Meet Helena Searcaigh, co-owner of GymTote, a London-based company that's bringing luxury and style to the traditional gym bag and ensuring your sweaty kit will never have to interact with your work items again!
QTell us about the vision for GymTote and what inspired you to start it?
GymTote was born out of my search for the perfect gym bag. I just couldn’t find something that I could fit all my kit into and also carry to /from work or to meetings. At that time I was working in a corporate environment – lugging an overstuffed Longhamp or sporty holdhall just didn’t work with my style and I hated having to carry a handbag and a gym bag on the tube. Also, I then had the problem of fitting the bags into my gym locker, often with my sweaty kit sitting in them all day. I just knew there must be a better way!
QWho is your activewear muse (if you have one?)
We’re big fans of Charli Cohen - we love her colourblock designs and amazing use of materials.
QHow you want GymTote carriers to feel, in 5 words or less:
Stylish. Uncompromised. Empowered.
QWhat are your designs inspired by?
We look to classic handbag shapes and timeless designs, pieces that wouldn’t look out of place on the catwalk. These are all given a twist with our trademarked compartmentalised design and additions like yoga mat holders. We also ask our customers for their feedback so we can continually improve and evolve our range.
The vision is really simple – to allow women to carry their kit in style.
QFavourite way to sweat?
Everything and anything! We spent a bit of time in the US earlier in the year and I really got into Soul Cycle. If I had to choose one... Muay Thai.
QFavourite recovery food after a workout?
A CocoPro straight after, followed by prawn and sweet potato fishcakes with avocado and chilli mash, wrapped in baby gym lettuce.
QFavourite way to retox?
Do you mean cheat food? Macaroni Cheese.
QWhat's your go-to power jam?
Again so many! I’m loving Circles by I See Monstas at the moment.
QHidden talent?
I can hold a tune!
Shop The Sports Edit's full range of GymTote bags here and the Sophia Signature here.
