Zola Eve is a sustainable and ethical activewear business that empowers women from war-torn countries. Founder Ncheta Dasilva describes herself as a huge advocate of wellness. After “crashing from corporate burnout in 2018” she now takes control of her physical, mental and financial well-being and encourages others to do the same.

She says: “Zola Eve translates into peaceful living, and I want all our customers to be at peace, mindful of our sustainable and ethical practices, as well as offering some peace to our garment producers and women we have sponsored via Women for Women International.”

The business is also in the process of partnering with a charity that helps women who’ve been trafficked into the UK to achieve self-sustenance.

She describes 2020 as an “incredibly challenging” year for the business. “Eighty per cent of my income disappeared, and this is a similar story with my peers. I’m applying for the Kickstart Scheme to free up my time to concentrate on growth and strategy.”

Dasilva says her standout moment as a business so far is “curating a sold-out wellness event in 2019, that focused on bringing ethical independent businesses together, coaching, yoga, music and wellness accessibility for all”.

Asked what one piece of advice she would give to other women looking to launch their own business, she is unequivocal: “If you have an idea you’ve been mulling over for a while, just do it. Start small, validate your idea, bootstrap, network, feed your soul and values, and have fun,” she says.

To be featured in the bank and Getty Images’ Female Focus #BeTheRoleModel initiative is a great way to start the year, she adds. “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity – 2020 was an absolute rollercoaster. I’m super-excited to have something positive to start 2021 with a bang.”

Ncheta Dasilva of Zola Eve continued to trade throughout a challenging 2020. So she can focus on strategy and growth in 2021, she applied to the Kickstart Scheme, which helps create job placements for 16- to 24-year-olds.