The Gatekeeper

Founder of GATEKEPT, Bella Ibrahim, tells us why her newly created brand is more than just another activewear label…

Hey, Bella, tell us about GateKept and what exactly you’re all about.
GateKept is an athleisure wear brand focused on providing women with comfortable, fashionable and empowering activewear and clothing.

When and why did you decide to start the company?
It was founded in June 2023 and the first collection was launched on September 13, 2024. I was inspired to start GateKept after many years of education as well as experience around body image, wellness and mental health issues in young people, specifically women. My aim is for it to be a go-to brand women can trust to bring them the most comfortable, high quality, fashionable and empowering everyday clothing that makes them feel the best version of themselves.
Who are your competitors and what makes GateKept stand out from them?
Some of our biggest competitors would be CSB, Saski and Stax. We all aims our clothing toward women looking for everyday, stylish activewear, however, GateKept also aims to contradict expectations of “everyday wear” and instead encourage women to wear what feels right. I want my love for activewear and wearing it as everyday wear to inspire other women to do the same, feeling snatched, comfortable and stylish every single day.

What do your customers love most?
Our hidden pocket in our hoodies, our hidden pocket in the waistband of all our bottoms and slogans on our care labels and hoodies such as “Elevate your confidence, embrace your unique” and “rising to excellence day by day”.

How competitive is the activewear market these days?
It’s an incredibly competitive and saturated market due to the continuously rising demand for health and wellness content, specifically after COVID-19. Activewear appeals to a broad range of consumers, from athletes to casual wearers.

What has business been like since you launched GateKept?
Starting GateKept has been both challenging and rewarding, with many busy and stressful periods, but also with many highs – like learning more about businesses and entrepreneurship, meeting new, inspiring people in the industry and getting to watch the business grow and meet milestones, one by one.

What’s been your biggest GateKept milestone to date?
The year leading to the launch of GateKept was chaotic and daunting but one of our biggest milestones was the actual launch. Another success would be working alongside and getting to see our pieces on inspiring women and influencers such as Bernadette Fahey, Kristin Fisher, Deborah Symond, Laura Hazzouri, Alice Orso, Elle Salagaras and now Red Dela Cruz.

Besides the collaboration with Red Dela Cruz for MAXIM this month, are there any other exciting upcoming GateKept projects you can share with us?
Upon association with influencers and known figures, GateKept has bonded with a few stars which we think represent the brand and its values well and are excited to potentially create innovate designs with women who know what they want and need in their clothing, and have a passion for giving their followers what they want and need, too. There are many exciting upcoming collections, with new focuses on which exercises they are intended for.

What advice do you have for those wanting to start their own business?
Anything is possible, no matter how big or small, who you are or how old. If you have a passion for something, and you have drive, you won’t stop chasing it until you reach it. If your passion fades, then it was a hobby, not a career. The first step to starting a business is a reason why, a strategy/plan and drive. Without drive, you don’t have anything, because motivation is temporary. You have nothing to lose in starting, the only way to lose is to never try.