The co-founder of Irish activewear brand New Dimensions, Orla Hopkins-Plant leans on her sporting experience to motivate others to move, and look good while doing it.
Orla Hopkins-Plant is a former competitive international gymnast, trained dancer and qualified fitness coach and the co-founder of New Dimensions Active with her brother Jeff. This breakthrough activewear brand’s ethos is to help motivate and inspire people of all ages to get moving.
How Important a Role Did Sport Play in Your Early Life?
“Sport played such a huge role in my life. I started gymnastics at the age of four and began competing a couple of years later. I learned so much through sport and dance. The discipline, training schedule and competitions kept me so motivated and inspired to always really strive to be my best.
Did Anyone Inspire You in Those Early Years?
“I had many fellow gymnasts who inspired me as well as some incredible coaches over the years. I also adored watching any of the sporting events on TV from athletics, show jumping to swimming to be honest all sports people inspire me but ultimately the Romania Gymnast Nadia Comaneci was my daily reminder to not give up.”
When Did You Become Competitive?
“I was six when I won my first regional gymnastics competition qualifying me for a national competition. At that age honestly I didn’t really understand, I was just out there doing what I loved. By age 10, my competitive streak definitely started to show as I began to understand what all hours and the hard work were for. It was about this age I started to trial for Irish Squad and attend monthly National Training sessions.”
As a Fitness Instructor, What Was the Most Common Issue You Encountered With Clients?
“1) Too much mixed information out there and clients feeling lost as they try to navigate what is best for them and 2) Clients not prioritising themselves when it comes to their health and fitness needs. My motto is ‘don't follow trends, figure out what works for you’. Keep it simple, but most importantly, be consistent and be sure to have fun while doing it.”
What Motivated the Move to Launch a Clothing Brand With Your Brother?
“We wanted to create and develop a premium yet affordable Irish activewear brand. We spent a long time designing, trialling and testing our initial products which were leggings. Once we got it right we knew we had an incredible product.”
What Sets New Dimensions Active Apart From Other Athleisure Brands on the Market?
“I feel our passion sets us apart. As a team, we are all incredibly passionate about our brand, our products, but also our customer service. Our customers and community mean so much to us, without them we wouldn’t be where we are today!”
You Recently Opened Your First Store on Dublin’s Grafton Street, That Must Have Been Quite the Milestone?
“Officially opening our first bricks and mortar store has been such a huge achievement. We are a small team and all very involved in every aspect of our business, which means it’s very full on. So with the store it has given us time to actually take a moment and see what we have grown. It is such an incredible feeling to meet and interact with our customers and community. They are the BEST!!”
You Work Hard to Engage a Social Community Around Your Brand – Why is This So?
“From the beginning our mission was ‘Giving you the confidence to get up and move’ which is exactly why our community means so much to us … We love nothing more than hosting workout events and meet-ups … not only giving you the confidence, but also the motivation to get up and move.”
What Role Does Diet Play for You?
“Diet and nutrition plays a big role in my daily life and household with two very active boys, a business and my own fitness routine I ensure we are all fueled. We do our best to eat balanced meals every day, but in the real world sometimes that isn’t possible so we try to live by the 80/20 rule – preparing and eating well balanced meals 80% of the time and enjoying some treats, eating out, take-aways, etc 20% of the time.”
What Supplements Do You Take and How Do They Help You?
“Every morning after breakfast I take two Cleanmarine For Women capsules (now known as Cleanmarine PeriodPlan). I have found they help regulate my hormones especially around the time of my period . They contain vitamin B6 which also helps to reduce fatigue and tiredness.”
Any Advice for Parents Looking to Get Children Interested in Sport?
“My advice is to let them try out as many sports as they can and let them figure out which ones they love … multi-sport camps are brilliant for variety and choice. Just like us adults it’s hard to stay consistent with something we don’t enjoy, so let them find their sport.”