From isolation to inspiration: Stephanie wins King’s Trust NatWest Enterprise Award

John Ferris (Ulster Bank), Stephanie, Gillian McCandless, Ruth McGilligan (both Ulster Bank)

A Co Antrim woman who turned personal hardship into a thriving community business has been recognised with a prestigious award from The King’s Trust at a ceremony held at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

Stephanie, 28, was named the winner of the NatWest Enterprise Award at the Northern Ireland final of The King’s Trust and TK Maxx Awards on Friday 30 January. The accolade recognises a young person who has overcome barriers to create their own sustainable business or social enterprise.

The King’s Trust and TK Maxx Awards celebrate young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their life chances and made a positive impact in their communities.

Stephanie received the award after establishing a successful Zumba and aerial fitness business in Ballymoney, providing both physical activity and vital social connection.

Reflecting on what drives her, Stephanie said:

“Creating a community through my business and spreading joy is what drives me. I know what it’s like to feel lonely, hopeless and invisible so if I can boost one person’s day, that’s hugely rewarding for me.”

Overcoming early challenges

Stephanie’s journey has been shaped by significant personal challenges. Growing up, she often felt isolated and struggled with her mental health, while also needing to work long hours from a young age to make ends meet.

She said:

“I struggled with my mental health from my teenage years until my mid-twenties and didn’t have many friends or a sense of purpose. We didn’t have much financial security and, from the age of 17, I worked 50-60 hours a week in hospitality jobs. Everything I owned was bought on finance and I never had enough money to save. I supported myself while doing a degree in hospitality management but I soon realised that working in the industry left me feeling drained. I had to try something new.”

After deciding to step away from hospitality, Stephanie turned to The King’s Trust for support in building a new future. Although she had first tried Zumba at the age of 16, it was in her early twenties that fitness became a lifeline, helping her manage depression and feel part of a community.

Following the end of a hospitality role in 2022, she joined the Trust’s Enterprise programme and went on to launch SKYDANCE NI, offering Zumba, hula hoop and aerial fitness classes across the area.

Building a business — and a community

Stephanie credits early Trust funding and mentoring as pivotal in helping her business get off the ground.

She explained:

“I applied for a King’s Trust Test My Business Idea grant and used it to order 2,000 leaflets, all of which I pushed through letterboxes myself. I was constantly innovating – introducing block bookings, new workshops and guest instructors to gain new clients.

“When classes flopped, I didn’t give up. The Trust gave me the foundation I needed and helped me understand the details of being a business owner. The grants made a huge difference as I was able to buy equipment outright, grow faster and add new options like bungee classes.”

Today, Stephanie delivers more than 25 classes each week and has created what she describes as a life-changing support network.

She added:

“The community that grew from these classes was life-changing. People who once felt isolated now meet for coffee, sea dips and nights out together. Members of the local community have gained a new way to stay active and connected.”

Now living in Ballymoney, Stephanie owns her equipment and van outright, employs three people, and no longer relies on loans to pay her bills.

Looking ahead, she said:

“I’ve learned to navigate the quieter months by planning ahead and creating a sustainable business plan. Looking forward, I’d love to secure a long-term studio lease and dream of hosting circus-style cabaret nights. I’d love to inspire others to follow their dreams and have twice visited a local youth organisation to speak to young people about my journey. I know what it’s like to be in their shoes and hope I can inspire them to see what they’re capable of.”

Recognition and national opportunity

On receiving the NatWest Enterprise Award, Stephanie said:

“I feel so fortunate to have come across The King’s Trust. They’ve helped me create my dream business and, in doing so, I’ve been able to bring joy, movement and connection to my community too.”

The award was presented by Gillian McCandless from Ulster Bank, who praised Stephanie’s achievement:

“We would like to offer our congratulations to Stephanie on this well-deserved award. Her determination in overcoming barriers to build a sustainable business is inspiring, and we would like to wish her every success as she continues to grow, innovate, and make a lasting positive impact in the years ahead.”

Stephanie will now go forward as a finalist for the National King’s Trust Awards, to be held in May 2026 at the Royal Albert Hall.

The celebration, in partnership with TK Maxx, will showcase winners from across the UK and feature music, comedy and performances highlighting the achievements of young people supported by The King’s Trust.

The youth charity helps young people develop the skills and confidence needed to move into work, education or training. In the past five years, three in four young people supported by the Trust have taken positive steps forward, as it continues its mission to tackle youth unemployment across the UK.