2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
With an early background in Finance and Accounting and an entrepreneurial spirit, this has helped me create and build multiple successful businesses. My corporate management role as Senior Health and Wellness Manager at SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre from 2009 – 2014 honed my leadership and team management skills which has also helped in our current businesses. As a passionate advocate for women’s health and empowerment, leveraging over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry in a variety of roles, my main focus is to inspire positive change in the lives of women. As the founder and owner of three thriving businesses – a female-focused gym – The Studio at West Beach, a female-inclusive activewear brand – Strivve4, and a personal brand called FitM.U.M – I am dedicated to creating inclusive communities where women of all ages and backgrounds feel supported and empowered to prioritise their health and fitness goals. My journey to entrepreneurship has been marked by resilience, adaptability and a relentless commitment to my mission of empowering women to live their best lives.
// Favourite inspirational quote
“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.” – Rikki Rogers
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
// Let’s get to know you
I am a mum of two incredible girls, a passionate advocate for women’s fitness, health and empowerment, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey with you. My path to where I am today has been anything but linear, but every twist and turn has shaped me into the woman I am now. I started my journey with a deep passion for health and fitness, which led me to pursue a career in the industry.
I studied my certificate 3 & 4 in Fitness and Personal Training along with an advanced diploma in Nutrition, which equipped me with the knowledge and skills I needed to kickstart my career. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various roles within the health and fitness sector, from personal training to corporate wellness programs and my last role before starting my own business was the Senior Health & Wellness Manager at SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre. Each opportunity has been a stepping stone and learning journey that has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Along the way, I’ve encountered challenges and setbacks, but I’ve always approached them as opportunities for learning and growth.
Fast forward to today, and I’m the proud owner of three businesses that are all centred around my passion for empowering women. I run a gym called The Studio at West Beach, a female-inclusive activewear brand called Strivve4, and my personal brand called FitM.U.M, which encompasses both businesses and my mission to support women in their health and fitness journey while sharing my own life and lessons. I also jointly run a successful sport event business, Pushing Limits Event Management with my Husband. My current focus is on expanding our gym space and capacity to accommodate more women and develop new programs and offerings, as well as launching a brand new collection of activewear this winter that caters to women of all sizes. I’m also passionate about creating a supportive, fun, friendly and inclusive community where women can come together to prioritise their health and well-being without judgement or without feeling intimidated.
Overall, my journey has been a whirlwind of experiences, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m grateful for every opportunity, challenge and triumph that has brought me to where I am today, and I’m excited to see where the future takes me.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
As a woman to watch for 2024, I stand out through my unwavering commitment to empowering women in their health and fitness journey and lives. Through my three businesses – a women-focused gym, a female inclusive size activewear brand and my personal brand, FitM.U.M – I am dedicatedto helping women prioritise their health & wellbeing without succumbing to limiting beliefs or comparison syndrome. With 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, both in senior corporate roles and as a self-employed Gym Owner, Personal Trainer and Health Coach, I have positively impacted the lives of countless women, whether face-to-face or online. My passion lies in taking the overwhelm out of women’s health and fitness journeys, guiding them towards positive mindset shifts and tangible results. Despite sometimes being a quiet achiever, my impact resonates loudly through the transformative journeys of the women I serve and the communities I build, making me a force to be reckoned with in 2024 and beyond.
// What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
In 2024, I am extremely excited about a number of things both personally and professionally. Mainly, the expansion of my gym space and capacity, as well as the launch of a brand new collection of 6 pieces in my activewear business. These developments represent significant milestones in my journey of continuing to empower women to prioritise their health and fitness and finding a likeminded community.
Expanding my gym space will allow me to accommodate more people and create an even more welcoming and inclusive environment where they can feel supported and motivated to achieve their wellness goals. I am thrilled to provide an enhanced experience for my clients, offering them new programs and opportunities for growth.
Additionally, the launch of the new activewear collection is a source of great excitement and pride for me. This collection has been designed with love and careful consideration for women of all sizes, ensuring that they feel confident and comfortable while working out. I look forward to seeing women embrace these pieces and feel empowered to move their bodies with joy and confidence.
Overall, I am eagerly anticipating the positive impact these developments will have on the women I serve. I am committed to continuing to empower women to live their best lives no matter what and I believe that 2024 will be a year of growth, transformation and success for us all.
// What do you love most about your current business(s)?
What I love most about my current business(es) is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of many women. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of empowering others to prioritise their health and well-being, and seeing the positive impact it has on them. Whether it’s through my gym, activewear brand or personal brand, I get to create communities where women feel supported, motivated and empowered to reach their fitness and lifestyle goals. Building these communities and fostering connections among women from all walks of life is incredibly rewarding. I love being able to provide a safe and welcoming space where women can come together, support each other, and celebrate their successes. It’s inspiring to see women discover their strength, both physically and mentally and overcome obstacles they never thought possible.
I have always been passionate about the health and fitness industry itself. It’s a field that’s constantly evolving, with endless opportunities for growth and innovation. I thrive on the challenge of staying up-to-date with the latest developments and using that knowledge to better serve my clients and community.
Overall, what I love most about my businesses is the ability to combine my passion for health and fitness with my desire to support and uplift women and do it all around my own family and building a life I love. It’s incredibly fulfilling to wake up every day knowing that I’m making a positive difference in the lives of others and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
In the future, I would love to see South Australian women and girls thriving in a community where they feel empowered, supported and valued. My ideal vision for the future is one where women and girls have equal opportunities to pursue their dreams and aspirations, free from the constraints of gender stereotypes and societal expectations. As a mum of two strong girls, I envision a future where
women are represented and celebrated in all fields and sectors, from business and politics to sports and the arts. This means creating inclusive environments that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion and providing access to resources, education and opportunities for women and girls to succeed.
To create this ideal future, we firstly need to continue challenging and dismantling gender biases that limit women’s potential. This requires education and awareness-raising efforts to promote gender equality and empower women and girls to pursue their passions and ambitions without fear of judgment or discrimination. Secondly, we need to address barriers and inequities that disproportionately affect women, such as unequal pay, leave entitlements, lack of access to affordable childcare and limited representation in leadership positions.
To achieve these goals, we must all work together – individuals, communities, schools, businesses and government – to advocate for change, implement policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and create environments that support the diverse needs and experiences of women and girls. By fostering collaboration in a way in which SA Woman does, we can continue to create a future where South Australian women and girls can thrive and flourish to their fullest potential.
Get in touch with Kelly:
LinkedIn: Kelly Delfos
Website: www.thestudiowestbeach.com.au
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.