Women's Health with Tia Purewal (Abbey 2014-19)

We interviewed Tia Purewal, Online Women’s Health & Wellness Coach with an MSc in Women’s Health. We delved into her background, inspiration and the journey that led her to helping women take back control of their bodies. 

How did your time at Repton School influence your career path?
At Repton, I had every intention of becoming a lawyer, I chose my A-levels with that goal in mind. So academically, it didn’t steer me toward the path I’m on now. But Repton was where I first discovered the gym, and started to fall in love with movement. I didn’t realise it then, but that time spent training, finding discipline and joy in it, quietly laid the foundation for everything I do now. That gym became my spark, and it’s never really left me.

Who inspires you the most, whether in business, fitness or life in general?
I’m constantly inspired by women who turn their pain into purpose. Two incredible women who embody that are Anna and Gabz, the founders of the Menstrual Health Project. Despite living with the brutal reality of endometriosis, they continue to educate, advocate, and uplift others, often while managing flare-ups themselves. Their resilience reminds me why I do this. They’ve taught me that being a coach can mean being an advocate, too, and that showing up, even when it’s hard, can make all the difference.

What inspired you to become a personal trainer specialising in women's health?
Honestly? Frustration. I kept seeing fitness coaches claim they “specialised in women’s health” while sharing advice that was not only inaccurate but sometimes outright harmful. I couldn’t sit quietly while misinformation was being sold as truth. I knew I could do better. I wanted to be a voice that actually knew what she was talking about, a coach women could truly trust with their bodies and health.

Can you share a bit about the journey that led you to want to start a Women’s Health and Fitness business?
In 2021, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. Before that, I’d spent years on every hormone treatment imaginable, enduring the rollercoaster of side effects and still needing a second surgery just 30 months after my first. I realised then that the support I needed didn’t exist, not really. The internet was a minefield of quick fixes and harmful “wellness hacks.” I didn’t just want to sift through the noise, I wanted to be the clarity. I committed to learning everything I could. I saw too many women being let down by an industry that doesn’t understand them, and I knew I had to build something better.

How has your personal experience with endometriosis influenced your approach to fitness and wellness?
Endometriosis changed everything for me. I used to believe health meant being able to lift the heaviest weights or push yourself to your limit, but chasing that image left me dizzy, in pain, and emotionally drained. There were times I’d leave the gym in tears, blaming my body for not keeping up. But over time, especially after a year living with chronic sciatica,I had to let go of that mindset. Just walking down the stairs in the morning became an achievement. That experience humbled me deeply. I stopped treating movement as punishment and began to approach it as care. Now, I prioritise low-stress, body-honouring movement. I’m no longer chasing strength for the sake of it, I’m focused on feeling good in my body, and helping other women do the same. My body taught me patience, and how to truly listen.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
Finding my voice in a saturated industry was the hardest part. It’s easy to fall into the trap of copying what others are doing, what looks successful online. I did that at first, and all it did was water down my message and confuse my audience. It took a lot of internal work, trial and error, and honest reflection to figure out what I stood for and who I truly wanted to help. I still have moments of doubt, but I no longer feel the need to imitate anyone. My business isn’t a template, it’s an extension of me.

What moments or achievements are you most proud of in your career?
There are the big moments, like being invited to speak on a radio show for Endometriosis Awareness Month, which was surreal and deeply affirming. But honestly, the moments that stay with me are the quiet ones: a client telling me they had their first pain-free period in years, or that they finally feel in tune with their body. Those messages make me stop in my tracks and think, this is why I do it.

What advice would you give to women who are struggling with endo and looking to improve their health?
Start small. You don’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight, in fact, that rarely works. Go for a 10-minute walk. Stretch. Keep a food diary to track triggers. Stick to regular meals and create a consistent sleep routine. These may seem like tiny changes, but they build a foundation. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress. Healing isn’t linear, so be gentle with yourself along the way.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
I love that it’s all mine. That kind of ownership can be scary, sure, but it’s also exciting. Every mistake, every win, I get to learn from it. I’ve picked up skills I never thought I’d need, and grown in ways I never expected. There’s something really special about creating something from scratch and watching it help people.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students or recent graduates looking to start their own business?
Have patience. The process won’t always make sense and the path definitely won’t be straight but if you truly believe in what you're doing, the journey will be worth it. Celebrate every tiny win, and don’t rush the growth. You’re building something meaningful, let it take its time.