cheer each other on. This is something I really admire about “Bristol Girls Can” as well – they’ve created a supportive space where women can come together, share their experiences, and encourage each other to stay active.

Personally, after having my baby, I faced the barrier of finding the time and energy to return to exercise. It was tough to get back into a routine with a newborn, but I found a lovely local gym called The Fitness Yard that really helped. They ran ‘Mum’n’Bub’ classes where I could bring Bowe along with me. It made all the difference – I didn’t have to worry about finding childcare, and I could still get that much-needed exercise. We went every week until he started crawling!

We’ve also made it a priority to be as inclusive as possible in our marketing and branding, much like Bristol Girls Can. We feature models of different ethnicities, body types, and abilities because we want every woman to feel represented and included. This inclusivity helps build a strong community where everyone feels like they belong and are supported in their fitness journey