This week we speak to Aisha Abdulaziz, co-founder of SCULP activewear, on how each piece of activewear is carefully crafted using premium materials. Each piece is durable, breathable, and is created from moisture-wicking materials.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible wellness, fashion and beauty entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
Co-Founded in 2024 in Dubai by Aisha Abdulaziz, the brand’s mission is to empower individuals to reach their full potential through the slight compression mechanism.
Whether you are hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga, SCULP activewear is designed to support your active lifestyle. Our commitment to innovation and functionality sets us apart, allowing you to move with confidence and style.
To delve it the co-founder’s journey, Emirates Woman sat down with her to see how it all began.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I pursued my studies in Visual Communication at the American University of Sharjah. During the course of my studies, I developed a deep appreciation for filmmaking & branding. I vividly remember how much I cherished these courses. Although, Film, to me, has the unique ability to capture raw, unfiltered emotions, and when crafted with intention, it becomes a powerful medium for conveying moments of profound beauty.
What was your first job?
My first job came at the age of fifteen, working within my aunts’ business. From a young age, I was always fascinated by design, production, and fashion, and this role provided the perfect opportunity to nurture that curiosity. Initially, I started as a content creator for their fashion-focused business, but by the time I was eighteen, I had expanded into designing garments and dresses. Through this experience, I gained invaluable knowledge about editorials, lookbooks, and campaign videos—all at an early age. It not only shaped the trajectory of my creative vision but also opened countless doors for my career, laying the foundation for the path I would continue to pursue.
What brought you to Dubai?
I’m Emirati, born and raised here.
What inspired you to enter the activewear space and launch SCULP?
I began my journey toward a healthier lifestyle when I was around 19, and I quickly fell in love with it. Fitness became more than just a routine—it turned into a passion, almost an obsession. As I got deeper into it, my love for activewear grew as well, to the point where it became overconsumption. I found myself ordering new pieces almost every other week. Being analytical by nature, I started paying close attention to the details, making mental notes of what I loved and what I didn’t. I’d put on a pair of leggings and think, “I wish the waist was higher” or “I wish the fabric was softer, more flattering, or hugged my body better.”
These small observations stayed with me for years, until I realized how difficult it was to find gym wear that was not only flattering but also functional and versatile—especially in the region. As someone with a busy schedule, I longed for pieces that could transition seamlessly between different settings—not just the gym—while maintaining both comfort and high performance. During the COVID period, I started researching fabrics and reached out to nearly 100 suppliers, but nothing felt right.
The materials were either too thick, the minimum order quantities were too high, or they simply didn’t meet my standards. I was on the verge of giving up until early 2023, when I discovered the fabric, we now use for Sculp. It was new to the market and developed precisely for the purpose I envisioned for Sculp. Over the following months, I worked closely with the factory to perfect it, adding all the properties needed to address every woman’s concern with gym wear, ensuring it met the highest standards
Talk us through the concept?
Sculp is more than just an activewear and athleisure brand—it is designed to be both high-performing and functional, with every piece crafted to meet the real needs and desires of our customers. What sets Sculp apart is our commitment to intentional development; each drop is a result of listening to the feedback we receive, ensuring that we are constantly evolving to meet the expectations of our community. We aren’t just creating activewear for the sake of it; our goal is for these pieces to become staples in the Sculp girl’s wardrobe—the first items she reaches for when heading to the gym because they make her feel confident and powerful. I firmly believe that when you look good, you feel good, and that confidence translates directly into how you carry yourself during your workout. In turn, this boosts your performance.
Sculp is also designed to subtly sculpt the body, providing a flattering fit that hugs without restricting movement or causing discomfort. Our fabric, along with the compression level, is thoughtfully engineered to be adaptable to the client’s personal preferences. If you prefer more sculpting, you can size down; if you want less, you can size up. It’s all about creating a product that is as versatile and dynamic as the women who wear it.
What are the key elements of your role?
As the designer and creative director of SCULP, my role is centered on truly understanding the needs and desires of our community. I constantly gather feedback, ensuring that each piece strikes the right balance between performance and style. From concept development to the final product, I am deeply involved in every stage, working closely with our factory to ensure the compression and overall feel meet our exacting standards. A major aspect of my role is ensuring brand consistency. I oversee all creative elements, from the direction of our campaigns to the way each collection is presented visually. It’s important to me that everything reflects the ethos of Sculp—empowering women to feel confident and perform at their best.
