This Aberdeen student is opening the city’s first women-only wellness centre
3,000 Scottish female founders have received funding through Start Up Loans—a government-backed programme helping early-stage businesses. Now, one student is using hers to create a safe space for women to workout in.
For Serena Leyni, movement was more than just exercise—it was survival. After leaving an abusive relationship, the 28-year-old turned to yoga and meditation to regain her confidence during lockdown. Now, she’s taking that healing journey one step further by launching Soothe Your Soul Haven, Aberdeen’s first women-only wellness centre.
Set to open this spring, the centre will offer yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes, alongside self-defence training, safety workshops, and third-party therapy sessions. Serena also plans outdoor wellness retreats, helping women reconnect with nature as part of their recovery.
The idea started small. While studying Business Management at Robert Gordon University, Serena began offering virtual fitness sessions to friends and family. Their feedback was overwhelming—many women expressed how much they longed for a safe space to work out without feeling self-conscious. Serena saw an opportunity.
Now, with £19,000 in funding from BizBritain through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, she’s turning that idea into reality. She is currently securing a permanent venue, with plans to bring in freelance instructors and expand the range of classes offered.
Why women-only wellness spaces matter
Many women report feeling uncomfortable or even unsafe in traditional gyms. The loud, often male-dominated environments can be overwhelming, with unsolicited advice, stares, or an underlying pressure to perform. For survivors of trauma or abuse, this can make public fitness spaces feel completely inaccessible.
“I know firsthand how intimidating traditional gyms can feel, especially for those who have experienced trauma,” says Serena. “After enduring an abusive relationship, I found that fitness became my refuge—a way to reclaim my body and my sense of self. My goal with Soothe Your Soul Haven is to create a sanctuary where women feel safe to focus on their wellbeing, free from judgement or fear.
“This isn’t just a fitness centre; it’s a space for women to reclaim their strength, both physically and emotionally.”
A space for healing and community
Soothe Your Soul Haven will be about more than fitness. Serena is working with domestic violence charities to offer additional support and has launched ‘Her Voice, Her Power’, an initiative focused on women’s rights and safety.
The centre’s location will provide a peaceful, scenic setting that allows for outdoor fitness sessions, bootcamps, and mindfulness activities, helping women connect with nature as part of their recovery.
“The response so far has been incredible,” Serena says. “I’m excited to grow the community and offer even more support for women who need it.”
Serena’s advocacy & support for women
Serena’s vision doesn’t stop at wellness classes. She’s actively partnering with domestic violence charities to offer additional support for survivors. She has also launched ‘Her Voice, Her Power’, an initiative advocating for women’s safety and rights.
Through this campaign, she hopes to raise awareness about violence against women and build a network of resources for those in need. Donations can be made through the business’s website, with 100% of proceeds going towards charities that support survivors.
How Start Up Loans are supporting female founders
Serena’s success story is part of a much bigger movement. Since 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has helped over 3,000 female entrepreneurs in Scotland secure funding, with nearly £27 million invested in women-led businesses.
The Rose Review found that women entrepreneurs often face greater financial barriers when starting a business. In response, the British Business Bank played a key role in launching the Investing in Women Code in 2019, helping more women access funding.
Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, says:
“International Women’s Day is about recognising women who are driving change. Entrepreneurs like Serena aren’t just building businesses—they’re creating communities. Supporting female founders is essential for economic growth and ensuring more women can turn their visions into reality.”
What’s next for Soothe Your Soul Haven?
Once the centre is up and running, Serena has big plans. She wants to grow her team, introduce more wellness programmes, and eventually expand across Scotland, the UK, and beyond.
For now, she’s focused on creating a space where women feel strong, empowered, and safe—because for many, that’s where true healing begins.
Follow Soothe Your Soul Haven on Instagram.
Do you think Scotland needs more women-only spaces like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
