Startup Story
For many people, getting fit is a real challenge and one that requires not just motivation but also specialist help and advice. In Namibia, that’s where niche business Sweat Fitness comes in. Founded by entrepreneur and passionate fitness advocate Emily Kandanga and her two co-founders, Lwando Mufune and Lwimba Mufune, they are taking fitness to the next level in the country.
LoA chatted to these super fit entrepreneurs this month to find out more.
What does your company do?
Sweat Fitness was started by 3 female entrepreneurs' passion for fitness and the drive to make an impact in their community. Our aim is to show our community that fitness can be a fun journey that leads to efficiency in several aspects of one’s life. We cater to anyone who is eager to get active but isn’t too sure where to start. We believe fit is not a body type and if we can motivate just one person to commit to making the changes needed to lead a healthier lifestyle then we have done our job.
“Our aim is to show our community that fitness can be a fun journey that leads to efficiency in several aspects of one’s life.”
What inspired you to start your company?
We firmly believe that 'Healthy is an outfit that looks different on everyBODY'. If you aren’t as disciplined as the next person but still want to make the commitment to your goals then we are the fitness service you have been looking for. We want to dispel the misconceptions that health and fitness is only for a certain type of person and create an environment where our clients can feel confident to pursue their goals, free from prejudice and with the best knowledge backing up their pursuit.
What makes your business, service or product special?
We stand apart because we understand the journey and all of our co-founders have walked the line, we all know what it is like to set a goal, and work tirelessly to achieve it. We have experienced the set-backs and can relate to most challenges people face when embarking on this journey. We have a true passion for movement and we love helping people transform their lives through this process. Fitness is truly a tool that can be used to unlock ones true and greater potential. Those moments are what make our work never really feel like work. Another key element that makes us special is our commitment to maintain quality in everything we do, through continuously enhancing our knowledge in fitness, nutrition and mental health.
“We firmly believe that 'Healthy is an outfit that looks different on everyBODY.’”
Tell us a little about your team.
Sweat Fitness is co-founded by 3 natural hair female entrepreneurs.
LWANDO MUFUNE: A lawyer by day and a group trainer by night, Lwando is the epitome of 'take no nonsense'. Her broad knowledge and expertise in her industry comes in handy when we need to consult about the legalities of running a business. Her passion for fitness is a tremendous addition to the team and anyone who attends one of her sessions is always left wanting to come back for more.
LWIMBA MUFUNE: Lwimba is a lover of all things marketing. Currently pursing her masters in the field, her expertise in her respective industry is an essential part of why we have grown since launch and continue to remain relevant amongst the media and our clients. She is always filled with fresh ideas to engage our community, Lwimba really makes drawing up, planning and executing a marketing plan look so easy.
EMILY KANDANGA: Forever fitness enthusiast and personal trainer, Emily Kandanga is a key component that makes the Sweat Fitness family work. She is the partner who has been in the health and fitness industry the longest provides her with the edge the team needs to stay ahead of the latests fitness trends & research. Her ability to bring people together, put them at ease and carry out an awesome workout session is irreplaceable.
“We want to dispel the misconceptions that health and fitness is only for a certain type of person and create an environment where our clients can feel confident to pursue their goals, free from prejudice and with the best knowledge backing up their pursuit.”
“Fitness is truly a tool that can be used to unlock ones true and greater potential.”
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I am a young female African entrepreneur, apart from being passionate about health and fitness and empowering my community, I've caught the business bug bad. Entrepreneurship is a path that I serendipitously stumbled into when I realized that my passion for fitness and health, called for me to operate my own business in order to make the impact that I wanted. My mother, who is a hardworking successful entrepreneur, also played a key role in inspiring me to pursue something of my own. Within the last year, I have registered my business, recruited two partners to help me in building and running the business and I am on my towards achieving the desired impact in my community. I wish to cultivate a nation that promotes health and wellness as a means to engage with the youth on the more serious pressing matters.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Through our plans for future expansion, our business will impact the lives of about two to five employees whom we will groom and train to ensure that they are equipped with the skillset to be a supportive team member. These two to five employees are people who we will trust to carry our brand message and principles during their work and outside to their immediate sphere of influence. We will encourage individuals who are actively seeking to be better and to know better within our operating industry to apply and open themselves up to a world of possibilities. This snowball spread of information about fitness and health will enable our community to start making different choices when it comes to their health. Thus, leading to several life-saving lifestyle & mindset changes.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Seeing our hard work, passion and dedication for our craft directly translate into a positive change for someone’s life. That is the sweetest cherry topping on the cake and what keeps us going.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
A wise man once said, “Keep It Simple Sam”, if you are in service then master your service delivery, ensure that your best foot is always put forward especially when dealing with clients. Free yourself from all those excuses that are keeping you from stepping into your greatness, fear tends to paralyze more than inspire. Plan, budget, pray and focus on the elements of your entrepreneurial journey that you can control. Trust the process and don’t ever look back – this will be the best decision you will ever make for yourself.
Contact or follow Sweat Fitness
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTGRAM | YOUTUBE | EMAIL hello@sweatfitnessnamibia.com
Why LoA loves it….
As people become more health and wellness conscious, there becomes a greater need to get the specialist help and advice from specialist professionals who can help everyone to reach their personal fitness goals. In Namibia, that is where the entrepreneurial trio of Emily, Lwando and Lwimba come to the party with their passion, their significant expertise and their motivation to help anyone wanting to improve their personal fitness. These fitness professionals are making a real difference in the lives of those who aspire to greater health and wellbeing in Namibia. - Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa