Perth Local Business Spotlight: Leelo Active

Welcome to our new series meeting the movers and shakers in Perth’s small business scene, Local Business Spotlight!

We’ll be meeting some inspiring people in Perth who are doing exciting things in the business world, picking their brains and seeing if we (and you) can learn a thing or two!

First up is Sean Meyer and Beth Walker, the duo behind Perth-based activewear label, Leelo Active. Partners in business and in the real world, the couple returned to Perth in 2019 following a time living and working in London, with an eye towards launching their own “athleisure” label.

Fast forward to 2024 and they’re now the proud owners of one of the world’s most popular activewear brands, count the likes of Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Lopez as fans, and are a true Perth business success story.

“It started with a dream,” Beth shares. “We knew we wanted to create something together, something meaningful…”

Before Leelo, both founders followed diverse paths. Beth worked in property management and visual merchandising, with stints at Zara and Raw Fitness, while Sean spent four years in shipping logistics before modelling for major brands like Nike and Puma. It was their time in London that cemented their entrepreneurial ambitions.

“London was exciting, but it also showed us how expensive and difficult starting a business there would be,” Sean explains. “Perth made sense—we had our community, space, and the lifestyle that inspired us to create activewear.”

Taking the leap
Launching Leelo required significant sacrifices. The couple invested their savings, initially meant for a house deposit, into the brand. “We put it all on the line,” Sean says. “Living at home, reinvesting every dollar, and even riding a 50cc scooter—it was all about giving Leelo the chance to succeed.”

Their efforts paid off, and by their first year, Leelo hit $170,000 in revenue. Today, the company is scaling into the eight-figure realm with plans to expand internationally.

Standing out
Competing in the saturated activewear space, Leelo found success by identifying gaps and creating standout products. Their black flares, for example, became a defining item. “We launched them before anyone else in the activewear space,” Beth recalls. “Now they’re a staple.” Other hits include their grip socks, which blend functionality with unique designs. “Sometimes it’s about seeing a need and delivering a product that feels special,” Sean adds.

Community comes first
Leelo’s connection with its audience goes beyond products. Events like Pilates pop-ups and collaborations with local businesses, such as Daisies Café, foster a strong sense of community. “We’re not just selling clothes,” Beth emphasises. “We’re building connections. Whether it’s through events, retreats, or even small touches like QR codes in our leggings linking to workouts and recipes, we want to give our customers something meaningful.”

Lessons learned
Beth and Sean are candid about the challenges of starting a business. “It’s not easy,” Sean admits. “You have to be ready to not pay yourself for years, especially in a product-based business. But if you believe in your vision, it’s worth it.” Beth concurs, telling us, “Leaning into the Perth community was key for us. It’s such a supportive place for local businesses. Tell your story, get out there, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Global growth
Looking ahead, Leelo is eyeing global markets, with the UK as the next step. “We want to do it right,” Sean explains. “Logistics are critical, and we want to ensure the customer experience remains top-notch.” Beyond expansion, the couple envisions diversifying the brand. “We see Leelo as more than activewear,” Beth says. “Whether it’s swimwear, cafés, or studios, we want to create a lifestyle around the brand.”

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Sean offers this advice: “Be patient, reinvest, and don’t shy away from risks. View your business as a game—it helps you stay calm and focus on the bigger picture.” Beth’s tip? “Stay ahead of trends and stay true to your vision. It’s a competitive world, but when you put your heart into what you do, people notice.”

Leelo Active is more than a brand—it’s a testament to the power of passion, community, and resilience. From their beginnings in a spare bedroom to plans for international growth, Beth and Sean’s journey is an inspiring blueprint for anyone dreaming big in Perth and beyond.

Head to leeloactive.com to find out more.