Introducing Olivia Wollenberg

Describe yourself in three words?

Ambitious, passionate, honest.

3 tips for staying balanced?

I have more than 3 tips. Eat hearty meals, treat yourself when you like, find the exercise that works for you, get lots of fresh air and make time for socialising.

Tell us about how you started Livia’s?

While studying neuroscience at UCL I was diagnosed with very severe food intolerances and discovered that finding a delicious indulgent treat was incredibly hard. There was so little choice and so I decided to start creating my own. I started by developing recipes in my parent's kitchen and then got my first listing in Selfridge's. I now have a team of 10 and 4 product ranges sold in major UK retailers such as Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Boots and more.

What does a typical day look like to you?

Being the CEO of a startup means every day is totally different. I always wake up early so that I can workout before heading to the office. I then try and do emails and then my day can be filled with buyer meetings, interviews, factory visits and so much more. I love to end the day spending time with my family and boyfriend.

What’s the most challenging thing about your job?

That I haven’t switched off since I started the company 4 years ago!

When do you feel best in yourself?

When I can see that what I am doing is having a positive impact on others. I get so much satisfaction from seeing my team develop and grow and from seeing all our customers loving our products. The pride I feel when I am tagged in posts is so immense.

What does female empowerment mean to you?

It means supporting other women.

What would you say to your younger self?

Don’t sweat the small things so much. Everything will work out.

Advice for anyone else starting out?

Ask to meet anyone and everyone in business and in the industry you want to get into and soak up as much information as possible. And delegate! Don’t be afraid to bring in people who are more experienced than you are. Embrace those people and accept where your strengths and weaknesses are.

Favourite workout?

I am a serious gym class junkie. I have my favourite staple classes, but also love to explore new ones all the time. I like barre, boxing and spinning at Psycle.

Life mantra?

Make a positive difference every day to someone else’s life.

Favourite workout song?

Chandelier by Sia is a great spinning song!

Can you tell us about one woman that’s inspired you?

My mum - the most selfless woman in the world. I wouldn’t be anywhere without her.

Where’s your happy place?

The south of France where I have always holidayed with my family. I have the most magical memories from our holidays there and still love to go!

What’s your favourite Sweaty Betty product?

The Power Leggings all the way.

Guilty pleasure?

Rosé wine

Green juice or cocktails?

Well, my favourite cocktail is kind of a mix between the two. Vodka, soda, smashed cucumber and fresh lime. Perfection!

Can you tell us more about the BetterTreatYourself campaign?

At Livia’s we are so passionate about taking back time to treat yourself and believe everyone deserves to indulge in life a little every day. We launched the #BetterTreatYourself campaign to spread this message and help others be proud of how they treat themselves. There has been so much guilt associated with treating yourself in the past, and we are working so hard to change that.