Meet the young entrepreneur who overcame endometriosis to set up a thriving fashion brand

Roya Rasouli’s journey from enduring a decade of undiagnosed endometriosis to establishing her own fashion brand, FemWear, is one of personal triumph and highlights her determination to support and uplift other women facing similar health challenges.

Growing up in Manchester, Roya always had a keen interest in fashion, ultimately pursuing her passion by studying fashion design at university.

However, her path was far from smooth.

Roya Rasouli

For ten years, she endured the debilitating symptoms of endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects one in ten women worldwide.

For years, her pain went undiagnosed, as is often the case with endometriosis, which is commonly misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

After finally receiving a diagnosis in 2019, Roya made a decision that would transform her life and the lives of others.

Determined to turn her painful experience into something positive, she founded FemWear, a fashion brand tailored specifically to the needs of women with gynaecological and gut conditions.

With a mission to provide comfortable and empowering clothing, FemWear is a brand created by someone who intimately understands the unique challenges these women face.

“It’s such an honour to have my work recognised; it feels both surreal and deeply emotional,” said Roya, reflecting on her nomination for the Young Achiever Award.

“The journey to create FemWear was never easy, but I’m so proud that I stayed true to my vow not to let barriers define me. I’ve been able to share my journey to inspire others along the way.”

The King’s Trust Young Achiever Award is part of the Pride of Britain Awards, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

The award honours young individuals who have overcome significant adversity and have made meaningful contributions to their communities.

For Roya, being shortlisted is not just a personal achievement but a moment to raise awareness about endometriosis and shine a spotlight on the millions of women who live with it daily.

From pain to purpose

Roya’s journey from struggling with endometriosis to becoming a successful entrepreneur wasn’t without its challenges.

Before starting FemWear, she was working up to 60 hours a week while managing her condition, often unable to take time off for medical appointments.

The persistent pain affected both her personal and professional life, but it also gave her insight into the needs of women like her who often feel overlooked by the fashion industry.

“Before FemWear, my time and talent weren’t being used to empower women, which is my passion,” Roya shared.

“Now, as an entrepreneur, I can prioritise my health when I need to. I’m so fulfilled with what I do every day, and the impact I make on women who live with pelvic pain feels like a dream.”

Through her brand, Roya aims to offer women stylish, comfortable clothing that is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the unique physical needs associated with conditions like endometriosis.

Each garment is crafted with a focus on comfort, so women can feel confident without exacerbating their symptoms.

With slow fashion principles at its core, FemWear’s pieces are ethically made in the UK, underscoring Roya’s commitment to sustainable and mindful practices.

Empowered by The King’s Trust

Roya’s journey to success was bolstered by The King’s Trust, which provided her with invaluable support and guidance through their Enterprise course.

The program, designed to help young people turn their ideas into thriving businesses, offered Roya both a financial grant and access to a mentor, Richard, who played an instrumental role in helping her navigate the challenges of starting a new venture.

“The Trust’s program gave me clear roadmaps to follow, which made everything feel manageable,” she explained.

“You can’t put a price on having a mentor who has your best interest in mind. I’m so grateful.”

The grant from The King’s Trust was essential to covering startup costs, and Richard’s mentorship gave her the confidence to bring her vision to life.

Advocating for women’s health

Beyond her work with FemWear, Roya is passionate about advocating for women’s health.

She hosts retreats, participates in panel discussions, and organises free outdoor walks for women experiencing period pain.

Through these events, Roya fosters a sense of community and provides a platform for open conversations about women’s health issues, which are often shrouded in stigma.

“By turning my experience into a powerful product, my goal is two-fold: to give women access to clothing that offers comfort, and to raise awareness of conditions like endometriosis,” said Roya.

She hopes to continue hosting free events and expanding FemWear’s offerings to include job opportunities for women facing similar health challenges.

Looking to the future

As Roya prepares for the Pride of Britain Awards ceremony, where the winner of The King’s Trust Young Achiever Award will be announced, she is optimistic about the future of FemWear and the impact she can continue to make.

Her ambition is to grow her business further, offering innovative, ethically made options for women and fostering an inclusive workplace where health challenges are acknowledged, not hidden.

“It’s not just about me—it’s about everyone in the endo community,” she emphasised.

“These are women who fight daily battles with invisible conditions. I feel incredibly grateful to be part of something that brings attention to these important conversations.”

Roya’s story is a beacon of hope and resilience, a reminder that personal struggles can indeed become the foundation for positive change.

Her nomination for the Pride of Britain Award is a well-deserved recognition of her courage and her commitment to supporting others through FemWear.

And, for the women who wear her clothing, Roya’s success is not only a source of comfort but also of inspiration.

You can find out more about Femwear by clicking here