ABOUT ORIGINAL CULPRIT

When I look back to where this journey began in 2020, it’s hard to believe how far things have come. At the time, the world was in chaos. Covid had changed everything, our routines, our communities, and the way we lived. Like many, I found myself searching for purpose, something positive to channel my energy into during uncertain times. That’s when the seed of what would later become Original Culprit was planted. I had no background in business. No formal training. No startup capital. In fact, I started with absolutely nothing, no funding, no roadmap, no blueprint for how to create a brand. What I did have, however, was vision, determination, and an unshakable belief that I could build something that mattered. What started as a side project quickly grew into something far bigger than I ever imagined. From a few simple designs and a whole lot of trial and error, I built Original Culprit from the ground up, fuelled only by persistence and passion. Since then, this little dream of mine has grown into a brand that has generated over half a million dollars in revenue, connected with thousands of women, and become a symbol of empowerment and strength in community.

Starting from $0 meant every step forward mattered. I remember researching suppliers late into the night, teaching myself about fabrics, cuts, and activewear design. I learned about shipping, branding, marketing, and customer service not from books, but by living it, by failing, and by trying again. Every order in those early days felt monumental. I celebrated each one, because I knew someone out there believed in me and in what I was creating. I poured myself into every detail, from packaging to communication, determined to make sure every woman who wore Original Culprit felt seen, valued, and powerful.Of course, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were setbacks, failed launches, supply delays, and countless mistakes. But I kept coming back to the core of why I started: to create a brand that wasn’t just about gym wear, but about building a movement, a sisterhood of women who lift each other up.

I knew Original Culprit wasn’t just about clothes. It was about creating something bigger: a space where women could feel connected, inspired, and unstoppable. That’s why our core message today is Our Community. This brand is about more than what you wear to the gym. It’s about belonging. It’s about confidence. It’s about stepping into your power and knowing you’re not alone on the journey. Since launching, I’ve had the privilege of hosting four female-only competitions. Each one has brought together hundreds of women who embody what Original Culprit stands for: strength, resilience, and unity. Watching these events unfold, seeing women cheer for each other and celebrate every victory, big or small, reminds me exactly why I started.

One of the most transformative chapters of this journey was becoming a mother. Building a brand while raising a baby has been the most challenging, yet rewarding, experience of my life. There were moments of exhaustion, moments where I questioned if I could keep doing it all, but every time I looked at my child, I was reminded of why I couldn’t give up. Motherhood taught me patience, resilience, and a new level of determination. It forced me to find balance, to prioritise, and to work smarter. It gave me an even deeper reason to succeed, because this brand isn’t just about me anymore. It’s about building something my child can one day look at with pride, something that shows them what’s possible when you believe in yourself and refuse to give up.

Since 2020, the growth of Original Culprit has been humbling and inspiring. We’ve fulfilled thousands of orders, reaching women across the region and beyond. We’ve generated over $500,000 in sales, all organically, without shortcuts, without outside investors, just hard work and word of mouth. We’ve hosted four empowering female-only competitions, uniting hundreds of competitors and creating unforgettable moments of community. We’ve built a brand that women don’t just wear, they believe in. But more important than the numbers are the stories. The messages from women who say wearing Original Culprit makes them feel confident, strong, and part of something bigger. Those messages are my fuel. They are the real milestones that matter most.

Where do we go from here? For me, this is just the beginning. My vision is to build the biggest organically grown ladies’ gym wear brand in the region, a brand rooted in authenticity, community, and empowerment. I don’t want Original Culprit to just be another activewear brand, I want it to be a movement. A movement that inspires women to show up as their best selves, to lift each other up, and to chase their goals with confidence. We’re not about perfection. We’re about persistence. We’re not about exclusivity. We’re about inclusivity. And we’re not just about gym wear. We’re about Our Community.

Looking back, this journey has taught me so much: That you don’t need all the answers to start, you just need the courage to take the first step. That success doesn’t come overnight; it’s built brick by brick, day by day. That failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s part of it. That belief in yourself, in your vision, and in your community can carry you through even the toughest seasons. Every challenge I’ve faced has made me stronger, and every success has been a reminder that anything is possible when you stay true to your purpose.

At the end of the day, this brand is not just about me, it’s about you. The woman who shows up to the gym when she doesn’t feel like it. The mother balancing a thousand things but still making time for herself. The competitor pushing her limits. The beginner stepping into the gym for the first time, nervous but determined. Original Culprit is for every woman who chooses to rise, to show up, and to keep going. It’s for every woman who believes in the power of Our Community and in the mantra to Always Be Original.

When I started this brand in 2020, I had no idea the journey it would take me on. From a side project in the middle of a global pandemic to a half-a-million-dollar business with thousands of customers and a growing community of empowered women, the path has been anything but easy, but it’s been worth every single step. I am proud of what we’ve built, proud of the community that surrounds us, and proud to say this is only the beginning. Original Culprit is more than gym wear. It’s more than a brand. It’s a movement. It’s a family. It’s Our Community. And through it all, one thing remains the same:#AlwaysBeOriginal.