Craig’s lockdown launch of dream gym kit business
A Sunderland entrepreneur used the spare time he had during lockdown to fulfil his dream to run his own gym kit company.
Craig Fletcher, 34, from D oxford Park, has set up Swole Ape in recent months with the help of his fiancee Helen Ferris, 36, as they prepared to welcome their son Luca Vincent Fletcher into the world.
The personal trainer and energy consultant, and Helen, who works as a nurse, are now turning out their own branded joggers, leggings, hoodies and women’s cropped jumpers for their Swole Ape line, developing it from an initial collection of T-shirts.
Craig came up with the name because swole means muscular, while he picked ape as an embodiment of strength, working with a manufacturer to produce items, including a number of unisex garments.
The lockdown prompted him to act on his plans to set up the business, while he has also been pushed to help others live a healthier life after losing his mother Maria in 2004.
He said: “When I was 18 I unfortunately lost my mum due to ill health and a heart condition that was unknown of at the time. I was always into my fitness, but it pushed me a lot more into the fitness industry because I wanted to do something amazing and that was helping people avoid ill-health by being a fitter, healthier version of themselves.
"Now, I’ve literally helped thousands of people over the years achieve a position they’ve always wanted to be in both physically and mentally.
"Back in 2019 I looked at starting my own clothing brand because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and in 2020 during the covid outbreak, I thought I would actually try and launch it to show everyone that no matter what the past has given you or what the present is offering you, your hopes and dreams are always achievable, even when starting small.
“Helen has been amazing through COVID-19, being pregnant and a frontline worker for the NHS.
"We have literally helped and supported each other throughout this difficult year while aiming to launch the brand and make a lifelong dream come true.”