Aberdeen student to launch city’s first women-only wellness centre

A Robert Gordon University student is set to open Aberdeen’s first women-only wellness centre, inspired by her own path to healing after surviving an abusive relationship.

28-year-old Serena Leyni (pictured above) turned to yoga and meditation as a way to regain her confidence during lockdown. Now, she is channelling that experience into Soothe Your Soul Haven, a supportive space where women can focus on their wellbeing in a safe environment.

Serena received £19,000 in funding from BizBritain through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme and is in the process of securing a dedicated unit. Set to open in the spring, the centre will offer yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes led by freelance instructors, alongside self-defence and women’s safety workshops, third-party therapy sessions, and wellness retreats.

Currently in her third year studying Business Management, Serena began by offering virtual workouts to friends and family, who responded with overwhelming support. Encouraged by their feedback, she recognised the need for a women-only space where survivors of trauma could rebuild their confidence and reclaim their strength.

To extend the impact of her work, Serena is actively engaging with domestic violence charities to form partnerships. Additionally, she has launched ‘Her Voice, Her Power’, a campaign advocating for women’s rights, safety, and empowerment. Donations to the initiative can be made through the business’s website, with all proceeds going towards domestic violence charities.

Following the centre’s opening, Serena plans grow the team and has long-term ambitions to expand the business throughout Scotland, the UK, and eventually into international markets to support as many women as possible wherever they are based.

Serena said: “I know firsthand how intimidating traditional gyms can feel, especially for those who have experienced trauma. 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.”

She added: “The centre offers a peaceful, scenic setting, perfect for outdoor fitness sessions, bootcamps, and mindfulness activities that help women connect with nature as part of their healing process. The response so far has been incredible, and I’m excited to grow the community and offer even more support for women who need it.”

Since its inception in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has provided nearly £27 million in funding to more than 3,000 female entrepreneurs across Scotland, helping them turn their business ambitions into reality.

In response to the Rose Review, which highlighted the challenges faced by female founders in the UK, the British Business Bank played a key role in establishing the Investing in Women Code in 2019, an initiative designed to increase funding for women-led businesses.

Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of female entrepreneurs like Serena, who are driving change and creating opportunities for women in business.

Through Soothe Your Soul Haven, she is not only offering women a place to focus on their wellbeing but also building a strong, supportive community for those who may have faced trauma and a host of other serious challenges in life.

Backing female entrepreneurs is essential to fostering economic growth and ensuring that more women have the chance to bring their visions to life. I look forward to seeing Serena’s business thrive and inspire others.”

As an official Business Support Partner for the Start Up Loans programme, BizBritain operates within a network of Business Support Partners, delivering Start Up Loans in the range of £500 to £25,000 across the UK.