Aida Yahaya is a global entrepreneur and influencer in the lifestyle ad luxury travelling industries. With her successful online fitness business, she blends luxury with mindfulness, offering a unique approach to well-being. In this interview, Aida shares her journey, insights on entrepreneurship, and the values behind her brand
Aida, you are an influencer and a role model. What qualities do you believe are essential for a successful entrepreneur in the wellness and travel industry? What challenges did you encounter while creating a global online fitness business, and how did you overcome them? How has your understanding of luxury changed since you began developing your brand?
Being both an influencer and an entrepreneur has taught me the value of resilience and adaptability. In the wellness and travel industries, I believe the key qualities for a successful entrepreneur are passion, authenticity, and a deep understanding of one’s audience. It’s vital to stay true to yourself while also adapting to trends and the needs of your clients.
When I launched my global online fitness business, one of the main challenges was standing out in an increasingly competitive market. Building trust and offering unique, high-quality classes and content were key to overcoming this. I focused on connecting with my followers on a personal level, using digital tools to scale while remaining authentic. As an entrepreneur, embracing learning curves and staying open to change is essential.
My perception of luxury has evolved greatly since I started developing my brand. Initially, I viewed luxury as something purely material—staying in the finest hotels, wearing designer clothes, and so on. However, as I’ve grown, both personally and professionally, I’ve come to realise that true luxury is found in experiences that enhance one’s life and well-being. It’s about living mindfully, prioritising self-care, and creating moments of connection, whether through wellness, travel, or spending time with loved ones. For me, luxury now means balancing ambition with inner peace and curating experiences that nourish both body and soul.
What are the three places on Earth that have inspired you the most in creating content, and why?
There are three places that continually inspire me:
- Seoul, South Korea – Seoul offers an exciting mix of modern innovation and rich tradition. From sleek skyscrapers to bustling street markets, it’s an ideal setting for content that blends fashion, technology, and travel. The K-beauty and wellness scene is incredibly advanced and always motivates me to explore new trends.
- Los Angeles, California – LA’s energy is simply infectious! From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the relaxed beach lifestyle, there’s so much diversity. It’s a hub of creativity, perfect for fashion and lifestyle content, and don’t get me started on the incredible food scene!
- London, England – London never loses its charm! Its fusion of history and modernity is endlessly captivating, with iconic landmarks, diverse neighbourhoods, and a thriving arts scene. I love capturing London’s unique vibe, from its quaint cafés to grand architecture, all of which add a touch of sophistication to my content.
What innovations can Good Stretch clients look forward to, and what role does mental health play in your training programmes?
At Good Stretch, we are fully committed to a holistic approach to wellness, particularly in corporate well-being. I take great pride in partnering with major global clients who are investing in their employees’ health. Going forward, we plan to enhance our corporate wellness programmes, as we believe that prioritising mental health and overall well-being leads to happier, more productive teams.
- Customised Virtual Training Programmes: We will offer personalised virtual fitness plans, tailored to individual needs, making it easier for clients to stay motivated, wherever they may be.
- Mindfulness Integration: We aim to incorporate more mindfulness and meditation techniques into our workouts, helping clients align their physical training with mental well-being.
How have your children influenced your professional outlook and travel decisions? What family traditions have you created to balance a busy work schedule with personal life?
My four-year-old daughter has had a tremendous impact on my work and travel decisions! I love taking her with me whenever possible, so she can see what I do and experience it firsthand. It’s like an adventure for both of us!
To balance my busy schedule, we’ve established some fun family traditions. We have ‘monthly adventure days’, where we explore new museums or try different activities together. We also make time for regular family dinners, where we share stories and enjoy laughter together.
She inspires me to be more intentional in my work and to make each experience enjoyable for us both!
How do you restore your energy when the balance between work and rest becomes disrupted?
When I feel the work-life balance tipping out of sync, I take short breaks during the day to clear my mind, like going for a quick walk. Spending quality time with my husband and daughter is also key for relaxation. I enjoy treating myself to a spa day and, of course, a good massage! Watching my favourite film or TV series also helps me unwind.
Model: Aida Yahaya @aidayaha
Good Stretch Studio @goodstretchuk
Photo & Style: Maria Harley @mariyaharley
Make up: Sasha Mamedova
@mamedova_makeup
Hair: Galina Platonova
@galina_platonova_beauty
Studio: Experimental Lab 2.0
@ex_lab_2.0
PR: @multi_publications