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Oliver Edmunds was just ten-years-old when his father passed away. Now, aged 18 and graduating from college, Oliver is pursuing a career inspired by his father’s memory.

Oliver, from Caerphilly, has recently completed his Level 3 BTEC Business course at Coleg y Cymoedd, and is following in his father’s footsteps by launching his own business.

As a child, Oliver saw his father running his own guitar shop, which struck a chord with him at a young age – sparking a lifelong ambition to run a business of his own.

He is now launching his own fitness brand, OE Fitness, which will initially sell gym essentials such as weightlifting belts and joint supports.

Oliver has plans to expand into selling supplements and online personal training, and is currently working towards a personal training qualification to gain experience in the industry.

Oliver said: “Fitness changed everything for me. The gym helped me get through the hardest moments of my life and I don’t know where I’d be without it. I think my life would look very different if my friend hadn’t suggested I go with him for a session all those years ago.

“It gave me purpose, discipline, and helped me to build a support network. It had a really positive impact on my mental health.

“I now want to help others find that same strength.”

Oliver added: “I always knew I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps and build something of my own.

“After he passed away, it became even more important to me to create something meaningful and a way to honour his memory. Starting my own business in fitness just felt like the right fit for me.”

While studying at Coleg y Cymoedd, Oliver was introduced to Tafflab, a programme designed to support young people with innovative business ideas.

He received mentoring on topics including marketing and business planning, and was given help to build his own business plan.

Oliver received further support from Big Ideas Wales, a Welsh Government-funded service helping people aged 25 and under turn their business ideas into a reality.

“I built a strong support network in college and I’m in the position I am today because of that,” said Oliver. “Without the advice and encouragement I received, I don’t think I’d have had the confidence to pursue this path. They helped me believe in the idea and in myself”.