48 minutes | Thursday, 8 January 2026
In this episode of Meet the Owner, host Steven Dryden Hall sits down with Saira Lawlor, founder of The Strength Barn, to explore the remarkable personal and professional journey behind one of Milton Keynes’ newest female-only fitness spaces.
Saira opens up about her early life, growing up with Irish and Fijian heritage, her school years, and the confidence struggles that quietly shaped her relationship with fitness. She speaks candidly about her time in recruitment, earning big at a young age, and the moment she realised money alone wasn’t enough. From walking out of a high-pressure career to retraining as a personal trainer during lockdown, Saira shares how discipline, consistency and self-belief helped her completely change direction.
The conversation dives into body image, disordered eating, the importance of strength training for women, and why quick fixes and six-week challenges rarely work. Saira explains her coaching philosophy, why community and habit-building matter more than motivation, and how The Strength Barn was born from a desire to create a safe, empowering, female-only training environment in a peaceful rural setting.
You’ll also hear practical fitness advice for real people, from preparing for charity walks and half marathons to balancing training with everyday life. Honest, funny and deeply relatable, this episode is a powerful listen for anyone considering a career change, starting a fitness journey, or building a values-led business from the ground up.
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