![\"John](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_John-Ferris-Ulster-Bank-Stephanie-Gillian-McCandless-Ruth-McGilligan-both-Ulster-Bank.jpg\")
<\/p>\n“I know what it\u2019s like to feel lonely, hopeless and invisible so if I can boost one person\u2019s day, that\u2019s hugely rewarding for me.”<\/p>\n
John Ferris (Ulster Bank), Stephanie, Gillian McCandless (Ulster Bank) and Ruth McGilligan (Ulster Bank) <\/p>\n
A 28-year-old from Ballymoney has been named as the winner of an award from The King\u2019s Trust after getting help from youth charity to set up her dream business \u2013 a Zumba and aerial fitness studio.<\/p>\n
Life was difficult for Stephanie growing up.<\/a> Often feeling isolated and struggling with her mental health<\/a>, she had to work to make ends meet from a young age.<\/p>\n After realising that a career in hospitality wasn\u2019t for her, she bravely walked away from what she knew and turned to The Trust for help with setting up a Zumba and aerial fitness business. Nowadays, she offers over 25 classes a week, has built a supportive community and is thriving.<\/p>\n The King\u2019s Trust and TK Maxx Awards recognise young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community. Stephanie scooped the NatWest Enterprise Award which recognises a young person who has overcome barriers to create their own sustainable business or social enterprise.<\/p>\n Stephanie said: “Creating a community through my business and spreading joy is what drives me. I know what it\u2019s like to feel lonely, hopeless and invisible so if I can boost one person\u2019s day, that\u2019s hugely rewarding for me.<\/p>\n “I struggled with my mental health from my teenage years until my mid-twenties and didn\u2019t have many friends or a sense of purpose. We didn\u2019t have much financial security and, from the age of 17, I worked 50-60 hours a week in hospitality jobs. Everything I owned was bought on finance and I never had enough money to save. I supported myself while doing a degree in hospitality management but I soon realised that working in the industry left me feeling drained. I had to try something new.”<\/p>\n Though she\u2019d first tried Zumba at 16, it was in her early twenties that it became central to Stephanie\u2019s life. The classes helped alleviate her depression and provided a sense of community. After leaving a hospitality job in 2022, she joined the Enterprise programme. With the Trust\u2019s support, she launched SKYDANCE NI, offering Zumba, hula hoop, and aerial fitness classes.<\/p>\n “I applied for a King\u2019s Trust Test My Business Idea grant and used it to order 2,000 leaflets, all of which I pushed through letterboxes myself,” she added.<\/p>\n “I was constantly innovating \u2013 introducing block bookings, new workshops and guest instructors to gain new clients. When classes flopped, I didn\u2019t give up. The Trust gave me the foundation I needed and helped me understand the details of being a business owner. The grants made a huge difference as I was able to buy equipment outright, grow faster and add new options like bungee classes.<\/p>\n “The community that grew from these classes was life-changing. People who once felt isolated now meet for coffee, sea dips and nights out together. Members of the local community have gained a new way to stay active and connected.”<\/p>\n Today, Stephanie, now 28 and living in Ballymoney, is proud to stand on her own feet. She owns her van and equipment outright, pays her bills without relying on loans, and employs three people.<\/p>\n “I\u2019ve learned to navigate the quieter months by planning ahead and creating a sustainable business plan. Looking forward, I\u2019d love to secure a long-term studio lease and dream of hosting circus-style cabaret nights. I\u2019d love to inspire others to follow their dreams and have twice visited a local youth organisation to speak to young people about my journey. I know what it\u2019s like to be in their shoes and hope I can inspire them to see what they\u2019re capable of.”<\/p>\n On winning the NatWest Enterprise Award, Stephanie said: “I feel so fortunate to have come across The King\u2019s Trust. They\u2019ve helped me create my dream business and, in doing so, I’ve been able to bring joy, movement and connection to my community too.”<\/p>\n Gillian McCandless from Ulster Bank presented Stephanie with her award.<\/p>\n She said: “We would like to offer our congratulations to Stephanie on this well-deserved award. Her determination in overcoming barriers to build a sustainable business is inspiring, and we would like to wish her every success as she continues to grow, innovate, and make a lasting positive impact in the years ahead.”<\/p>\n Now Stephanie is in with a chance to become a National King\u2019s Trust Award winner at a very special event in May 2026. A King\u2019s Trust Celebration in partnership with TK Maxx will spotlight winners from across the UK. Held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, this special evening will bring music, comedy, awards, and unforgettable performances together. The night will celebrate the courage, creativity, and achievements of young people supported by The King\u2019s Trust in the UK and around the world.<\/p>\n Youth charity The King\u2019s Trust gives young people the skills and confidence to get their lives on track. Three in four young people helped by The King\u2019s Trust in the past five years have moved into work, training or education. With almost a million young people not in work, education or training, the Trust is committed to ending youth unemployment so that every young person has the opportunity to succeed.<\/p>\n Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google<\/a> means you\u2019ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. 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