I also collaborate with the marketing team to ensure that the storytelling behind each drop resonates with our audience, highlighting the intentional design process behind every piece. Ultimately, as designer and creative director, my responsibility is to keep Sculp aligned with its core mission, delivering thoughtfully crafted pieces that inspire confidence and enhance the performance of the women who wear them.
Talk us through your daily routine.
As the brand grows, my daily routine has shifted to accommodate new priorities. In the mornings, I’m usually focused on my primary job, and it’s in the evenings that I dedicate my time to Sculp. The irony of starting an activewear brand is that I now have less time to spend at the gym than I used to, simply because my obligations have changed so much. However, staying active remains important to me. I still make it a point to work out and move my body at least three to four days a week. It’s essential for maintaining balance, not just physically but also mentally, especially with everything else going on. While my routine has evolved, fitness continues to be a vital part of my lifestyle, even if it looks a little different now.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
The advice I offer to those looking to follow in my footsteps is to ensure that your dream is truly your own, not merely an attempt to replicate someone else’s success. It’s crucial to understand “why” you’re pursuing your goals, as it requires a significant investment of time, dedication, and sacrifices. I hadn’t fully grasp this until I started my own brand. Building something meaningful often means giving up parts of your old life and embracing an immense amount of work. While starting a brand may sound appealing in theory, many underestimate the sheer effort it takes to achieve success. Your willingness and resilience will determine how far you can go. You need to genuinely love what you do because you will face numerous challenges along the way. Without a true passion, the temptation to give up can be overwhelming.
Tell us more about the pieces?
– “DROP 01” and “DROP 02” from Sculp are meticulously designed to embody the essence of functional, high-performing activewear that also flatters and sculpts. Both drops are crafted from our signature material, which is not only soft and skin-friendly but also boasts impressive features such as being anti-wrinkle and anti-microbial. DROP 01 marked the beginning of our journey, introducing our innovative fabric that subtly sculpts the body while providing exceptional comfort and support. The pieces from this drop are designed to enhance performance, ensuring you feel confident and unrestricted in your movements.
Building on the success of “DROP 01”, “DROP 02” further refines our approach with enhanced design elements that continue to prioritize functionality and flattering fit. This collection showcases our commitment to creating high-performing athleisure that adapts to your body’s needs. The material in DROP 02 maintains its softness and durability, ensuring it remains a staple in your wardrobe, whether you’re at the gym or on the go. Each drop is developed with the intention of providing activewear that not only performs at the highest level but also ensures you look and feel great.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The best piece of advice I ever received was that “good things never come easy”. This wisdom has profoundly influenced my journey, reminding me that meaningful success requires perseverance and hard work. It’s crucial to push through challenges and setbacks, recognizing that these hurdles are part of the path to achieving your goals. You must also create with purpose; ensuring that your work serves others and aligns with a greater goal adds value and direction to your efforts. By embracing these principles, you navigate obstacles with resilience and stay focused on making a meaningful impact.
And what is the worst?
The idea that “you should always play it safe and avoid taking risks”. This notion suggests that sticking to the familiar and avoiding challenges is the best way to achieve success. But I think, playing it safe can often lead to missed opportunities and stagnation. In reality, growth and innovation frequently come from stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing calculated risks. You have to take chances, even with the possibility of failure, this can lead to invaluable learning experiences and breakthroughs that will help you later in your path. It’s important to balance risk with thoughtful planning, but never let the fear of failure keep you from pursuing your bold dreams.
What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I faced while running Sculp was an unexpected setback just before our brand launch. We experienced a flood that resulted in the loss of half of our stock. In that critical moment, I had to maintain my composure and swiftly come up with solutions and alternatives to manage the situation. This experience taught me quickly a vital lesson in running a business: you must learn to apply logical solutions and operate from a place of rationality, even under pressure. It’s crucial to manage your emotions and focus on practical steps to overcome obstacles. This challenge taught me the importance of resilience and the ability to adapt quickly, which are essential qualities for navigating the unpredictable nature of business.
What’s your future for the brand?
Looking ahead, we envision Sculp evolving into more than just an activewear brand. t’s about creating a community. A place where people can come together, train, and embrace a lifestyle that makes them feel and look good. Our goal is for Sculp to become an all-encompassing lifestyle brand, a way of living that extends beyond just gym wear. We have ambitious plans for the brand’s future, with global aspirations in the works. While I can’t share all the details just yet, I’m excited about what’s to come and how Sculp will continue to grow and shape this community.
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Images: Supplied
