Like so many other successful start-ups, the concept for Pink Diamond Martial Arts materialised at home while founder Hasina Rahman was caring for her four-month-old baby and toddler. A fully qualified personal trainer with three black belts in karate, kick-boxing and Muay Thai, she wanted to start a business combining something she was passionate about, as well as helping women and girls physically and mentally rediscover themselves through martial arts. 

She came up with the idea of a female-only combat club, and Pink Diamond Martial Arts opened over six years ago in Luton to teach Muay Thai, mixed martial arts and self-defence. Hasina is head instructor at Pink Diamond Martial Arts and teaches all of the classes, as well as running the business on a day-to-day basis. On top of all that she has written a children’s book, Heroes: A guide to anti-bullying.

She admits 2020 and the impact of the pandemic was tough, not just for her business but for all martial arts clubs because it’s a full-contact sport. “I decided to teach Muay Thai sessions online, but most students preferred the face-to-face sessions,” recalls Hasina. “I do have a group of amazing students that attended every week online and the Zoom atmosphere was great.”

Hasina says during the lockdowns she received many messages from students describing how her classes had helped them deal with depression and other mental health issues. “The club not only helps girls and women feel physically strong, but mentally too. It made me realise how important these sessions are to the community,” explains Hasina. 

She also put other exciting plans into action last year – Pink Diamond Martial Arts hit the road, carrying out workshops across the UK “teaching women to defend themselves and increase inner confidence”, and “planning a few club tournaments for my students, helping the girls progress on their martial arts journey”.

Hasina says last year was a standout one. She won a Sisters In Business award for Best Fitness business in April 2021 and two days later won the bank and Getty Images initiative. She was also shortlisted for both the Sporting Inspiration Award for Luton’s Best 2021 Awards, and for the Sunday Times Grassroots Sportswomen of the Year Award.

“To have all the effort put into this club get noticed is an incredible feeling. Holding our charity tournament was a great moment, too. We raised £1,000 for a great charity and watching the students fight was an amazing feeling,” she says.

The bank has also provided ongoing support and advice. “I’ve discovered the NatWest Business Builder, which was great, and joined a few online events that were very helpful.” Plus, Hasina was featured in Red magazine’s September 2021 issue in collaboration with NatWest, “which has really helped me gain the publicity for my business that I needed”.

After a year like no other, which has had a disproportionate effect on female entrepreneurs, Hasina has this message to other women thinking of launching a business of their own: “Never give up! If you have a real passion for something then go for it. It’s not going to be easy – the first few years are a struggle – but you will get there. Don’t be afraid to do it different or to stand out.”

Having the courage of her convictions has helped her get to where she is today. “For my small business to be recognised and be featured is just incredible,” she adds. “Something that started from an idea, to winning this, seems like a dream. Growing up, I struggled with ADHD and left school with hardly any GCSEs. Now I run my own martial arts club that has been recognised by the Female Focus #BeTheRoleModel initiative.”

Learn more about the winners in the experimental Metaverse virtual gallery.