#WomanCrushWednesday - Grace Beverley

Grace Beverley is a multifaceted entrepreneur, digital influencer, and author who has built an impressive business empire while cultivating a strong social media presence. At only 28 years old, she is renowned for founding several successful companies, including the sustainable activewear brand TALA, the fitness tech brand Shreddy, and the personal organisation brand The Productivity Method. Alongside her ventures, she co-founded the AI company Retrograde and has been recognized for her marketing acumen, business savvy, and commitment to sustainability and female empowerment.

Early Life and Education

Grace Margaret Beverley was born on February 16, 1997, in London, England, into a family with an entrepreneurial background. She attended prestigious schools such as Francis Holland School and St. Paul's Girls' School before earning a choral scholarship to St Peter’s College, Oxford, where she studied music. Besides her academic achievements, she was head chorister at Salisbury Cathedral during her teens, showing an early blend of discipline and leadership. Beverley balanced her academic pursuits with growing business ambitions, launching her first enterprise while still a university student.

Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures

Grace Beverley's entrepreneurial journey began during her university years. Her first business venture was Shreddy, a gym equipment brand she started to fill a gap she noticed in affordable, ethical resistance bands. Immediately seeing an opportunity in sustainability and affordability, she managed to scale Shreddy while continuing her education.

After graduating, she launched TALA, a brand that has become synonymous with sustainable, affordable activewear. TALA stands out in the crowded fitness apparel market by committing to sustainability without compromising on price or style—an issue often cited in other sustainable brands. In its first year alone, TALA amassed over 200,000 followers and achieved sales of £6.2 million. By 2022, the company raised over £4 million in funding led by venture capital firms, showcasing investor confidence in both the business and Beverley’s leadership.

Grace also founded The Productivity Method, focusing on personal organisation, and co-founded Retrograde, an AI company, diversifying her portfolio and extending her footprint beyond fashion into fitness tech and technology sectors. Across these ventures, she has raised over $14 million in Seed and Series A funding from blue-chip funds, which is a testament to her credibility and business acumen.

Social Media and Influence

Grace's rise to prominence began with her social media presence as "GraceFitUK," where she shared fitness routines, lifestyle tips, and her vegan journey. Her ethical and sustainable stance resonated with a large audience, quickly amassing a following of more than 3 million people globally. Unlike many influencers, Grace has used her platform not just for promotion but for advocacy—championing sustainability, ethical fashion, and female entrepreneurship.

She is often described not simply as an influencer but as a serious entrepreneur who understands the power of marketing and messaging. Grace carefully positions herself as a businesswoman rather than just a social media figure, which attracts brands and partners looking for authentic business collaboration beyond mere advertising.

Publications and Media

Beyond business, Grace is a published author with her first book "Working Hard, Hardly Working" becoming an instant Sunday Times No.1 bestseller. She hosts a popular podcast under the same name, which boasts over 100 million listeners and consistently ranks in Spotify’s Top 5 Business Podcasts. Through these channels, she shares insights on productivity, business, and entrepreneurship, further strengthening her influence and thought leadership in these areas.

Awards and Recognition

Grace’s accomplishments have been celebrated widely. She was named first in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for retail and e-commerce at just 23 years old. She has also been recognized with awards including the Good Influence ‘Women in Business’ award and has been featured in major media outlets such as the BBC, Vogue Business, and Glamour. Grace continues to speak publicly on critical issues such as female funding, representation in media, and sustainable business practices, inspiring new generations of entrepreneurs.

Personal Brand and Philosophy

What sets Grace apart in the crowded social and entrepreneurial landscape is her holistic approach to branding and business. She combines a genuine passion for sustainability with sharp business strategies, marketing skill, and an approachable persona. Grace is candid about her journey, often sharing both successes and struggles, which has helped her build an authentic connection with her audience. Sustainability accessibility and female empowerment remain central themes across her projects and public engagements.

In summary, Grace Beverley is a dynamic and versatile entrepreneur who has successfully merged her digital influence with serious business ventures to create a sustainable and influential personal brand. Her dedication to ethical fashion, fitness innovation, productivity, and technology, combined with her authenticity and leadership, marks her as a standout figure in modern entrepreneurship.