GHOGY - an online food & fitness service plans for healthy turnover

by Startacus Admin

GHOGY is an online personal training service that provides interactive personalised fitness plans via instructional videos and customisable meal plans.

The startup venture set up by entrepreneur Samuel Abbott and Personal Trainer David Hogan went live at the start of 2017, so we thought wise to find out more about this subscription service and how it plans to create a healthy turnover (sorry). Over to David to explain all...

So David, what does GHOGY do?

GHOGY is an online food and fitness subscription plan that helps people become the happiest and healthiest version of themselves. We launched the business to show people that getting into shape and feeling great doesn't have to be difficult or expensive.  

How did you come up with the idea?

I’ve been a personal trainer for 11 years and myself and my business partner were discussing the longevity of my career and how we could use my knowledge and skill set within the online space. We then came up with the concept of providing personalised fitness plans that our clients could follow on a mobile or tablet.

How did you know there was a market for it?

We researched the market and saw that other businesses were doing this but in the form of PDF plans. We noticed there was a gap in the market for a fitness app that provides a higher level of interaction. Not something that just provides an 'off the shelf plan' but a personalised plan for each customer.

What did you do before GHOGY?

Before starting up I was a Personal Trainer, so it's great that I've been able to use my knowledge and experience and still do what I love for GHOGY.

Have you always wanted to run a business?

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and have always wanted to run my own business. As a child I used to buy Pokemon cards from kids at school and then sell them for more money. I think it took me so long to finally take the leap because you are a product of your environment, you naturally follow in your family and friends footsteps and it wasn’t until I took a step back and thought I no longer want to work for anyone else that I decided to take the risk.

How did you raise the money?

We managed to secure a start up loan. I put together an in depth business plan and then pitched the business idea to a finance manager.

Have you faced any challenges?

There are so many areas involved in starting and running a business which is incredibly scary at first.  I had no idea about some of the processes and at the beginning and I I didn’t know what to do, but I researched constantly, asked questions, networked with people who could give me advice and help and I just made sure I was continually learning and I still am today.

What was your first big breakthrough?

I managed to secure investment from the co-founder of Zoopla Simon Kain.

Any advice you could give to other entrepreneurs?

Never give up. It took me and my team 2 and half years to get this business live and there were points where I just thought this is never going to work but you have to believe in both yourself and your business and be willing to do whatever it takes to make it work.

In 5 years time…

In 5 years time I want GHOGY to have over 10,000 monthly subscribers. I also want to have built an online community, a fitness family if you will. A place where our subscribers can go to help each other achieve their goals and make them feel better about themselves.

• #food
• #health
• #fitness
• #personal training
• #subscription service
• #ghogy

Published on: 27th February 2017