A woman from Leeds who was left to fare for herself from the age of fifteen has made a huge success of her fitness business, which now empowers women across West Yorkshire.
Tiffany Clark was left on her own by her family as a teenager, and was forced to move into the Halton Moor tower block after losing their support whilst she was still in school.
After putting herself through school and sixth form alone, she found herself a job on Leeds Market where she worked incredibly hard to establish herself - earning less than £30 a week.
From here, she went on to work at Harvey Nichols before making the decision to start a personal trainer course.
This, in turn, led to her setting up Tiffany SXEFit - a collection of fitness and dance classes specifically designed to "empower women" not just physically but mentally, too.
Her classes, which are held each week at her base in Heckmondwike, have become hugely popular - mostly growing through word-of-mouth recommendations from those who've been and loved it.
sxefit on Instagram
More than 40 women turn up each week for her classes - and there have been some amazing success stories to come out of the studio.
"Some of the women have lost so much weight and dropped dress sizes," she told the YEP.
"But we always make sure every woman feels powerful in their own body. It is all about building confidence and empowering women."
Tiffany now wants to spread the message to other women from her estate to let them know that if they set their minds to something they can achieve it too.
"I think the classes deserve to be seen by more people.
"I want to make sure the company grows bigger and bigger and helps as many women as possible.
"We don't just change bodies, we change lives. That is the motto I pride myself on."
News
Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
New BBC TV drama starring Bel Powley and Harley Squires to be filmed in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Georgina Pellant -
24th September 2021 
