YANA Active
At YANA™ Active our mission is to create sustainable and multifunctional activewear for women.
Meet the maker
Sophie Wilson
Charlotte and Sophie are sisters from the North East and the founders of YANA Active. For six years they have built their sustainable activewear brand entirely themselves, self-funded and alongside full-time corporate careers. Sustainability has been at the brand’s core from day one, and at times they have chosen it over profit. YANA’s jumpers, sweatshirts and tees are 100% organic cotton, some of its stretchwear is made from recycled ocean waste, and every piece is designed to last rather than to encourage overconsumption. In 2022 the sisters were named Sustainability winners at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Community matters just as much. They donate activewear to Newcastle Women’s Aid, fundraise for SmartWorks Newcastle, and host wellness events and run clubs across the North East with fellow female founders. In 2024 this earned them a Drapers Independent Award for Community Champions. YANA is a sisterhood built in the North, for women everywhere.
- Why did you start?
- We saw a gap in the market back in 2019 for a luxury activewear brand for women, with sustainability at the heart. YANA Active pieces are designed with timeless fashion in mind, a collection of high quality key activewear pieces that can be used to workout in and go about the rest of your day.
- What's your bestseller?
- Our High-Waisted Leggings, 100% Organic Cotton Sweatshirts and everyone's favourite accessory - our Pilates & Yoga Long Non-Slip Socks.
- What's next?
- New stockists & new product ranges - our biggest growth stage yet!