Holly Reynolds, 26, who lives in Amblecote and grew up in Bromsgrove, opened up about taking a “massive risk” by leaving behind a stable corporate career to build a successful online fitness business from scratch.
Holly now works with clients across the UK and overseas after launching her coaching business, ‘Lifted by Holly Autumn’ in 2023.
But Holly said the journey began during the Covid pandemic after she was furloughed from her construction office job.
She said: “I started my Instagram account in 2019 because I wanted to inspire people and share what worked for me.
“I was getting messages from people around me asking for advice and I realised I really enjoyed helping others.”
At the time, Holly was balancing a degree, personal training qualifications and a full-time corporate role, initially believing fitness coaching would simply become a side project.
However, by 2021, she realised her passion lay elsewhere.
She said: “I remember thinking, ‘I’m not doing this job forever.’
“It was a massive risk because I’d gone from having a really comfortable salary and stability to basically earning nothing.”
Before and after picture of one of Holly’s international clients (Image: Holly Reynolds)
Holly officially left her office job in December 2022 and launched Lifted the following month.
She said: “There was always this feeling that wouldn’t go away telling me I had to explore it.
“I remember the moment I earned online what I used to earn in my corporate job.
“That was when I knew I’d made the right decision.”
Now with more than 50,000 followers across social media, Holly says her work focuses on sustainable fitness and helping women improve both physically and mentally.
“The majority of my clients come to me not in a great place, not only physically but mentally too,” she said.
“It’s not just about weight loss or the gym. It’s about confidence, identity and helping women feel strong and healthy rather than chasing being skinny.”
Holly now helps clients across the UK and internationally with their fitness journey alongside hosting community events (Image: Holly Reynolds)
Holly regularly hosts community fitness events and workshops and says building a supportive environment for women has become one of the most rewarding parts of her business.
Holly says she has limited spaces for more clients who can book in a consultation with her through her Instagram page.
She added: “I genuinely love spending time with my clients and creating a community where people feel comfortable, supported and empowered.
“I think 17-year-old Holly would be really proud of where I am now.”